My bike

At home

Most owners prefer to wash the dirt off their iron friend on their own - this way they will be more confident that everything is done correctly and as it should. There are two options for how to properly wash your bike at home.

The first is do-it-yourself dry cleaning. Before the process, you need to wait until all the dirt is dry, and then you should begin to gently clean it off, moving from top to bottom. Usually, several brushes of different hardness are used for cleaning, for example, a shoebrush, a toothbrush and a bottle brush for hard-to-reach places.

The second option, suitable for heavy dirt, is wet cleaning. Most cyclists prefer to drive their bike into the bathroom and wash it there. To completely fit in the bathroom, you need to remove the wheels and position the bike upside down. First, remove the main dirt with a shower or hose, then you can already proceed to a more thorough cleaning of the bike. This requires: detergent, sponge, brushes.

Usually, special bike shampoos are used, but you can also use a simple dishwashing detergent. Using a sponge and brushes, you can thoroughly clean the bike parts from dirt, but care must be taken not to get water into the steering column, wheel hubs and carriage, as there are bearings that can rust. It is also undesirable for water to enter the fork through the boots and into the frame, as corrosion can form inside.

It is necessary to wash the bicycle chain very carefully - there is a lot of dirt that accumulates in the oil. It is more convenient to wash the bike with warm water, as it washes away dirt better. Do not rub off the dirt with brute force - this may cause scratches, it is better to wash with a sponge with plenty of water and detergent.

To prevent the parts of the bike from rusting, it must be wiped with a dry soft cloth and left to dry, and after that, be sure to apply lubricant to the bike chain and other parts.

Mountain Bike Care - How To Clean?

The bike needs to be looked after. The one who remembered this simple truth on the day of its purchase, most likely, has a minimum of problems with the operation and maintenance of the bike.

Mountain biking is a freak on problem roads and extreme landscapes that are not distinguished by their cleanliness. After the most ordinary mountain bike ride, it needs to be tidied up at least so that the next ride will bring pleasant emotions and benefits.

When asked whether it is necessary to wash the bike? - different cyclists answer differently. There are ardent adherents of water procedures, who wash their bike after each ride. There are people who believe that water is not so good for the metal parts of the bicycle, and therefore they rarely wash it. But as always - the truth is somewhere in between. You don't need to splash around fanatically, but you shouldn't neglect washing your bike either.

There are a few simple rules to follow to make your bike enjoyable. First of all, do not leave the bike in the cold, in the rain or snow, in the heat in the sun. Temperature drops have not benefited anyone or anything, so you shouldn't take risks with a bike either.

You should only wash your bike when it is extremely dirty - after riding in mud, falling, etc. If you rode in dry weather, then it is enough to wipe the bike with a dry soft cloth, and brush the moving parts with a brush. It's summer or fall.

In winter, the bike needs to be washed in warm water with car shampoo after each walk, since the reagents and salts that are sprinkled on the roads in winter are the main enemies of the wheels and moving parts of the bike.After washing, the bike must be wiped dry, you can even dry it with a hairdryer - the main thing is that there is no water left anywhere, which can cause rusting of the metal.

Particular attention must be paid to the hard-to-reach places of the mechanism, since a lot of dirt accumulates there over time, which can literally kill a bicycle.

You need to wash your bike correctly. If your bike has detachable electronics, it must be removed to prevent water from spoiling it

If the electronics are not removable, then the bike must be washed very carefully for obvious reasons. In this case, it is better not to water the bike with jets under pressure, but to use a soft sponge and thoroughly wash everything with your own hands. Longer, but safer

Longer, but safer.

If you do not have car shampoo, then you do not need to run for it urgently to the store. A regular dishwashing detergent with a degreasing effect will do the job just fine. The main thing is that it does not include soda, which can clog the mechanism and render it unusable.

Ideally, you should only wash your bike if the dirt cannot be removed otherwise. An alternative to washing is to clean the bike with a brush and soft rags. After hygienic procedures, it is necessary to oil all the parts that require it and leave the steel horse to rest.

Proper cleaning of chains and mechanisms. Chain Washer

It should be noted that the chain is an important part of the bike. Movement is impossible without it. Therefore, you need to wash it not only carefully, but also correctly.

