Washing Your Bike

Washing your bike isn't like washing a car. You can't just take the bike into a car wash and hose it down. That works if you have a mountain bike that's got a bunch of mud chunks still clinging to the frame, you will still want to do a better job of cleaning than that offers.


What I like to start off with is a mild dish soap in some luke warm water, with an old rag, and an old toothbrush.


Turning your bike over works if you don't have a maintenance stand. With the bike on it's "back" you take off the wheels, and start in on taking off the grime from your riding.


Careful with that chain, they can be real grease, and that sort of grease doesn't come out easily (I have a couple T-shirts, jeans, and dish towels that bare this out). A degreaser from the LBS (Local Bike Shop) or a degreasing dish soap will take the gunk off, but remember this will also leave your chain open to attack from the elements so get it oiled as soon as you can. This is also a good time to check that chain for damage, and wear. You don't want the drive train going out on you on a commute or a trip to the store.


a toothbrush used on the chain helps get the grime out of the nooks and crannies.


Time to put the wheels back on the bike, and wipe them down. I like to hit each spoke, allows me to check the spokes for any problems, as well as check the wheel for truness, it might be why I broke a spoke, or why there's a rubbing sound when I ride.


Don't forget to reset the brakes, and get the chain on the rings, and cassette.


Of course you washed both before putting the wheels back on the bike.


Turn the bike over, and get that top tube and the grimey hand prints. Check the frame for nicks and dings that you'll want to touch up with nail polish or an enamel paint. You can wax your frame, which helps cleaning, and keeps the eleements at bay.


Ah nice and shiney and ready for the next ride.

Things to check:

Check that chain
Check your rims, spokes and tires
check your frame for dings, and chips
Check the moving parts; the headset, the bottom bracket
Check your brakes, pads, and clearance
Check cables and guides; looking for frayed and worn cables
Check your derailures
Make a list of any problems you encounter, make a trip to the LBS to get the problems taken care of, either by your hand or the mechanic at the LBS.

Changing a tube

Changing pedals

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