Bike Cleaning

[Kevin Alexander]

Hi Guys

After a few rides my bike is starting to look a bit dirty, I am wondering what I will need and what products are best for cleaning a CX bike?

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Gravity Aided]

water often best, not pressurizes or anything, perhaps some dish soap. Be sure and use a good wax on the bike after drying, unless it is carbon fiber. Only because I have no idea about carbon fiber, not that wax would necessarily be bad.

 

[Kevin Alexander]

Thanks, I wasnt sure about what to use after washing. Need to have a look for clothes and shammies

 

[Biker Joe]

I use a bucket of warm water with just a smidgen of washing up liquid and use an old paint brush.
I shammy it down afterwards and then use Mr Sheen and a soft cloth to polish it up.
The Mr Sheen stops the muck from sticking so much next time round and shines up nicely.

 

[compo]

I use a bucket of warm water with just a smidgen of washing up liquid and use an old paint brush.
I shammy it down afterwards and then use Mr Sheen and a soft cloth to polish it up.
The Mr Sheen stops the muck from sticking so much next time round and shines up nicely.

What time shall I bring mine round so you can do it?

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Car shampoo and warm water to get the worst of the crud off, then dry with a micro fibre cloth. Then anodised frames get a wipe over with GT85, and painted frames get a wipe over with Mr Sheen.

 

[Biker Joe]

What time shall I bring mine round so you can do it?

Don't like getting your hands wet, eh?

 

[brucers]

I know you only said a 'smidgen' but I was always of the understanding never to use washing up liquid on cars - does the same not apply with bikes?

I use a bucket of warm water with just a smidgen of washing up liquid and use an old paint brush.
I shammy it down afterwards and then use Mr Sheen and a soft cloth to polish it up.
The Mr Sheen stops the muck from sticking so much next time round and shines up nicely.

 

[ianrauk]

I know you only said a 'smidgen' but I was always of the understanding never to use washing up liquid on cars - does the same not apply with bikes?

It's not a problem. just rinse well after using especially on components. Some one will be along in a while to say not to because of the salt. But it's not done any of my bikes (or cars for that matter) any harm what so ever over the years.

 

[avalon]

Washing up liquid contains salt. It's probably ok if you wash it all off properly but it would be safer to use a car shampoo.

 

[Biker Joe]

I know you only said a 'smidgen' but I was always of the understanding never to use washing up liquid on cars - does the same not apply with bikes?

I've done it this way for years with no detrimental results.
I do the same with the car, (not with a paint brush). The car is 12 yrs old and no rust spots.

 

[compo]

I use washing up liquid if I have nothing else at the time when washing bikes. I also use a couple of drops in my car windscreen wash bottle and there are no signs of rust on either.

 

[drewc65]

To clean mine i use the old car shampoo and then a liquid polish i use on the car called Demon shine you can use when bike/car is wet or have used an waterless cleaner for cars seems to work well on bike and it gleems like new. Still as they say everyone to their own

 

[brucers]

My understanding is that washing up liquid is abrasive.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

The 'problem' is washing up liquid is that it's a degreasant and will strip wax off paint. That's why it's a fabled no-no on cars