How to clean the chain:

Therefore, you need to wash it not only carefully, but also correctly. How to clean the chain:

Using a grinder;
By hand with a stiff brush;
Kerosene in a container;
Using a chain washer.

First step: remove all dirt with a brush. For these purposes, the option for washing tiles or shoes with a hard nap is suitable. To minimize dirt, use an old, large cloth and protect your hands with heavy rubber gloves available from hardware stores. Ordinary household or medical products will quickly tear. Clean along the holes on one side and then on the other to remove dirt and dust.

A chain washing machine can be used for stubborn dirt such as clay or bicycles with fixed chains. It thoroughly cleans even secluded spots near the rollers.

Easy to wash chain - kerosene. It removes a mixture of dust, dirt and grease in the best way. Place the chain in a container with kerosene. It does not need to be squeezed or twisted tightly - the rollers must be free for fluid to enter. You need to leave it on for a day and then wipe it with a dry cloth.

Some people use grinders instead of water to speed up the process. In this case, the chain rolls up into a ball. With a nozzle, without making any effort to walk along the chain. It is advisable to hold it so that the high speed of rotation of the nozzle does not throw it aside.

How often do you need to clean and lubricate the bike chain?

In general, how is it determined how dirty the chain has become? You don't have to go far, just look at it. Lumps of earth on the surface of the links, an abrasive mixture of old oil and sand, smudges - these are all those signs that directly indicate that it is time to get to grips with the bicycle chain.

The outer side usually brings the state of the chain to clean water. However, this is not always a reliable indicator. For example, prolonged driving on dry, dusty roads may not affect its appearance in any way, but from time to time there may be an unpleasant crackle.

The fact is that dirt sticks very well from the inside, in the spaces between the rollers. It is possible to see at once in what state the chain is possible only on ordinary singspeeds. On high-speed models, such dirt cleverly hides among a large number of stars. To have a complete idea of how much the transmission is running, you will have to turn the bike over.

Those who like to ride after rain or in slush (and there are many of them) will have to clean the chain almost after every ride. At a minimum, wipe and lubricate. When riding on dry roads, the grease lasts longer, but its useful properties are gradually reduced by sticking dust. The dirt accumulated over time begins to interfere with movement, and affects the stars.

Much depends not only on the conditions, but also on the riding style. A neat and measured ride will definitely outperform aggressive driving in terms of cleaning and lubrication intervals. So cyclists who like to push their two-wheelers to the limit will need to clean the bike chain more often.

On average, under standard conditions, you need to look into the transmission unit 1 - 2 times a month. More often if desired. Just remember that excessive lubrication will foul the system faster.

Chain washing. Bicycle chain washer

The chain is very susceptible to dirt when driving, not only in the rain, but also on asphalt roads in dry weather. The chain is the element of the bicycle that must always be contained in the frequency, the rate of its wear and associated parts depends on it.

The ideal option for washing the chain is to have a special machine for washing the bicycle chain. The machine is filled with a special cleaning agent or soapy water. By passing the chain through this machine, you can wash it completely, including hard-to-reach pin joints.

If you did not have time to acquire a chain machine, this does not mean that it is impossible to thoroughly wash it. You just need to remove the chain and wash it in a specially prepared bath with a solvent or similar liquids.

Useful Tips

If the bike is relatively clean, you can simply wipe it down with a towel and soapy water. This approach is good for field conditions, beneficial in conditions of lack of free time.

You can remove grease from bike links using:

brush and thinner;
liquid soap;
spray based on kerosene.

In order to apply lubricant evenly after washing, it is necessary to do this while the wheels are rotating. At the same time, the tube with grease must be kept at an angle, the excess is removed with a rag.

If you do not have the skills to polish metal surfaces, follow the instructions carefully. Automotive waxes and polishes contain detailed instructions for use.

During the washing process, inspect all components and connections of the bike. Such diagnostics will help to eliminate various problems at the end of all procedures.

If there is no special hose in use, it is easy to replace it with a bucket.

Large fractions of lumps of dirt must be removed prior to water treatment. This will help to avoid high water consumption and liquid dirt getting into hard-to-reach joints, from where they will be more difficult to remove.

