Keeping it clean :)

[captainhastings]

Well I have my nice shiny Carrera Subway LTD whats the best way to keep it that way.
Is it ok to wash the frame with warm soap water ( fairy liquid )
As for moving parts chain,gear cogs shall I buy some proper grease or will a dab of 1 in 1 oil do ?
Any info welcome

 

[l4dva]

I wouldn't use fairy liquid contains salts and other bad things, car shampoo and a sponge will do the job nicely though!

As for the chain search for Mickle method on this forum

 

[2Loose]

Soapy water will clean it all fine, but keep it away from your drive train - as for greasingoiling...

Grease for non moving parts - seat post, handle bar stem etc. to stop them seizing up, not something you need to do more than twice a year tbh. Also for bearings, hubs etc. Again, not often. I pay the shop to do this stuff for me once a year or so.

For stuff thats need more attention, chain and moving parts such as front & rear mech, chain etc. Use a proper oil...they won't attract so much crud and turn into a black gritty sticky mess as quickly.
(in summary - 3in1 is not a proper oil, and do not put WD40 near anything expensive!)

 

[fossyant]

Washing bikes - use car wash - don't use washing up liquid - it strips oil's, and waxes off the frame and parts.....

Chain oiling - buy a proper oil from a bike shop - dry lube is best at first - bike specific....don't use 3 in 1...

Ps Mr Sheen is great for polishing a clean (ish) bike) - really - works a treat...... I use this on my best bike.... (and have done for 18 years)..................

 

[fossyant]

PS the subway's are good bikes.....just look after it.....ask on here how to do it...

 

[captainhastings]

Thanks every one great advice as all ways. I will get some car shampoo and have a nose around halfords for some oil

PS the subway's are good bikes.....just look after it.....ask on here how to do it...

Yea I am very pleased with it. Just went in the shed to admire it ( very sad of me ) cause I cant ride today as it me rest day after running yesterday. But I will be off for a few miles tomorrow
Dread to think what I would be like with some 700 quids worth of machine. Would have it laying on the foot of the bed

 

[oscarplu]

I know the feeling Terry, my bike started in the shed but now it lives indoors on a permanent basis, it was just cruel keeping it in a shed!!!!!
Much to the wifes disgust!!!
Love me love my bike!!!!

 

[Garz]

My wife is a shed supporter too!

If the bike was > £1000 then it would stay indoors too.

 

[PaulSB]

Ps Mr Sheen is great for polishing a clean (ish) bike) - really - works a treat...... I use this on my best bike.... (and have done for 18 years)..................

Have heard this before and decided to give it a go last night. Works very well and smells great................only trouble is some bloke in a bi-plane keeps buzzing the garage!!!

It does work, much to my surprise.