Dealing with the rain

[Monsieur Remings]

Okay, I got caught tonight and despite hiding under a garage forecourt I still got soaked and more importantly so did my newish carbon. I'm a bit pissed off because the intention was never to ride her in adverse conditions, so typical, sun was shining and then the next minute bam! I know in this country that dry miles is achieved only with lots of luck!

Anyway, I got back, put the heater on in the shed and dried the chain thoroughly. I then went over the whole bike, making sure the obvious bits were dry. I took off the seat to see if there was any water inside, there wasn't. I removed the front and rear wheels and got in and dried and then degreased the muck from the forks and stays getting into all the nooks and crannies. I also thoroughly degreased the cassette whilst the wheel was off using a rag and drying off as best as I could. I then degreased the chain, dried it thoroughly again and then lubed it. I then had a go at the brakes and the front and rear mechs, drying where I could and using a bit of GT-85 on all the pivotry. I cleaned off the rims and replaced both the wheels. I put some GT-85 on the cable ends too.

Is there anything else that I missed?

Is GT-85 alright on all the parts I mentioned bar the chain of course - the front and rear mechs and brake calipers?

What the feck can you do about water in the headset/crown area and the BB apart from replace them that is or so long as it's not all the time (in the rain) are these parts likely to be okay?

Am I worrying too much?

 

[rusty bearing]

Its good to look after your bike, spots small problems before they become big expensive problems but yes, you are worrying to much......

 

[aberal]

Am I worrying too much?

Yes. You are. Look after your bike, but don't be precious about it. All shiny, new and pristine if all very well, but bikes are always all the better for having a bit of embedded road grime on them. Shows that they're loved.

p.s. rain won't affect your bike too much so long as you dry it down. Salt on the other hand.....

 

[RedRider]

Is there anything else that I missed?

Don't forget a relaxing tyre massage and then breakfast in bed in the morning.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Many thanks to all assorted personage.

More like breakfast out of bed, after the washing up and a few hours at work RR!

 

[fossyant]

Simple solution. If bike gets wet and mucky, just wash it - bucket and sponge. Allow to drip dry, and then oil chain and wipe off excess. No need to de-grease anything !

PS has the carbon dissolved yet - it's like a sugar cube you know !

 

[palinurus]

Go watch a 'cross race this November.

You will never worry about getting your carbon bike a bit wet again.

My winter commute bikes tend to need BBs and headsets replacing from time to time, but generally on a less than annual basis (chains and cassettes more regularly). They get used in all weathers, and get a proper clean down every few weeks at most (with rough attention to chain and rims somewhat more regularly)

 

[Amanda P]

Is it for riding, or for looking at?

If it's for looking at, frame it and hang it over the fireplace.

If it's for riding, ride it, enjoy it and relax. Then go home and admire the never-used bike in the frame over the fireplace.

 

[RedRider]

Many thanks to all assorted personage.

More like breakfast out of bed, after the washing up and a few hours at work RR!

I meant for your bike! I know what you mean tho, I think it's admirable to look after a new bike. Like a new guitar tho, once it's taken a knock or two you relax a bit more.

 

[srw]

Simple solution. If bike gets wet and mucky, just wash it - bucket and sponge.

I used to do this. Then I discovered that a clean dry cloth gets the bike just about as clean with an awful lot less hassle - most bike gunge is very oily, and soap and water just smears the gunge about. WD80 is helpful for more awkward mess.

I will admit to using a chain degreaser after extended riding on sandy or dusty tracks.

 

[Moodyman]

Best time to clean a bike is when you get back home - whilst it's relatively wet - quicker and cleans well too.

Dirty is hard to remove when it dries.

 

[Fnaar]

Jeez, I took my bike out in the rain last Saturday. Deliberately. And we were out for 4 hours. And when I got home, I let it drip dry. I'm taking it out tomorrow, and I haven't looked at it since.

 

[yello]

Am I worrying too much?

Hell yes! That sounds obsessive!

My bike gets a decent clean maybe once a year, and I do anywhere between 10k to 15k km a year. Chain maintenance is weekly though.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I meant for your bike! I know what you mean tho, I think it's admirable to look after a new bike. Like a new guitar tho, once it's taken a knock or two you relax a bit more.

My bike's too busy with his handlebars around me, reassuring me that he's okay and that I'm not obsessive, just a genuinely concerned, and slightly naive parent.



Thanks for all the comments people. Perhaps a two hour marathon clean like I did was a touch overboard...