Think you know how to properly clean a bike? We checked various tips and tested different methods of cleaning bikes in practice and prepared universal instructions on how to properly clean a bike! So - how to properly clean your bike?
Bicycle maintenance starts with the correct approach to cleaning the bike. A cleaned bike is driven differently. It is more "quiet" and in a way "more" satisfying. We know that after every cycle the wheel is difficult to clean, but be aware that you should not neglect it. A neglected bike requires a completely different approach! Always take a well-maintained and cleaned bike to the service center. Serviceman he will tackle it completely differently and with more joy than he would tackle a dirty bike. A cleaned bike but it is also part of the "cycling" culture and the attitude towards many times very expensive means of transport.
The fact is they will clean wheels serve better and longer, and when something goes wrong, you won't hesitate to error eliminate immediately.
The basic accessories for proper bike cleaning are: bucket, degreaser, car or bicycle detergent, sponge for washing the vehicle, microfiber for "black" chain cleaning, larger brush for degreasing various openings, rubber gloves, chain lubricant.
Step 1: Apply chain and sprocket degreaser
Before doing the actual washing, apply a degreaser to the sprockets and chain of the bike. This way, the product will have time to take effect. You can use different degreasing agents. You can use specialized cleaners, for example Muc-Chain Cleaner or WD40 Bike chain cleaner. When working, put on gloves and soak the mechanical parts of the chain and joints with the agent. To rub in gears and less accessible parts, use a smaller brush or brush.
Step 2: Basic wash with car shampoo
You probably think it is dishwashing detergent, which you have near the kitchen sink, good enough for your bike too. Wrong! They will definitely remove the fat, but it can also start the color, which is not good. It is best to use car shampoos instead. There's no salt in them, and the colors shine, while there's a lot of stuff in dishwashing detergent that doesn't belong on a bike. Use when washing hot water, which melts various fats even faster.
Step 3: Wash the bike from top to bottom
Logic dictates that you wash the bike from top down, otherwise all the dirt from above will seep onto the parts of the bike that you have just washed. So start with the highest part of the bike, most often with seats (don't forget the underside of the seat, where mud and dirt like to hide the most), wash also steering wheel and gradually move down. We soap everything "fairly". For parts that are not accessible, we help each other with a brush.
Step 4: Clean the chain
The chain is the "main" component that you should pay special attention to when washing the bike. Switch the chain to highest gear and take out the cloth, intended only for the chain. It's easy microfiber, it will make it easier to grip the chain. Use a stiff brush (an old toothbrush will work) to go over the holes between the chain links to loosen any dried dirt, and use a microfiber to remove the residue. Repeat the process several times, until the chain is completely clean. You will "feel" and "hear" the effort the first time you get on the bike.
Step 5: Rinse the wheel
Washing the wheel is one of the most important phases. You can do this with a bucket of water or usually a water pipe. But you can also use convenient mini wap, which is intended specifically for washing bicycles and similar devices, for example engines. Alternatively, you can use a flower watering can. This one is also great for cleaning the bike. The goal should be to thoroughly rinse the wheel.
Step 6: drying and protecting the bike
When you are bike washed it is good to spray it with a paint protection spray, for example Muc Off silicone luster or Muc Off bike spray. The agents act as conservation agents, which give the bike a special shine, and at the same time chase "water" from unwanted parts of the bike. They protect the bike from new dirt for a long time. The wheel can also be dried with a compressor air blower or wiped with a cloth.
Step 7: Lubricate the wheel
Not every oil is chain oil. This is also why we use specialized lubricants for this part. Most of the latter have packaging designed for gradual application or are under pressure, just like the good old ones WD40. By lubricating the chain, sprockets and other assemblies, you will also protect the chain from corrosion, and at the same time, it will not accumulate so much grease. Of course, if you use the right "oil" that works in this way.
How to properly clean a bike? It's not simple! However, we believe these instructions will make it completely easy! The products we have presented can also help you. These above all help maintain the value of the bike, which is no longer "cheap" today. And that's also why you shouldn't regret spending money on the right cleaner.
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