Clean your bike if you don’t think it’s a big deal. After watching and listening to what Yanick-the-Mechanic has to say about it, there are a few small details that will make you reconsider keeping your steed in pristine condition.
- Prepare your bike wash area
To begin, locate a suitable location for cleaning your bicycle. Look for a location that has adequate drainage. To keep your bike off the ground, you should use a sturdy bike stand. Dirt won’t get back on your bike this way. You’re mistaken if you believe you require a pressure washer.
- Prepare your equipment
Prepare your bike stand by putting it together.You’ll need a bucket, preferably one that’s brightly colored so that any oil or residue will be visible. Then, get two brushes, one soft and one firm, as well as a hose with cold water and some cleaning supplies.
- Rinse and foam
Place your bike on the work stand and rinse it with cold water in layers, passing any debris downwards. Then add warm water to your bucket. To avoid scratching your frame, take your soft brush and make sure it’s clean and free of grit and dirt. Warm the brush and apply the washing liquid directly to it. To avoid dribbles on parts you’ve already cleaned, foam the entire bike starting at the front and working your way down from the top.
- Tires and the drivetrain
With stiff brush or cleaner, clean anything grass, sticks, and other dirt that has become lodged in gears or even on jockey wheels.
- Rinse and inspection
Rinse the bike from top to bottom with the hose or a soft brush, inspecting the frame, components, and wheels for any damage. Allow water to flow freely through the chain links by rotating the pedals at the same time. Cleaning can be done more thoroughly with a slack chain.
- Complete the process over and over again
Depending on how dirty the bike was, you might need to repeat the process until it’s completely clean. If the bike was particularly filthy, remove the wheels. This is critical because a clogged drive chain increases friction and wear, increasing the risk of a mechanical breakdown.
- Rinse another time.
Rinse the bike thoroughly to remove any soap or products that may have remained on the bike, as this could cause issues.
- Drying
Take the bike off the stand and place it on the ground. Allow any standing water to drain and dry completely by standing the bike in the sun or in a dry area, preferably a warm one. An airline may be useful if one is available. While you’re out with your note book, double-check that your brushes and bucket are clean and ready to use, and make a list of anything else you’ll need next time.
- Polishing
Remove the wheels from the bike and place it back on its stand. If your bike will be used in wet or muddy conditions, polish it with a silicone polish and a microfiber towel to prevent mud from sticking to the frame and weighing it down. If you’re unsure or know you’ll be in a dusty, dry environment, don’t use the polish because it will attract dust.
Always rub polish into the frame with a lint-free cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the rotors, which could contaminate the brake pads. Push dirt away from the seals by cycling the forks and rear shocks through their strokes. Wipe it clean before applying a suspension lubricant or a dab of fork oil to the stanchions.
- Storage
It’s critical to lubricate your drive chain as soon as the bike is completely dry, wiping away any excess. Coat any surfaces that will come into contact with water with a water repellent to protect your seals from water droplets.
Bike Cleaning Instructions
- Fill a bucket halfway with water and a bike-specific cleaner or dish soap. If you want to avoid premature drying, wash your bike in the shade.
- Clean your bike by rinsing it thoroughly.
- Degrease the surface. If you have disc brakes, do not squirt degreaser on the calipers, pads, or rotors. Contamination and squeaky brakes can occur if degreaser gets into these areas.
- Use the brush set and clean the whole of the bike whereas the foamy sanitizer is functioning. Keep your “drivetrain brushes” and “frame brushes” separate, or you’ll end up with a greasy bike. You have easy access to scrub everything! Scrub with your brushes occasionally dipped in soapy water. A brush kit contains a variety of safe brushes for your frame and finishes, which come in various shapes and sizes to allow you to get into the nooks and crannies of your bicycle. Brush your bike frame with soft bristles and the drivetrain with firmer bristles.
- When you’re done, rinse the entire bike with the hose’s “shower” setting
- If it’s a nice day, leave the bike to dry in the sun. If the bike isn’t going to dry in 5-10 minutes, you’ll want to use clean rags to try to dry it as quickly as possible. Pay special attention to bolts, the drivetrain, and any other water-prone areas. Wipe down the cage and chainrings, then pedal backwards while holding a rag on your chain.
- Always apply lube to your drivetrain after drying it to ensure that your chain moves freely. Allow 5 minutes for the lubricant to absorb into the chain.
- Using a rag, remove any excess lube. More dirt will be drawn to your drivetrain if there is too much lube.
- Some parts of your bike may require fresh grease as a result of frequent washing to avoid squeaking or seizing.
- Your bicycle should be spotless at this point!
