Bike cleaning advice

[Deanno1dad]

As a new bike owner and wanting to keep it in tip top condition I was after some advice.
What are the must have tried and tested products for getting the bike clean after a grubby ride?

Also what is the best way to get the gears and chain immaculate and the grime off,Didn't want to get that area wet due to rust etc...is there a decent lube or will WD40 do the trick.

any cleaning tips appreciated as well.

Cheers Dean

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

There's lots of proprietary cleaners like Muck-off, Pizzeazy etc, usually in 1ltr spray bottles for your bike.
Similarly with chain cleaner and you may best getting a chain cleaner bath from your lbs or wiggle.com etc.

Hose clean the bike if it's manky but never use a jetwash.
Once clean and dry, a dry lube fr your chain, and oil or GT85 or TFT spray for the rest.
I am assuming a roadie/hybrid/tourer. An MTB used for real off road may need a different chain lube.
By he way, GT85 etc's great for a final shine on your frame/forks.
Remember to give a good brush on your blocks and actual brakes as fine grit will wear your rims and reduce the action of road brakes.

Hope this helps
Tony

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Never use WD40 mate - I forgot to add. GT and TFT contain Teflon to reduce friction and de-water/penetrate as well as WD40

 

[pepecat]

Baby wipes.

Strange, but true. They work a treat.

 

[potsy]

Don't bother, it'll only get dirty again

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

+1 on the baby wipes as a final going over

 

[rockyraccoon]

+1 baby wipes and water

 

[Deleted member 20519]

I just used a steam cleaner, got the mud clean off.

 

[sabian92]

Avoid WD40 like the plague - there are some on here that swear by it but the reality is it ruins chains faster than normal lubes. Try Finish Line Wet - that's a good one.

 

[valetillidye]

a bucket of soapy water
a packet of baby wipes
and I've just invested in a chain bath

didnt get out much last year (helping the builders with an extension at home) but I've given the back a good clean yesterday and I'm hoping to get out for the first time this year at some point this week

 

[ushills]

Decent car wash shampoo (has no salt in it) use in the chain bath as well as its not too aggressive.

Full lube and final wipe over with baby wipes including rims, blocks and outside of chain.

Looks great