Clean bikes look nice, but they work better and go faster.It only takes 10 minutes to wash your bike properly, and it will keep it free from costly repairs or damage.
Step 1: First, clean the bike's drivetrain.
The bike's transmission is the drivetrain.It is made up of a collection of gears on your wheel, a metal arm on the wheel and a big gear next to your pedals.Years to your bike's working lifespan can be added by frequent cleaning and maintenance of your drive train.
Step 2: If you want to pedal without the bike moving, turn it over.
The chain on the bike needs to be moved to clean it.You can flip the bike over on the seat and handlebars if you don't have a bike stand.If you don't mind getting dirty underneath the bike, put a towel or rag on it.
Step 3: To scrub the chain, use a rag and biodegreaser.
It won't ruin or gum up your chain if you use biodegreaser.Most bike stores have it near the lubricant.The chain can still move between your fingers if you put a little bit of rag over it.You can pedal the bike with one hand and run the chain with the other.Place pressure on the top, bottom, and both sides of the chain with your fingers.If the grease is still visible, use your rag to remove it.
Step 4: You can use an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush to clean your gears.
To keep the cassette clean, the gears need to be flossed.You can run your brush between the gears by dipping it in a mixture of water and solvent.Hold the brush in place if it is easier.Hard to reach areas should be knocked off with a screwdriver or pick.
Step 5: Clean the outside of the chain rings.
It has to go if it looks dirty.You can use a damp rag, brush, and degreaser to clean your bike.Keeping the rag/brush in place and spinning the pedals will let the wheels do the work.The jockey wheels are one of the forgotten areas.The chain rings are close to the bike.The bike frame is near the chain.
Step 6: Purchase a chain cleaner to clean grimy chains.
If a rag and a toothbrush don't cut it, you may need to buy a chain cleaning tool.You can hold the tool in place while pedaling the bike, which brushes and scrubs the chain links for you.They come with a brush for hard to reach areas.
Step 7: After cleaning your bike chain, lubricate it.
You should always have a bottle of chain lube with you no matter how often you ride.After cleaning and drying everything, slowly turn the pedals.Every link has a single drop of lube applied to it.When you've hit the whole chain, shift through your gears and apply another 12 drops to make sure everything has a nice even coating.When you are done, use your rag to wipe up any excess lube from the chain as it can hold dirt and lead to grime.Wait and do this at the end if you are going to clean the rest of your bike.A light coating of lube on the entire chain is your goal.If you touch the chain, it will light your fingers.You need to apply more lube if the chain feels dry.It is not made for the weather or stress and should never be used on a bike chain.
Step 8: You can place the bike in a stand, against a tree, or upside down.
If you've turned the seat upside down, you should put a mat or sheet on the ground to protect it.If you are in an open area that is well-ventilated, you can get wet without ruining anything.
Step 9: You can spray the bike with a hose.
You don't want to blast any of the dirt away, you just need to wet the bike and remove any loose dirt before you start scrubbing.Don't use a high-pressure hose.The force of water into your components can cause internal rusting.
Step 10: Warm water is needed to fill a bucket.
If you want, you can add a bike specific cleaner, but avoid using ordinary dish soap as it typically contains salt which can damage parts of the bike, including the frame.You will want to use a different bucket and sponge.Grease from the chain and cassette will ruin your clean-up job if you don't use fresh supplies.
Step 11: Remove the wheels.
You need to use your sponge to get on the inside of the frame.The dirtiest areas of the bike are the closest to the ground and tire.
Step 12: The sponge should be used to clean the frame.
Use a sponge and warm water to scrub the entire frame of the bike.Even with persistent stains, never use a rough or abrasive brush on your frame.This can cause your bike to rust.Put a small amount of soap or degreaser on the spot and let it soak for a while.In a circular motion, scrub it until you get rid of it.The rough side of the sponge should be used to remove any build up on the two black pads.If you have disc brakes, wipe down both sides with the soft side of the sponge.
Step 13: The wheels should be wiped down.
The dirty tires don't need to be cleaned.The gunk that gets in the way of your breaks can be picked up by the metal rim of the wheel.To clean off the edges of your bike, use the abrasive side of a sponge and lightly wipe down the spokes.The hub has a small cylinder in the center and nuts and bolts on either side.If you want to clean your tires quickly and painlessly, use a big, heavy bristled brush like the one sold with a dust pan.
Step 14: To get into your cassette, use a clean rag.
The back of the bike has a collection of gears.When doing a full bike cleaning, you should take the time to make sure it is clean.If you want to remove gunk from the cassette, you have to use a clean rag to floss between the gears.
Step 15: Let the bike sit in the sun and open air and lightly pat everything dry.
You don't want water pooling in your components.If you have excess water, wipe it up with a dry rag or towel.Water could sit for a long time in the joints and components.When you're done, put the bike back together and let it dry out in the sun.When you flip the bike back over, wipe the downs on the saddle and bars.If you're cleaning your bike on a cloudy day, take a little more time to dry it off.
Step 16: Regular bike cleanings will increase the life of your bike.
Bikes are made up of screws, pulleys, nuts, bolts, and cables, all of which need to function smoothly to keep you riding.Rust, dirt, and missing lubrication will cause your components to grind up against one another, increasing wear and tear and preventing you from a smooth ride.A lot of time and money can be saved if you are proactive about bike cleanings.A damp cloth can be used to wipe down your bike after a dirty or muddy ride.
Step 17: It's a good idea to do a "quick clean" after a ride.
If you can, wash your bike with a towel or rag and check the chain.Water and mud can get into your cassette and chain, but they are easiest to remove after the ride.Add 4-5 drops of lubrication to make up for any that washed away after wiping the chain down.Take the time to do a full lubrication if the chain feels dry.
Step 18: After a deep cleaning, add 1-2 drops of bike lubricant to important components.
Your chain isn't the only part of the bike that needs lubrication.While they don't need nearly as much lubrication to run smoothly, the following parts could use a short squirt of lube.The part that holds the two sides together is called a pivot point.You can coat the cables with a thin layer of lube.If exposed, the shifters.You need to only use bike lubricant.
Step 19: Keep an eye on it.
The most important area to keep clean is the drivetrain.Cleaning your chain, cassette, and derailleurs on a weekly or bi-weekly basis is necessary if you ride your bike daily.You will need to clean your bike more often.You should check, clean, and possibly lubricate the chain every 1-2 weeks.
Step 20: It's a good idea to clean your bike regularly.
You should clean your bike at least once a month.A cleaning after every 20-25 rides is a good benchmark.You can do a deep clean and re-lubricate for 1-2 years.Sometimes, after a very wet and muddy ride, you should clean off your bike.When you hear a noise.The joints, brakes, gears, and chain are dirty.