Cycling where there's sand

[Accy cyclist]

Yesterday i cycled along the main road at St Annes near Blackpool. If you've ever been there you can't fail to notice the amount of fine sand built up against peoples walls. It's also all over most roads,therefore in the cycle lanes. When i got back home i noticed my bikes tyres had the stuff in the treads. I ran my fingers over the chain and derailleur and felt a gritty sensation. I then washed the bike to get rid of the sand
The question is do you ever cycle where there's sand from the sea and if you do, do you wash your bike after or just leave it and accept it's part of riding a bike near the seaside?

This isn't my picture but it shows what i mean.

 

[e-rider]

buy a sand bike

 

[Brandane]

I live by the seaside and sometimes cycle in sandy areas like your photo. I can't imagine that sand getting into the mechanical parts of a bike do it much good; especially the drivetrain. For that reason I do tend to wash the bikes more often than I might normally, and yes I try to clean the sand out of the chain and cassette. I keep lubrication to a minimum as oil just attracts the sand, and together they form a nice abrasive paste which ensures you are paying out for new parts at an alarming rate! It's another good excuse for not riding in wet conditions too, as the water thrown up by the wheels helps to spread the sand and other muck over your drivetrain; not good.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Then you have the problem of riding out the cycle lane for a few yards when you see a pile of the stuff. Only for the nobber motorist behind to blast you for daring to slow him down for a second or so!

 

[steveindenmark]

Ive got a sand bike



And a snow bike



And a summer bike.



Cleaning the sand off it is a doddle. :0)

 

[Fab Foodie]

Ive got a sand bike



And a snow bike



And a summer bike.



Cleaning the sand off it is a doddle. :0)

Nutter!

 

[tyred]

What is this problem with dirty chains of which ye speak?

 

[si_c]

I often ride along the path on the north wirral shore, which is usually covered in sand blown in off the beach, much the same as in your photos @Accy cyclist. Can't say I'd noticed any problems with sand getting in anywhere, if I know I'm going to ride that route I just make sure that my chain is clean and not overlubed before I leave, and clean the chain and rear derailleur again when I get home.

 

[Crackle]

Don't take your new bike on it Accy, before you know it'll be worn down to seat post.

 

[Brandane]

Ive got a sand bike



And a snow bike



And a summer bike.



Cleaning the sand off it is a doddle. :0)

There appears to be some a lot of bits missing from that bike!

 

[Globalti]

Yes, we sometimes ride from Clevelys to Fleetwood then on to Pilling and the chain is usually very gritty with sand, even using Finish Line Dry, which is a waxy dry chain lube. There's no alternative but to wash it in paraffin and clean the cassette and chainrings.

 

[steveindenmark]

There appears to be some a lot of bits missing from that bike!

Its the Danes. You can never leave your bike outside the cafe. They can steal sugar from your coffee and you would never notice.

But the only bits missing from my bike are the bits you dont really need. :0)

 

[matiz]

Not much chance of sand blowing around down here today but when it does the biggest problem is staying upright while cornering on road tyres

 

[steveindenmark]

I have found a photo of me with a bike and a chain. Lots and lots of sand as well.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

What is this problem with dirty chains of which ye speak?

And I thought my toe clips were tatty!