How to clean your bike
Proper cleaning is recommended after each outing. We do not recommend the use of high-pressure water jets (car wash station type), as your garden hose's pressure or a mobile washing station (as used in our article) is sufficient. The only pressure cleaner that can be used is a is one dedicated to bicycles.
1/ Tyre scrubbing
Although the tyres will be dirty again as soon as the wheel turns, it's interesting to clean them properly. This makes it possible to detect any thorns or damaged sides. We advise you to do your cleaning immediately after the outing; since the mud hasn't had the time to dry, it will be removed much more easily.
2/ Filling zones
The shock absorber's small connecting rod, the saddle, the hub and the fork arch, the underside of the frame and the underside of the saddle, are all very exposed to projections. So start with all these very dirty spots. In addition to protecting you from splashes, the use of fenders and other ass-savers will allow you to limit this fouling.
3/ Cogset cleaning
After a very greasy excursion, your cogset is generally loaded with many impurities. We advise you to clean it with a claw-shaped brush. This tool is used in both directions: first the claw side to remove most of the leaves and twigs and other residues of leaves, twigs... Then the side brush for heaps of dirty lubricant. You can use the water jet at very low pressure to thin the dirt, taking care not to send projections on the brake disc.
4/ Chain cleaning
You can clean the chain at high pressure by directing the jet towards the crankset (again, to avoid projections on the disc). Rotate the pedal in freewheel to make the chain move under the jet.
5/ Frame and handlebars
Finish the water cleaning with by rincing the elements which only get little exposure: top of the frame, saddle, handlebars. You can use the jet at a good distance to avoid washing the grease away from the controls or frame bearings.
6/ Drying
Dry the bike thoroughly with a soft cloth.
7/ Chain degreasing
To extend the durability of your transmission, degrease the chain completely with a strong grease remover.
8/ Lubrication
Apply a thin layer of lubricant after drying the bike. The ideal is to apply the lubricant inside the chain (side of the chain link in contact with the cranks of the transmission); the excess lubricant outside the chain will have for only effect to collect all the grains of sand of the neighborhood!
