Newbie Cyclist Question

[gingerwilliam]

Silly question.
I've just acquired a second hand Ridgeback Velocity (Ladies) and have just learnt to ride it at the age of 55! Hurrah! Can still only go in straight lines and in one gear - but hey - I've only had it two days!
My question is about maintenance. Bike is in really good nick but a bit grimy - especially around the geary bit - you know - at the back where the chain goes round the gears. I said I was beginner!
Is there any written instruction I can get hold of to learn how to safely clean the bike? Or website that would guide me through?

 

[tordis]

Never done any cleaning myself yet, as my bike's fairly new, but this might prove useful:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-how-to-clean-and-lube-your-bike-18259

 

[andyfromotley]

hi ginge,

well done you and welcome to the forum.

you can find all sorts of fancy advice about cleaning your bike and some people are very obsessive about it, but for most of us i suggest the following
1. buy a simple degreaser, available in all bike shops,
2. use a brush or old toothbrush and scrub all around the gear thingy and the chain if you feel minded.
3. the rinse it off.
4. wipe it dry with an old rag
5.then give it all a very light coating of bike oil. i find the easiest to use is stuff you can buy in an aerosol tin.

all in all about ten minutes work that should do you for starters and you should only have to repeat that every couple of months or so.

good luck
andy

 

[HJ]

You can find a simple degreaser in any kitchen, it is called washing up liquid and it works just fine...

 

[purplepolly]

babywipes work really well on the chain and gears without the mess

 

[chris667]

A bike that you keep clean is a joy to ride. Keep the tyres pumped up hard and oil the chain, and the bike will completely come to life.
It's nice if someone can show you the best way to do all of this when you get started, though. Whereabouts do you live? Is there a cycling club near you, or perhaps a bike recycling charity?

 

[gingerwilliam]

Thanks you guys - you are the best! I'll get scrubbing and in answer to Chris's comments - I'll try to find a "bikey know-it-all" who can show me.
Many, many thanks.

 

[andyfromotley]

You can find a simple degreaser in any kitchen, it is called washing up liquid and it works just fine...

Wow, i shall interrogate the wife about this later!

 

[MajorMantra]

You can find a simple degreaser in any kitchen, it is called washing up liquid and it works just fine...

Supposedly you aren't supposed to use washing up liquid because it has a small amount of salt in it. In practice though I think you're probably fine as long as you rinse things thoroughly.

Matthew

 

[Tynan]

searh this forum for the 'mickle method'

it really is the best and easiest way to keep the drive train clean

the rest is damp cloth wipe

 

[mattsccm]

Many will just spray with WD40 until an unrecognisable blog appears on the bike. It works well but looks messy. don't lubricate your wheel rims with the spray.
Virtually all commercial bike cleaners have salt in them as well. Leave it on some bare alloy to see.