Looking after new bike

[soon2bspeedy]

Hey, I got caught in unexpected rain the other day and my shiney new bike (which I promised myself I would keep for good weather) isn't so shiney anymore. I've read on here its fine just to clean it with soapy water, is there anything else I should do afterwards that could protect the carbon? I know with cars and boats you can wax and polish them - do you do the same with bikes or do they pretty much look after themselves?? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, this is my first bike so am somewhat out of my depth with these matters!

 

[tyred]

No reason why you can't use car wax on a bike.

 

[ianrauk]

tsk tsk...
Into the shower with it...

 

[ajb]

Car wax, or get a tin of GT85, give it a spray and wipe.

 

[Chrisz]

Stick to car wax mate - gives a beautiful shine if you use decent stuff and protects the paintwork as well (look for wax with a UV filter).

GT85 - isn't that the same stuff as WD40?

I seem to recall that it has a mild solvent effect. I also seem to recall that it can weaken the bonds on bonded frames (carbon tubes bonded to alloy lugs etc.) so it doesn't go anywhere near my bike.

I could be completely wrong but.....................

 

[soon2bspeedy]

And is that normal? Do most people put a wax on their bike?

 

[fossyant]

Yes - I wax and polish my bikes, but Mr Sheen is very good also....TBH makes cleaning easy.....

OK - was 60 miles into the Manchester 100 last September... (bit wet and mucky) we all started at the same time - I'd already done 10 miles getting there...... "Why is your bike so clean" - "Mr Sheen" I say - it's good stuff. Any polish will build up a film that helps stop crap sticking...makes cleaning a doddle.........

 

[Chrisz]

And is that normal? Do most people put a wax on their bike?

Since my bike has now cost me almost as much as my car - yes

 

[MadoneRider1991]

you can use car wax on carbon bikes, a guy at work polishes his "winter" madone lol

 

[soon2bspeedy]

Sweet, brilliant, cheers guys I shall purchase some this weekend and get to work!

 

[Chrisz]

Sweet, brilliant, cheers guys I shall purchase some this weekend and get to work!

Go for WAX rather than POLISH - car polishes tend to have mild abrasives and filers in them (OK if your paintwork is a little rough) but a decent wax will protect the paintwork/lacquer better without any risk

I use a carnuba based wax for an excellent shine

 

[soon2bspeedy]

Due to some back issues I had to delay the cleaning of bike untill today, but have just finished with the wax and I must say it looks absolutely lovely Its amazsing what the wax has done - it somehow seems to have more of a shine than when it was brand new! (and that was only a few weeks ago) So cheers for all the advice, I'm quite chuffed and can't help glancing over at the glossy beast in the lounge

 

[Llama]

Mer car wax is recommended for use with bikes:
http://www.merproducts.com/acatalog/The_Ultimate_Car_Polish.html#a3

see the more info bit - its a tenner from halfrauds

 

[oxford_guy]

This site has more info. and products than you could possibly want about car waxes etc.:

http://www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk/

 

[shunter]

After drying off the bike I finish with a quick spray of Bike Spray - obviously avoiding brakes and discs - and then a wipe down with a cloth. Do the same on the motor bike except I use F365 and ACF50 on engine area and areas where salt would cause corrosion.