Keeping your bicycle clean is an important part of bike maintenance. Not only does cleaning your bike make it look great, but it also improves your bicycle''s overall performance and longevity.
Fortunately, cleaning bikes isn''t overly complicated. Here are some tips on how to clean your bike.
You will need some very basic items before you begin cleaning your bike. These include:
Obviously, the best place to wash your bike will be somewhere outside where you can spray your hose freely. If you don''t have a driveway, yard or patio, you might want to take your bike to a do-it-yourself car wash area to clean it.
Cleaning your bike properly will require taking the bike apart. You will need to remove the tires and bike chain so that you can properly scrub them. Check your owner''s manual to learn how to properly remove your tires and chain.
Here''s an important note: Be careful and pay attention when you take your bike apart so that you can properly put it back together again!
Bike chain cleaning requires you to remove the chain. You will need to consult an expert at your local bike store or your bike''s owner manual to learn how to properly remove your bike''s chain.
Once the chain is off, give it a nice soak in a bucket of soapy water. Once it has had a moment to soak, give it a generous spray of the degreaser and scrub it with a brush. Try the large brush first to get the serious gunk off and then work it over with the smaller brush in order to get the nooks and crannies sparkling.
Once you are finished scrubbing, give it a generous rinse with the hose.
Once you are finished cleaning your bike chain, give the body of your bike a thorough soaking with some soapy water. Spray degreaser on the derailleur pulleys and any other parts that work in concert with the bike chain. Dislodge the dirt and grime that has built up over time using a brush.
Use another bucket of soapy water to give the rest of your bike a hearty scrub. Take time with the cassette and the brakes, using the brushes to gently but firmly remove the caked-on dirt. Once finished, give the tires a good spray with the degreaser and use the brushes to clean them.
Again, refer to your owner''s manual to make sure each element of your bike is returned to its original location and position. Once the bike is back together, you''ll want to thoroughly dry it to prevent rust. Next, add some lube to your bike chain and crank your wheels a few times to make sure everything is in order.
Once your bike is clean again, you''ll want to take it out for a spin, looking and listening for any problems.
About.com (2006). Cleaning your bicycle chain. Retrieved December 7, 2006, from the About.com Web site.