Cleaning Your Bike | What Your Probably Not Doing

Summary

Discusses the process of cleaning a bike effectively.
Highlights the importance of regular bike maintenance for optimal performance.
Emphasizes the need to clean various components, including the frame, drivetrain, and wheels.
Provides insights into choosing the right cleaning products and tools.
Advises on using a gentle brush, mild detergent, and water for cleaning.
Suggests avoiding high-pressure water that may damage delicate parts.
Notes the importance of lubrication after cleaning to prevent rust and friction.
Highlights the connection between clean bikes and prolonged lifespan and performance.
Recommends seeking professional advice for complex maintenance or repairs.
Underlines that a clean bike ensures safety and a smoother cycling experience.

Topics covered in this article:

Just wiping your bike down is not sufficient to clean off all of the salts and if you sweat a lot you should do a thorough wash and inspection after every ride. It only takes about 15-minutes and will keep your machine at peak performance and avoid unnecessary damage.

Most of the bearings on good quality bikes are set in a cartridge and don’t need much attention. The finishes and factory-lubricated parts are ready for extreme use and will last well if you keep your bike clean. Avoid using solvents on dirt and grease because they can damage the finish, plastic or carbon. This is what you’ll need:

small bucket
soft-bristle car-washing brush with a 15-inch handle
mild liquid detergent
soft cotton rags
chain lube

Cleaning

First of all rinse off the whole bike, including the handlebars and seat.
Don’t use high pressure around the hubs or the bottom bracket, headset and shifters.
Next, fill the bucket with water and a small amount of soap.
Take the soft brush and gently scrub the seat, frame, wheels.
Pay special attention to the brake surfaces and the brakes.
Don’t do the chain and front chaining at this stage or your brush will get too greasy.
Then rinse off and dry your bike with cotton rags or just leave it to air dry.

Lube the Chain

Wipe the chain thoroughly with a thick rag, until all the grease is gone. Then put some lube on a small area of clean rag and wipe the chain rings, rear cassette and all other greasy parts clean. Scrape off any chunks of gunk off the derailer pulleys.

Inspecting for Damage

This is a part of bike maintenance I do after every ride, no matter how tired I am. So, check your tyres for cracking or stuff stuck to them, like pieces of glass and such. Look the frame over for cracks, dents and scratches.

I always cover scratches with clear nail polish to stop corrosion from starting. If the shop-girl looks at you funny when you’re buying nail polish, do what I do and say – No it’s not for me, it’s for my _boy_friend!