Bike maintenance is important all year round, but especially over the winter months when grime can build on your frame and components. We have listed a few bike basics for cleaning your bike. There are different methods for maintaining your bike, but below are some of our basic recommendations.
We welcome any other suggestions – let us know your top tips!
Cleaning the wheels and Cassette
Remove wheels from the bike and wash the rims and spokes down with a sponge and soapy water.
Use a cycling specific degreaser and spray over the cassette and leave for a few minutes. This will loosen any dirt or grime that may have built up, you can then scrub this with a nail brush.
Then wash the cassette down with soapy water to remove excess oil/grime.
Then with a duster clean in between each cog.
Cleaning the chain and derailleur
Spray the chain and cogs with a cycling specific degreaser and leave them to soak
Use a nail brush to clean the chain and a toothbrush to clean the derailleur getting off any compacted oil
Wash with soapy water.
Leave to dry and then run the chain through a duster to remove any excess water and oil
Cleaning the Frame
Use soapy water to clean the frame using a brush for hardened on muck.
You can use a toothbrush to get to the harder to reach areas.
Wash off the frame with water to remove all grime.
Lubrication
Once the bike has been cleaned and is dry, put the wheels back on ready to lubricate the cassette and chain.
Ensure your chain is clean before adding lubricant.
Use just a little lubricant along the whole of the chain, then remove any excess with a cloth if required.
To make the frame stand out give it a final wipe down with a clean cloth, removing any drip marks and add some polish to give it a shine.
PedalWORKS
October 16, 2015 at 3:48 pmGood job!