Cleaning and Maintaining

[damocool]

Hi

Just wondering what the general advice is with what products to use to clean my bike (is washing up liquid suffice?) Its not getting muddy just general dirt from the road/gravel paths etc.

Also what do you recommend to keep the chain lubed? do I need to think about oiling any other parts on a regular basis also?

Thanks as always.

 

[TissoT]

I use a car shampoo to wash down !
and to lube the chain "finish line" wet/dry lube
a small amount of wd on the moving parts of the front/rear mech inc jockey wheels..

 

[Apollonius]

I find the occasional wash down with one of the citrus-based cleaners pretty good. ADSA sell their own brand which works for me. It shifts chain grease pretty well. GTX to relube in summer.

 

[Dayvo]

Babywipes are good for the frame if it's not too dirty.

For a once/twice/more a year clean of the chain and cassettes I use diesel, otherwise 'the mickle method.'

 

[morrisman]

Baby wipes to remove the clat
Mr Sheen for a nice shine and to make removing the clat easier
Clean the chain with baby wipes then lube (I use Finish Line Dry Lube)
Every couple of weeks remove the wheels to get at hard to reach bits of frame and to clean the cassette with more babywipes and GT85 the cables.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Water/soap to get the worst of the mud off
Car polish afterwards makes it nice and shiny (this for a steel frame)
GT85 on the derailleur springs, brake/gear cable contact points, and brake pivot points
Mickle the chain as suggested above

Every couple of weeks or so for me, or after a particularly muddy ride!

 

[slowmotion]

Water/car shampoo for mud on the frame
Baby wipes for general road grease (and the cassette)
Finish Wet Line to "mickle" the chain
GT85 on the derailler pivots.
Chain oil in the cable outers

 

[bpsmith]

Do not use washing up liquid! It's great at cleaning, but strips off everything and contains salt. If you're gonna put some protection on the frame after, like wax or sealant, then it's fine. If not, then your frame will look milky in no time!

Car wash is great, or Muc-Off. I always clean it thoroughly and then put some car sealant on after. Lasts protected for about 3-4 months with cleaning made easier.

As for lube, I use Muc-Off Dry Lube and GT85 on the bits similar to above.

Definitely faster too...

 

[petergc]

I use Turtle wax car shampoo, the some car polish. Citrus degreaser on the chain

 

[funnkkymonkey]

Try to get a car polish high in carnuba wax...every time you polish it you will put another layer of protection on...I agree with bpsmith never ever washing up liquid...good on dishes bad on paint