The most common mistakes and some more tips

If you want to improve the cleaning process for your bike, the easiest way to do this is in the bike parking lot. You can buy it or make it yourself. There is a huge debate (yes, people argue about cleaning the bike) whether it is worth watering the bike with a pressure hose, as the professionals do. The truth is that such a hose can damage the bearings and frame. Therefore, if you are not sure about your capabilities, it is better to use a sponge. This can help extend the life of your bike.

If you are going to have another cycle cleaning procedure in the near future, I would advise you to wash the brakes and gear shift cables, and also lubricate them. For detailed instructions, watch our tutorial video.

Personally, I don't recommend removing the chain to clean it up. This could damage it. You can wash it perfectly without even taking it off.

Transmission

First of all, remove the chain and throw it into a jar of acetone or white spirit, let it soak. Next, click the shifters to find out if the speed cables are rusted.

It often happens that the cables are covered with some kind of white bloom from dampness. I would recommend removing the cables and pouring them into the WD40 shirts. It is not necessary to lubricate the bike and its components with grease or something similar.

Check how the rear derailleur foot moves without load. This mechanism does not require lubrication, the main thing is that there is no dirt and rust. The same inspection is required for the front derailleur. Shifters, as a rule, do not suffer from rust.

Dry the chain, put it back in place, and put one drop of rainy bike oil on each pin. All that remains is to adjust the forward and reverse speeds and the drivetrain is ready for action.

How to wash your bike

Before washing your bike, you should remove the bike computer, bottle, bag and other attachments that may deteriorate or break. Remove large pieces of dirt, grass, etc. Then wet the bike with plenty of water, let the dirt get wet. While the dirt is soaking, you can prepare the detergent by stirring the required amount of the detergent in a bucket of water until foam forms. For washing bicycles and other hard-to-reach places, there are special brushes on sale. Then wash your bike with this detergent. After wiping the bike, streaks may be present and can be removed by polishing. Be sure to avoid direct water ingress on closed components such as bushings and carriage.

After completing the procedure for washing the bike, it is necessary to lubricate all its moving elements - the chain, bushings, carriage, etc.

Sitting

This item only applies to leather saddle wearers such as Brooks. Even if the bike was standing in a warm and dry place, it must be treated with Prufid before the season.

Proofide is calf fat, so you shouldn't try to replace it with any other lubricant. Apply a generous layer of pruffid to the back of the saddle and a moderate layer to the front.

After that, the front side can be rubbed several more times, after riding. You should not use Prufid too often, so as not to soften the skin more than necessary.

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Whether all these procedures need to be done or not - everyone decides. Tell us where your bike is stored in the winter and what you do in the spring to get it ready for the new season.

Bike cleaning and lubrication kit - stock up on inventory

It is not necessary to purchase all of this equipment, but it can make your task a lot easier. Therefore, if you do decide to splurge on cleaning products, make sure you are not wasting your money. It is usually a little cheaper to buy online than in a store.

The Muc-off degreaser is the backbone of any bike kit.

Lubricating oil "Finish line cross country lube" - has a lower consumption compared to other oils.

The Pedro's Bicycle Cleaning Kit is just as good as the others, but the price is half the price.

Chain cleaning kit - I tried the Bikehut chain cleaning kit for those who are a little lazy.

What else to clean

So, the bike shines again, but since I gave a hint at the beginning about maintenance, we will not stop there. A useful tool is a brush for cleaning a cassette, it costs a penny, the convenience is obvious.

Vigorously clean out any kaku stuck between the cassette stars, then move on to the chainrings. This is not to say that the dirt in these places somehow interferes with gear shifting, but since we started cleaning, why not do everything right.

Next, we take a rag, and carefully wipe the chain, rotating the pedal in the opposite direction by hand. Sometimes it does not interfere at all with removing the chain completely, and really cleaning it in something like turpentine. Fetishists use special chain cleaning machines filled with special fluids.

Opinions about the quality of such cleaning vary, and I personally cannot say anything, since I have never used this device. I guess that's pretty handy.

How to wash a chain

A clean bike chain makes shifting easier. If it is dirty, this process will be slower and wear on your drivetrain.

