Clean your bike –

Bikes get dirty. They also look better when they are clean, which means at some point you will be cleaning your bike. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do this.  Here is the right way.

1. You can use a light spray nozzle and a garden hose to pre-wash the bike, but DO NOT use high pressure. Pressurized water will get into the cables, bearings and pivots. Most of these components are steel and they will rust and affect performance and life of the bike.

2. The best method for getting dirt and grime off the bike is a mild degreaser/water mix. Use a rag or soft bristled brush and your degreaser solution to wipe down the whole bike, gears and components. For really greasy or dirty components you will need something a little stronger. Use straight degreaser like Park Tool Chain Brite or, for fast cleaning action, White Lightning Clean Streak.

NOTE – These are powerful chemicals and will damage painted areas and plastic. Components should be removed from the bike or cleaned with very special care. I prefer using a brush kit, like the one from Park Tool.

3. After the bike has been washed, you should wipe the whole bike down and try to get any water out of bolt heads and cables. An air compressor blow nozzle is the best method to remove water.

4.Once the bike is dry, you will need to lubricate most of the moving parts. You should lubricate the chain, cables, derailleur pivots, jockey wheels, and brake pivots. Hubs, headset and bottom bracket are all sealed systems and only need to be re-lubricated when they are overhauled. For the chain, use a bike chain specific lubricant. There are several different types, depending on your riding conditions. For all pivots and cables, you should use a lighter lube, such as Tri-Flow, which is a teflon based lubricant.

This is the correct method for cleaning a bicycle. It can be a very rewarding activity when done properly.