bike cleaning

[MikayP]

cleaning my bike is the next thing on my long list of trying to learn to do on my own, as opposed to bringing it to a shop to do. anyone got any tips, videos, equipment, etc. ideas that i should get? during these winter months i ride on sometimes wet, dirty roads. then during spring/summer its mostly dry roads with dirt here and there...

oh and i mainly ride my time trial bike if that makes a huge difference

[JohnBarleycorn]

You clean bikes ?

[DanielS]

I just fill up a bucket of warm water + dish liquid and then go over it with a sponge. I also some degreaser on the cassette (don't spray into hub) and on the cranks (don't spray into the BB). Wipe it all down with a clean cloth, lube chain, and that's it...

[fredrikw]

I just fill up a bucket of warm water + dish liquid and then go over it with a sponge. I also some degreaser on the cassette (don't spray into hub) and on the cranks (don't spray into the BB). Wipe it all down with a clean cloth, lube chain, and that's it...

Exactly how I do, although I spray the chain as well and use a brush instead of a sponge, and then I rinse it with water. Being a MTBer, during spring/summer, I do this often several times a week. A clean bike makes me happy

[the crazyest vegan]

Best way i've found is to put the hot water and soap in a spray bottle and spray it on, that way it blasts out dirt build ups. just dont forget to lube everything after!

[Simon E]

If there is lots of dirt I use the hose gently first to soften the dirt and remove lumps, grit etc.

Then hot water with washing-up liquid and a sponge for bars, frame. Lower down I use a brush and more hot, soapy water, leaving the dirtiest parts to last. If I'm doing it properly the wheels come off and get done separately, which also allows me to get into the awkward bits. If the chain is black then it gets a small amount of biodegradable citrus degreaser applied with a toothbrush (this method stops it dripping where it shouldn't go), cassette too, otherwise the hot water will be fine.

Rinse it off with plain water. Once totally dry I use a rag to clean the chain and cassette. Rims and pads get a firm rub, otherwise braking efficiency is reduced by a build up of pad material. Derailleurs, brake pivots etc get a tiny squirt of GT85 while the chain gets lubed with environmentally-friendly Green Oil.

[kallefs]

Wash and lube the drive train. Let bike dry. Peel of dirt. Use a cloth if pedantic

[MikayP]

so it seems like i really didnt need as much as i thought....

so water/soap for the frame and non gear/chain parts....
rag to wipe chain and cassette...?
then lube it up with chain grease...?

[Johnstuff]

Just got myself a jet washer from Hellfrauds!

I haven't tried it yet though, but I can't do the bucket n brush thing anymore!

[vivalasvegans]

depending on how grimy your drive train is, you might need something stronger than soap. that citrus based biodegradable cleaner with a toothbrush works great.

[MikayP]

first bike cleaning went alright, dont think i messed anything up and my riding sounded nice and quiet the next day