When you are done with a ride do you shower? Of course you do! Eventually anyway. Your bike could use a little cleaning up too – wash your bike! It doesn’t have to be an extravagant, Diva inspired bubble bath affair, just a hose off and a wipe down. Here’s how…
Quick Bike Wash: 1-3 Minutes
Grab a hose with an adjustable nozzle, turn it to a “gentle” setting and spray the bike down. The major points in that last sentence are “adjustable” and “gentle”. Adjustable because the spray needs to be hard enough to get the goobers off your tires and frame, but gentle enough to not get past bearing seals. Never aim the spray where bearings are!! Make sure you get both sides of the bike. Give the bike a couple shakes or bounces, if you have a spot that gathers water (some full suspension bikes) “wheelie” the bike up and shake it out of there. Done.
Medium Quick Bike Wash: 4-10 minutes
Same as above and when you’re done with the hosing part, grab a clean towel or rag and dry the beast off. The advantage of doing this extra step is actually getting your hands on things and being able to feel as well as visually inspect your steed. Remember that rock you pinged your chainring on or that digger you took? Check out the parts that made contact with the ground/rock/tree/etc., and see if they left a mark and address them accordingly. Added bonus: this step also cleans up those unsightly water spots!
Thorough Bike Wash: 10+ minutes
This one is a bit more of a commitment. Grab a bucket and fill it with a light mixture of dish soap and warm water (Dawn is a personal favorite), a soft sponge or brush, and giver ‘er a proper scrubbing. Again, watch the bearing surfaces and places where you don’t want water to enter. Rinse, wipe down, and inspect closely.
After every wash: dry the chain, then lube the chain. Simple as that.
Washing Tips:
- when spraying, keep the nozzle moving to avoid water penetrating where it doesn’t need to be
- consider where you are washing – lawns don’t mind dirty water
- If you can’t read your stickers, it’s time to wash your bike
- The more often you wash, the easier it becomes
In conclusion: spending a couple minutes to rinse off your bike, whether dusty or muddy, can keep your bike performing and looking great. How often you wash your bike is up to you, but regular washing is never a bad thing. Just ask your Mom!
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