Bike Cleaning

Why clean your bike?

It is not uncommon for some keen cycling enthusiasts to spend more money on their bike than they do on their car. Regular cleaning of your bike is important if you want to keep it in the best possible condition and protect your investment.  Cleaning ensures that your gears, brakes and other moving components are smooth and always fully operational.

How often should you clean your bike?

This depends on how often you ride and the style of riding you do. The more often and harder you ride the more you should clean your bike. As a rule of thumb for someone who values their bike and rides two to three times a week, you should clean your bike weekly. We have found that a regular quick clean is better than the occasional thorough clean. If you are riding off road or in a dirty environment it is advised that you clean your bike after every use. Once you have your cleaning routine set up you should be able to clean your bike in about 30 minutes.

What do I need?

• Degreaser
  
• Detergent
  
• Warm water
  
• Sponge
  
• Brush
  
• Rag
  
• Oil (Teflon based oil is recommended as it does not collect as much dirt and grime)

How to clean your bike

Step 1 – Brush degreaser on to your chain, allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.

Step 2 – With a rag between your fingers, carefully hold on to the chain and turn the pedal in an anti-clock wise direction. You will see the grease coming off onto the rag.

Step 3 – Remove the back wheel and brush degreaser over the cog. Lean the wheel forward to prevent liquids going into the hub. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.

Step 4 – Brush degreaser over the rest of the components and greasy areas. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for the degreaser to work.

Step 5 – Add detergent, warm water and a splash of degreaser and repeat steps 1 to 4.  Also clean the rest the bike with this detergent solution. You may want to use a new cleaner brush for Step 5.

Step 6 – Rinse the whole bike in fresh water. This is best done with a sponge or brush. Do not place high pressure water on your bike as it will force water into components which are meant to remain dry.

Step 7 – Reattach your rear wheel.

Step 8 – Before your next ride reapply oil to your chain.