Best way to wash/clean your bike

Anyone have pros and cons for different methods? Dry vs wet cleaning? Scrubbing vs compressed air?

 

i hire midgets to clean my bike

 

for me it's

simple green

and a little light scrub.

rinse gently.

i immediately grease my shock and fork stantions and lube the chain.

 

Stay away from high pressure wash and compressed air unless you want to visit your LBS often.

 

Most importantly--do not use pressure with the water. Let it just run over the bike.

Simple Green (diluted w/ water) and scrubbing with bike brushes (Pedros bike brush kit).

Rinse with water

Towel dry, followed by air pressure drying with air compressor to get the water out of the hard to reach places like pivots, derailleurs, gears, chain, brake calipers, spoke nipples, etc. I don't know why some people don't like using compressed air. It's harmless with the PSI dialed down and is essential in getting water out of the above mentioned parts/areas. I've seen many mechanics use it when cleaning bikes.

I don't like to wash mine too much though, only when it really needs it. Buy yourself a chain cleaner and some scrub brushes to clean the drivetrain and that's usually good enough. The less water those pivots see, the better.

Bike brush kit: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL401J00-Pedros+Pro+Brush+Kit.aspx

Chain cleaner: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CM407C10-Finish+Line+Chain+Cleaner+Kit.aspx

 

Most mud or dirt will come off with a brush and no water once it is dry... IMy bikes see water when riding in rain and or snow(mammoth) otherwise not so much

 

I use Simple Green sprayed on to a rag and wipe. I never use running water with my bike. Use a brush to clean the cassette.

If extremely muddy, once the mud dries it usually flakes off without too much effort.

 

Good suggestions so far

Pressure plus liquid equalls maintenance.

More water equals more maintenance.

If you really want the bike to look good, use some Pledge on the frame after if is mostly clean.

 

I only use water on the bike on a hot day.
After the wash I put it in the sun to bake.

 

Water on a rag and I'll hose my rims everyonce and a while, a little silicone motorcycle polish and shes good to go

 

Compressed air is bad news because it blows dirt further into the mechanisms. I like Simple Green Crystal, a scrub brush, sometimes a toothbrush, and water from the hose.

 

Pedro's Bike Lust. I wish it came in 55 gallon drums!
:beer:

 

Little People man , Little People!

 

I usually turn the hose on it, with the "jet" setting on the sprayer. I've never seen a problem. After a quick spray I throw some organic grease remover and another quick spray until all the gunk is off. Then I throw on chain lube and get all the gears. Am I heading for some damage?

 

I use Pacman.

 

lather, rinse, repeat.

 

I use WL degreaser on the derailleurs and chainrings and a very mild soap and water solution on the rest of it. The degreaser kicks out all of the crap that has collected in the derailleurs. Afterwards I relube the derailleurs, etc. This has served me well for years with no problems. I spend 2 - 3 hours every other week making sure everything is clean and functioning properly.

 

I wash my bikes like I'm washing a car. About as often too.

 

Pledge + Rock n Roll lube and youre good to go.

 

Now, you'd actually have to ride with us more than twice a month for that to happen. You and your pesky job.

Serious question here: how do you blow dirt further into a chainring or derailluer?? Or into a pivot when the air is blowing down, not into it??

I have left the bike in the sun to air dry before and I get the little rust spots. That's a bad idea too IMHO.