How to clean your bike like a pro
Cleaning your bike is something that does not have to take a lot of time, if you know how to do it right.
In experience I have learned a lot about cleaning a bike. And I will guide you through my process in cleaning a bike.
The products I use
Cleaning products
For cleaning I use Dynamic Bike Care.
To be honest I am not a fan of their bike spray, because I rather clean my bike with some soap and water, instead of a foam. And I rather invest in a big bottle of soap instead of buying smaller items more often. Makes cleaning cheaper as I clean my bike often.
I have the following products:
Bio Drivetrain detox - For cleaning your chain and brakes
Bio Filth Fighter - Making that frame look clean and shiny
Ultra² - Getting a good chain wax that improves speed
Secret Service - Putting a good finish on your frame that protects it
Karcher Mobile Cleaner
This is a gamechanger for me as I have no outdoor water access. The mobile cleaner makes it able for me to clean my bike and make sure it still has pressure.
Also it’s super easy to use when travelling. It’s an essential when I go on trips and have to clean my bike.
Feedback sports bike stand
I have opted for a stand that maybe costs more but will last me a lifetime. This stand is also not attached to your seatpen or your frame, making it safer for Carbon Frames to use.
It’s durable, good worked and it feels so safe to use the bike with. I always take this on trips.
A bidon, microfiber, some sponges and paintbrush
I always use a bidon to put drivetrain cleaner in and a cheap paintbrush to distribute it. You can put the bidon in your bidon holder to have easy access.
My 7-step plan
1. Wash the big dirty bits off
Get your pressure cleaner and just spray your bike a bit to get rid of the big chunks of dirt
2. Use your degreaser on the chain and brakes
Get your paintbrush and apply the degreaser on your drivetrain, pedals and brakes, making sure you get every bit.
Especially your derailleur wheels get dirty. Getting the dirt off from there gives you a lot of wattages saves.
Just let the degreaser sit for around 5 minutes.
3. Rinse off the degreaser
Make sure you get everything off, so you do not get degreaser in the parts you definitely do not want your degreaser.
4. Apply your frame cleaner
I now spray the frame cleaner on the bike and polish it with a sponge. Make sure the frame looks clean. My tip is to also look on the bottom, because a lot of dirt can get there without you seeing it.
Also, make sure you get your handlebars clean, a lot of sweat goes to these parts.
5. Rinse off the framecleaner and dry your bike
Next step is rinsing off the frame and using a microfiber towel to dry the bike. A microfiber makes sure your frame does not get destroyed, some towels give your frame scratches.
Pro tip: Use different microfibers for your drivetrain and frame, so your frame does not get greasy from your drivetrain.
6. Get your chain lubed or waxed
Using a lube after you clean your bike prevents your chain from rusting. I have been there and it’s something you can easily prevent.
7. Use a frame finish spray
To protect your bike just that bit more, get a finish coat on. It makes the frame look much better and protects it from dirt on the frame.
These are the steps I use for cleaning my bike. The time it takes to clean the bike is around 10 minutes, so it does not take long.
If you need more advice, feel free to send me a message.
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