Cleaning my mountain bike - what should a newbie know

[peyperj]

Hi guys. Got myself a Trek Fuel EX.

Now what do I need to know regarding cleaning my bike?

 

Must I cover my brakes when I wash the bike?

 

Can I scrub the chain etc?

 

Must I avoid any areas with direct water spray?

 

Any advice on this topic will be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

 

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Piernas Flacas]

Just avoid high pressure water around the parts that have bearings and grease, i.e. bottom bracket, hubs and headset, as dirty can be pushed in. I use Green Clean diluted with water to scrub the chain. It works well. Buy yourself a set of Park Tool cleaning brushes, they're worth it. I use car wash shampoo to wash the frame, tyres and wheels. Don't worry about covering the brakes.

[ichnusa]

Warm water, dishwashing liquid, a couple of different brushes (i use a mag brush and an old toothbrush for the deep, difficult places, scrubbing brush for tires) and a sponge.  No high pressure hosing.

 

Voila!

[Jehosefat]

If you use Kleen Green, make sure you don't get any of it on bearings.

 

Otherwise, what the guys above me have said.

[Grease_Monkey]

If you live in Cape Town, don't.

 

On a serious note, stay away from high pressure hoses, especially on bearings, pivots, and suspension seals. Not really necessary to clean your bike too often, however just make sure your drivetrain is cleaned very often and lubed up, and clean your suspension stanchions and around the seals after every ride.

[s14phoenix]

I use warm water with car wash soap (the wash and wax type) soft rinse and no high pressure washing.

 

The chain cleans fairly well too with this soap (chain has Squirt lube) but when really cleaning the chain I take it off and wash with diesel and re-lube.

[Eddy Gordo]

Yeah, Car wash liquid works. Especially the 2 in one shampoo and polish ones. Gives the bike a nice shine too. A cloth and a brush is all you need.

[Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

I wouldn't worry too much about a pressure wash... 

 

[LeoKnight]

I wouldn't worry too much about a pressure wash...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzbpHGyFzc8

so what you are saying, a quick blast will not be the end of the world

[s14phoenix]

so what you are saying, a quick blast will not be the end of the world

 

As with anything I am sure there is ways you could still use the washer (depending which nozzle etc etc.) but generally I have also seen what the wrong use can do.

[Headshot]

On a full suspension mountain bike with bearings at the pivots (mine has 14), water is enemy number one. A few wet rides can cause rust and bearing seizure. That said I think anyone who uses a jet washer or even a garden hose on hard on their dual sus bike is asking for problems.  Keep the chain clean and wipe the fork/shock seals and stanchions down after every ride and wash the whole bike as little as possible. 

[duanelr]

All as above, but my 2c worth: don't use a hardware store's general degreaser concentrate. I think it might have made my brand new frame dull after a few washes. (Used it diluted , of coarse.) I'm also skeptical of clean green. I would support the stuff that you LBS sells (muc off, dirt nurse etc)

[V12man]

so what you are saying, a quick blast will not be the end of the world

Exactly - just don't point it at or be to close to things like stickers and paint....

[Quagga]

so what you are saying, a quick blast will not be the end of the world

I have been using it for 9 years.  I set the washers spray on about 6 inches wide.

I dont spray onto / into bearings

[Spock]

....wash the whole bike as little as possible. 

 

Correct.

 

I wash my bike as little as possible.  Mostly only after muddy rides.

[Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

so what you are saying, a quick blast will not be the end of the world

Yeah if you have a choice between a muddy bike and a quick blast I would take the quick blast all day. 

 

Cleaning a mountain bike should be for maintenance not for looks.