Engage a low gear and roll the bike back with a damp cloth. Sometimes this is enough to clear the chain.
If that's not enough, apply a degreasing agent to it and let it soak for three to five minutes. Do not overdo it as it is very pungent. Then spin the circuit to see if it works.
Wet a brush or rag and wash the entire chain, removing any residual degreaser and dirt. Make sure to clear all links.
Finally, wipe each link with a dry, soft cloth to be sure no funds are left.

How to wash your bike yourself

Before starting to wash the unit, it is necessary to remove all attachments from it, such as a bag, bottle, bike computer, etc. Significant lumps of dirt are removed from the bike, and then it is well moistened with water to soak less dirt. While the dirt is soaking, it is worth preparing a preparation for washing. A certain amount of detergent is poured into a bucket of water until foam appears. In a specialized store you can buy brushes that are made to handle difficult places, ratchet cassettes. After that, the bike is washed with detergent, and the stains that remain after wiping are removed by polishing. The carriage and bushing require careful maintenance, therefore, direct water contact with these elements must be avoided. At the end of the procedure, all motor components must be lubricated.

Choosing a place: how to wash a bike at home

In a private house, there is no question of where to wash the vehicle. There are many options here, all the items at hand are used. In this case, the equipment can be washed daily;
If the rider lives in an apartment, then this may be difficult. It is forbidden to wash vehicles at the entrance, and it is difficult to constantly carry water outside. The only suitable place is the bathroom. The product can be washed in the bathroom, but only so as not to scratch it with separate sharp parts. First, remove the wheels and turn the unit over so that the saddle is at the bottom of the tub, and the handles are located on its sides. In this way, the washing procedure is most convenient, and the wheels are processed separately;
The third option is suitable for those who do not want to dirty their apartment and for those who are interested in whether it is possible to wash a bicycle at a car wash. It will take just a few minutes to clean the vehicle from dirt. But it should be borne in mind that high pressure is prohibited and the best way out of the situation will be to wash the bike at a car wash with your own hands, but you need to find out in advance if such a service is available.

Bicycle chain washing

An element such as a chain is most susceptible to dirt while driving, regardless of weather conditions. The chain must always be kept clean, because the speed of use of the connected components and wear depends on it. The best way to clean this part is to buy a special chain machine. Soap solution or detergent is poured into the device. When processing the chain through the machine, all dirt is removed, even in the most inaccessible places. If no such device is available, remove the chain and rinse it in a suitable container with solvent.

How to dry your bike

Older bicycles lack tightness on carriages, hub boots and shirts. Washing with water is contraindicated for such transport, or it should be lubricated to the maximum after the washing procedure. In this case, you have to forget about water and do a dry type of cleaning.For hard-to-reach places, it is recommended to buy special brushes. Before cleaning, you must wait until the dirt has dried, and a metal brush from rust is used to clean the cassette and chain. If the dirt cannot be removed due to the fact that it is very dry, then the brushes are slightly moistened in warm water.

Top helpful tips

Here are the main features that will come in handy when washing equipment:

Before processing the chain and other components, it is recommended to let them dry for 24 hours;
To remove rust or stubborn dirt from the surface, you can purchase WD 40 or another product with similar properties;
If you have to wash the unit in the bathroom, then for the next bath cleaning it is better to use car shampoo, which copes well with traces of grease;
It should be remembered that a clean vehicle is not only the key to an excellent rider's mood, but also his performance;
When cleaning all components, you must exclude any temperature extremes. Do not pour hot water over the equipment after the cold;
After riding on the snow, it is required to clean the vehicle with a brush immediately so that moisture does not get into the bearings;
It is better to start washing the unit from the rims and wheels, where dirt and other contaminants accumulate most of all;
For infrequent walks, it is enough to wash the bike once every two months or three times a season;
The sprockets are washed with gasoline using a small brush or brush;
The two-wheeled helper must be wiped and cleaned immediately upon arrival in rainy weather, otherwise it will be much more difficult to remove the dirt later.

Discuss and add experiences to the piggy bank in Watch a video how to wash a bike without high pressure car washes

Brakes

If you have vibration racks (rim brakes) or disc mechanics, then everything is simple here - check for rust or plaque on the cables. You can blow WD40 from a cylinder into shirts without even taking them apart. If the cables run smoothly and the handle does not stick on reverse, then you can do nothing else.

