How do you wash your bike?(merged)

[lukewiens]

So, this is something I have been curious about for a while. When you wash your bike post ride, what is the best way to secure its longevity, reliability, etc.??

I now own a Kona King, and after forking over that much cash, I would like it to be a while before I have to break the bank again.

With the new bike come full suspension, disc brakes, etc.....a lot more moving parts then the old hardtail.

Right now I hose 'er off....wipe it dry, clean and lube the chain. I don't use soap, or simple green....just plain old water.

I am curious though....should I be lubing those pivots points after the water contact, bottom bracket, or is there anything I am forgetting?? If so, what is the best way to go about it.

I love this bike....I would like to see it around for a while.

Thanks,

Luke.

 

[Jordansrealm]

I washed my bike for the first time in months the other day. Just took a hose to it with no pressure head on it just the hose power so you arent blowing grease out of bearings or anything. Used some simple dish soap and a scrub brush. After its all clean I lube everything back up and its good to go.

 

[Neccros]

I just wipe it down with a dry towel and wet the towel a little if the dirt is stubborn...

I usually grab the chain with a rag and spin the cranks and get the heavy dirt off of it then lube on next ride... Unless its really dirty then I yank it and soak it in some simple green then rinse really well and dry then install and lube...

Now this is good for dry or dusty trails, if you ride mud, then hose the heaviest mud off as fast as you can or it will turn to concrete... make sure you dont spray direct into bearings... then just towel off as much as you can and lube the chain once its dry....

Then to shine it, i use a little Quick Detailer and a towel...

 

[TURNERob]

Compressed air is my secret, don't tell anyone :-$

 

[SAR_boats]

I use automotive soap and a hose with no pressure. I thoroughly dry the bike. Afterwards I remove the setpost and invert the frame to make sure no water got in past the seat tube. If any did I spray a little WD-40 into the seat tube. I lube the chain and derailler pivots.

Sometimes you may get a lot of brake squeal after a wash but it goes away after the brakes have been used enough to heat the water out of the pads

 

[sladnas]

What I do:

Water only, no soap... apply with a soft bristled brush. Dab dry with a towel afterwards, unless its 105F... then I just spin it around the block.

You should avoid direct streams of water to avoid the introduction of water onto bearing surfaces. Even "sealed bearings" can leak, especially if they are old. Always clean and re-lube the chain after a washing...

 

[DownhillWebKook]

Clean bike = happy bike

I keep my bikes meticulously cleaned. Because of where I live it's a pain in the ass to hose it down so I use more of a "dry" wash. I do this as a pre-ride ritual.

I wipe everything down with a shop rag. I mean everything. I have a Park Tools brush that gets into the crannies of the cassette and other tough areas like that. I focus on the keeping the drivetrain totally clean (what's the point of X0 and XTR if you treat it like dogsh!t?).

After that, I use a dry lube on the chain and spray lube on other parts like the bearings, etc. I wipe all that stuff down with another shop rag.

Finally, I finish the bike with Bike Lust. I apply it to most surfaces including the side-walls of the tires (NOT the contact areas though). Not only does it make the bike look good, it sheds dirt a bit. For obvious reason, don't let this stuff get on your braking surfaces.

About once every two weeks I supplement this treatment by doing a wet wash with water, Finish Line cleaner, chain wash, and special treatments for my rotors. Sometimes, a proper degreaser is in order for the drivetrain. There is a paper product called "Rags" that work very well for wiping things down and for drying. Well worth the few bucks they cost. Good brushes are also key.

Sounds a little much, but I like my stuff to run good and look good. If you're a racer and you are looking to become sponsored or already are, it's important to keep your bike and you kit working and looking good at all times.

 

[foofighter]

when you mention spray lube...what are you using? I need to lube my shimano pedals and not sure what lube to use on it.

 

[Neccros]

when you mention spray lube...what are you using? I need to lube my shimano pedals and not sure what lube to use on it.

Tri Flow

 

[SSinGA]

Suzuki wash is the true secret weapon.

*knock off the big chunks
*spray on
*let it sit for a minute or two
*hose off
*relube stuff that needs lube

The bike will shine like you spent hours on it.

 

[Fired Yo Momma]

Tri Flow

ahhh Tri flow? Naw man use Pro link thats the bomb :bang:

 

[2wheel_lee]

Hondabrite. Also known as S-100 Total Cycle Cleaner.

1. Rinse bike
2. Spray Hondabrite on bike (a lot on the chain)
3. Rinse off
4. Dry
5. Turn bike over to drain seat tube (on some bikes)
6. Lube chain with wet lube
7. Ride
8. Repeat steps 1 thru 7

Although I've been using various chemicals over the years, this is what I've been doing for the past 25 or so years.

 

[dstepper]

Metal and water do not play well toghether. I take a soft paint brush or rag to get rid of the dust and look for damaged or broken parts. Only after a muddy wet ride will I put the hose to my already wet bike. I clean the drive train, shock and fork seals after every ride and leave the rest of the bike dirty.

:steppie:

 

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

I wash my bike annually, like my showers. But, for the bike I use Simple Green. Unless it's out in the mud, then I'll try to get the grit and crap out ASAP with a hose/no pressure.

My bike likes to be dirty, it told me so

However, if you want a clean bike, I've seen no one with as much anal cleanitude as Lee (2wheel_lee). If you didn't know him, you'd think he never rode the bike when he shows up on the trails.

 

[2wheel_lee]

I wash my bike annually, like my showers.

We'll excuse you for skipping showers, but not keeping your bike clean is abusive!

My bike likes to be dirty, it told me so

It's not your bike that likes to be dirty...

 

[Letyrides]

My bike likes to be dirty, it told me so

However, if you want a clean bike, I've seen no one with as much anal cleanitude as Lee (2wheel_lee). If you didn't know him, you'd think he never rode the bike when he shows up on the trails.

Dirt and mud kept my old bike from falling apart.

Does this anal cleanitude come in a bottle? Can I get it at my LBS or order directly from Lee?

 

[2wheel_lee]

I'm sorry to say that I won't come in a bottle for you. :lol:

 

[J_Sims]

I'm sorry to say that I won't come in a bottle for you. :lol:

TMI

 

[JustBike]

I just used a wet and dry rag to clean. I was scared to use water but after reading this thread, I guess it's ok to do so with caution

 

[foofighter]

i know that for that portion just behind my seat post where the lower pivot point is for the rear triangle gets gunked up w/ dirt etc and it's a little difficult to get to to try to brush off. this is where some gentle running water w/ the brush would help clean that hard to reach area.

I've done what a lot have posted, used stuff like instant detailer for my car spray onto the towel and clean.