A tip for when you clean your bike....
- Thread starter mrandmrspoves
- Start date
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I put the bike up on the stand, take both wheels out, then generally spray the whole bike with GT85 - leave for a few minutes to let it soak in, then go over the whole bike, from the top down, with a soft rag.
This cleans, lubricates and protects all in one go.
Don't forget to wipe brakes and braking surfaces with meths before putting wheels back in.
This cleans, lubricates and protects all in one go.
Don't forget to wipe brakes and braking surfaces with meths before putting wheels back in.
young Ed
Veteran
not sure about gt85 but apparently wd40 gunks the chain up?
Cheers Ed
Always turn your bike upside down to clean, protect the saddle & gear levers from scuffing on the floor make sure you don't wash rubbish into the brifters.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Dont wash it on a cold windy December day, took me half an hour to get the feeling in my hands and feet again.
OP
OP
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
I visually check alignment - but would only normally check it formally with a tool if it is either visibly misaligned or there is a history that suggests accidental damage.
I meant to mention that I always clean and lubricate the chain separately using appropriate products.
jack smith
Veteran
- Location
- Durham
What! You mean she dosent have an army of workstands and a workshop? 
OP
OP
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
I meant to mention that I always clean and lubricate the chain separately using appropriate products.
The definition of appropriate products for chain cleansing and lubrication is almost as heavily debated as helmet use/non use.........
OP
OP
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
What! You mean she dosent have an army of workstands and a workshop?
If this refers to my OP - no, no workshop and no workstand - but that shouldn't be an issue, when I used to go mountain biking and my bike used to get liberally coated with mud, a quick spray of Muc Off (or the Poundland version at least!) followed by a gentle hosing down assisted by a soft brush used to get the bike clean. Then leave it out in the wind for an hour or two and a quick spray with a water dispersant, followed by a quick chain Mickle - job done. Only other thing I did (and still do) is fill all allen key bolt heads with grease to avoid rust. No need to turn the bike upside down at any stage.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
I meant to mention that I always clean and lubricate the chain separately using appropriate products.
wd 40 will degrease your chain nicely , just dont use it as a lube as its too thin to last very long.
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
After rinsing off the bike with water following an overall spray of Fenwicks FS1, I spray all over with GT85 - and then just leave it. No problems with brakes or braking.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
This weekend I rescued an old sheet that was being thrown out. It's one of those thick ones, quite absorbent. So now have a huge supply of rags for 2015. That was my only cycling related deed this weekend.