Check the condition of the brake pads, if the output is more than two-thirds, change

In the case of vibrating racks, pay attention to how much the rim is grooved.

With hydraulic brakes, things are a little more complicated. Air can enter the system, especially if the bike has been suspended from the front wheel. See how the brake levers are pressed, whether the free travel has increased, whether they are delayed on the return travel, in these cases, bleeding helps.

In addition, if the bike was standing in a damp room all winter without moving, then the brake fluid could absorb some moisture. Perhaps change the brake fluid and bleed the brakes.

Bleeding hydraulic disc brakes is easy and anyone can handle it. If I get my hands on it, I’ll write a general guide on how to pump hydraulics.

Where it is easier to wash your bike

Here are some places where you can clean up your two-wheeled horse:

in the courtyard of a private house;
on the site near the garage;
Outdoors;
in the apartment;
at the car wash.

The first option is ideal, since the bike does not even need to be rolled home. You just need to prepare water, a soft cloth, cleaning agent as needed. The whole washing procedure will not pollute the house at all, since the bike can be left to dry in the same place, on the street. In good weather, of course.

It's great if there is a garage and a bike is stored there. Usually, right in front of the entrance to the garage, there is a concrete area where you can safely wash your two-wheeled vehicle. You will have to dry the bike in the same place, only then drive it indoors.

Washing in nature is rather an intermediate option, when dirt impedes further movement. "Bathing" will be especially relevant when you need to get rid of lumps sticking between the wheels and fenders, or just freshen the bike from annoying dust.

The least fortunate ones are those who live in an apartment of a storey building and there are no alternatives. You will have to wash the bike in such a way that it does not leave much room in the room, and it will take more time to clean it. It is possible that even after a neat wash, you will still need to wash the floors.

Washing a bike at a car wash is a radical option after long off-road riding combined with rain or sleet. The high pressure jet will knock almost all dirt off the bike. With the exception of only transmission mechanisms and bushings - here it is unacceptable to exert a powerful pressure.

How often is cleaning required? It all depends on the riding conditions, riding style, weather. For example, constant driving off-road, and even in the rain, will force you to wash your bike almost every day. Short trips only in dry weather can hardly affect the cleanliness of the bike at all, it will be enough to wipe it thoroughly just once before the season closes. All according to the situation, but on average, a "general cleaning" should be carried out two or three times a season.

How to clean a bicycle chain

The chain must be washed separately from the bike - it is much more convenient, and the cleaning result will be better. If your bike has a chain without a lock, use a special squeegee to remove it. As a last resort, you can leave the chain on the frame and use a special cleaning machine.

How to wash a bicycle chain without a clipper

The method for cleaning the chain will depend on its condition. If you just need to remove plaque from the outer surface of the links or get rid of thickened grease, soaking in kerosene or gasoline is suitable. Immerse the part in a container with kerosene so that it covers it completely, close the lid and leave for about a day. Then take out the chain and wipe it with a rag.

For a chain that is clogged with sand and dirt, it is better to use a more intensive cleaning method. Pour 100 ml of solvent into a large plastic bottle (the same kerosene, Galosha gasoline, white spirit or 464 solvent will do), add a little dishwashing liquid and the same amount of bicycle lubricant. Run the chain into the bottle through the neck, close the lid and shake the container well for 10 minutes. Drain the dirty mixture, refill with a new one and repeat the procedure. This will have to be done until the liquid in the bottle becomes transparent. Then take out the chain and wipe it dry with a cloth or paper towels.

Heavily soiled chain can be washed by hand using brushes and car shampoo. It should be cleaned in a straightened form, the brush should be periodically rinsed from adhering dirt in a solvent. After cleaning, wipe the chain with a cloth slightly dampened with kerosene and leave to dry in the open air for a couple of hours.

Washing the chain with a machine

How to wash a bike chain that cannot be removed? Only with a special chain-washing machine - a machine, inside of which there are small brushes for cleaning and fastening for links. You can buy it at any bike store. Chain cleaners are usually sold with this attachment. It is enough to simply fill the chain wash with cleaning liquid, fix it on the chain and rotate the pedals of the led to drive all the links through it. With multiple scrolling, you can clean the stars at the same time.

Now you know how to properly wash your bike so you can take proper care of it and enjoy your ride!