Ways to keep thick dust off your mnt bike on gravel roads

[IndigoVenice]

Hi everyone, 

I like to cycle far off the beaten track - which means plenty of kms of very dusty gravel roads.

This means thick dust coated everywhere on the chain and drivetrain etc when I arrive.

It’s way more than an aesthetic issue as the bike literally needs hosing off, which isn’t possible.

I purchased a nylon bike cover - but because of all the bungee cords needed to secure the bike to the rack, I haven’t been able to use it. Obviously unless it’s tightly wrapped around the bike (which bungee cords prevent) it will only become a wind blowing hazard.

Has anyone found a solution to keeping their bike clean when travelling on gravel roads for long distances?

Thanks for your advice 

[ChrisF]

Only two options that actually work.

 

1. Bike on a roof rack.  Did a 3 000km trip, including lots of dirt roads with the bike on the roof rack, the bike and drive train was clean.  1,5km of dusty farm road on the platform rack and it was covered in fine powder dust.

 

2. Transport it inside the vehicle.

[NC_lurker]

Perhaps something like this would help:

https://za.sciconsports.com/products/gearbox-chain-cover-tp010000519

[GLuvsMtb]

https://www.cycle-africa.co.za/page-253-bicycle-drive-chain-cover-chain-baby.html

Something like this will work. 

[guidodg]

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/bike-racks/827147/transport-bag-for-1-bike

[PRIME BUNCH]

This also works great as it wraps around your cassette so keeps the complete drivetrain protected.

https://primebunch.co.za/product/bagbox-drivetrain-cover/

 

[Skubarra]

Concur with Chris - easiest way to keep dust off the bike on gravel roads is a roof rack

[BuffsVintageBikes]

Best way is put your bike in the car and the wife on the rack 😉

[guidodg]

as mentioned above,,,only true solution is a roof rack

[GLuvsMtb]

It's not suitable for all conditions. Height is an issue in certain areas, particularly with higher vehicles such as minibuses and Bakkies, never mind getting the bikes on and off the roof. Furthermore roof rack systems are less fuel efficient than tow bar mounted systems ( I own both and can attest to this). And don't forget your bikes on top when you enter a parking garage or your own garage. 

I use my roof mounted systems when I have more than 2 bikes to transport and will always use the towbar system as my preferred choice, even on gravel roads. 

[Skubarra]

27 minutes ago, GLuvsMtb said:

It's not suitable for all conditions. Height is an issue in certain areas, particularly with higher vehicles such as minibuses and Bakkies, never mind getting the bikes on and off the roof. Furthermore roof rack systems are less fuel efficient than tow bar mounted systems ( I own both and can attest to this). And don't forget your bikes on top when you enter a parking garage or your own garage. 

I use my roof mounted systems when I have more than 2 bikes to transport and will always use the towbar system as my preferred choice, even on gravel roads. 

Agree 100% - putting bikes on a vehicle roof comes with its own set of challenges, but if your no 1 priority is to have a clean bike on gravel roads then this is easily the most convenient option imo 

[GLuvsMtb]

https://www.temu.com/za/pressure-sprayer-with-7-spray--camping-shower-with-removable-hose-and-shower-head-for-camping-outdoor-traveling-hiking-and-pet-bath-g-601100249803233.html?_oak_name_id=3973264172525976714&_oak_mp_inf=EOHT9Pao1ogBGiBlZDI2NmY0MWViNTY0NzU4OWZhZjY4YTkxOWI2NmRlOCCK%2BMHx%2BTI%3D&top_gallery_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2Fopen%2Fb2387a4012ce4fbe804d32514be1ab50-goods.jpeg&spec_gallery_id=601100249803233&refer_page_sn=10009&refer_source=0&freesia_scene=2&_oak_freesia_scene=2&_oak_rec_ext_1=NDc5MDA&_oak_gallery_order=1946194174%2C419437523%2C259067674%2C174282070%2C538652484&search_key=mobile water spray gun&refer_page_el_sn=200049&refer_page_name=search_result&refer_page_id=10009_1750705590352_bndrlplhul&_x_sessn_id=e81r2imjqc

I have a home-made primitive version of this that goes with me to races etc. to give the bike a rinse afterwards. I've used it on occasion when going camping for in-between cleaning too and with the good old fashioned bucket, soft brush and chamois cloth afterwards does the trick. Its probably easier and quicker than trying to get a bike on a kombi roof (and cheaper, if you already have a towbar system).

Off topic: It also works well to rinse my wetsuit and SUP after use. 

Edited June 23, 2025 by GLuvsMtb