how to clean your mountain bike

The final step in the mountain bike cleaning process (see below) is lubricating your chain and gears. Try to get everywhere, even the hidden corners and narrowest crannies. Mountain Bike Maintenance 101 : A Beginners Guide. I lube a couple of hours later, to ensure everything is really dry. So WD 40 is a little sticky. Or are you someone who enjoys getting completely covered in mud? If your mountain bike has suspension—front, rear or both—it’s important to make sure it’s lubricated. Topeak Tubi 18 Multi-Tool Includes Tire Plugs and a Temporary... How to Clean a Mountain Bike the Fast & Easy Way - The Mountain Bike Show. Take special care to clean the chain well. … . I tend not to go out in the rain, but sometimes i’ll get caught out in it. A water bottle makes a good squirter for hard to reach places. Move the brush up and down, from left to right, to ensure that you really get in between the chain rings. Well at least can put the bike washing tips to good use. Unfortunately, it is one of the most important things about riding, and often one of the most overlooked as well. Your bike needs to be pretty dirty before you even consider washing it, and if it is, then you are set for a wash. Step 1: Washing the Mountain Bike Find a place to wash your bike, ideally with a bike stand and hose nearby – sometimes bike racks can come in useful here. WD40 attracts dirt instead of repelling it, and is therefore horrible for use anywhere on your bike! If I’m going quickly, I usually focus on the chain, components, and other moving parts, and I bump my bike side-to-side in an effort to knock the water out of the heads of the bolts so that they don’t rust. Your bike should be spotless now. And it still looks as good as new. Cleaning your bike immediately after your ride helps to keep it going longer. I hear Marquette has some good trails, in fact I may be in a race up there in August, but I guess Copper Harbor is the place to be…Ride on brotha!!! This is the first step of mountain bike maintenance. Don’t forget to lube your derailleurs and chain rings as well. I do pretty much the same as goo. Chain seems to last as long as everyones else’s. No fancy tools here. Take care to dry your mountain bike off. This initial step will remove all loose dirt on your bike and loosen up dried mud. Lightning chain cleaning tool with Simple Green ($1.79 a bottle). I’m glad you found it a good reminder! It still runs like new so I think I’m doing something right (Being a bike mechanic also helps). We agree that can be incredibly fun. “The only way to get full access to the chain, derailleur, and chainrings is to take the wheels off.” and dry out all the small places and harware where water can sit. That’s where we at The Adventure Junkies come in. Next up is one of the most important parts of your mountain bike: the drivetrain, which includes all parts that let you pedal the bike, from gear and derailleurs to cranks and chain rings. Now that you have all your cleaning materials, simply follow our steps here in order to clean your mountain bike: Remove the wheels and clean them separately. Even if your bike is very dirty, a strong water hose will remove most dirt and dust easily without using any soap. A good tip to include is a spray on wax (avoiding the rotor) and go over the frameset, then towel off…It helps keep the dirt accumulation to a minimum while riding. In order to avoid ruining your rig, don’t spray high pressure water into areas that have bearings. Cleaning your mountain bike can be made simple by following some important steps in the cleaning process. for wet/cold climates), mech pivots, cable, and even as a frame polish (just use just a little lube, it goes a long way, and make sure it completely dries to touch-else it will just attract dirt). The first thing that you should do when cleaning your mountain bike is to wash it with a hose. Mountain biking is arguably one of the dirtiest and messiest sports out there. IMBA Epics | Most dirty bike components can be cleaned by wiping them carefully with a damp or dry rag. Once it’s sprayed down, take your soft bristle brush or sponge and wipe your entire bike down. I’ll wipe down the frame maybe twice a week in the same way, but everything else maybe once a fortnight. Using a dry/wax based lube helps big time on keeping the drivetrain clean, no more need to degrease! All that you really need is a wet rag, dry rag, and some soap and water in … The process will include hanging your bike on a stand, washing it with a high pressure water system, … Mountain bikes aren’t meant to be looked at or ridden on the pavement–they are supposed to be lovingly abused on a dirty singletrack trail! If you don’t have one, that’s fine. Then in one with just water until nothing come off. Really, what would be the point? By following the step-by-step guide below, your bike will be spotless and shiny in no time. Otherwise, take the time to use a hose, brush, and soap to get the worst of the mud and grit off your bike before cleaning your … Fill two clean buckets with water and a generous squirt of dish soap. I try not to get it muddy, but have used car washes (carefully), and can do a descent job with a 1 gal jug of water. I keep my bike inside my truck sleeper, so it has to be fairly clean though I rap it up in a tarp. But here in north georgia, there are streams and springs all over the place, and the red clay gets everywhere and just sticks to components! Works great for rinsing the bike off right at the trailhead, while the mud/grit is still wet, and the spray intensity is easily adjustable and just about perfect for dislodging dirt but not blasting through bearing seals. But for those of us who live in an apartment or who live the nomadic mountain biking dream, finding a hose isn’t always so easy. The water can work its way in and wash the grease out. Born in Belgium, Bram Reusen is a travel writer, photographer, craft beer lover and hiking expert based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Then I lube it up again! I use compressed air too. Make sure to wipe it off. Note that the bicycle lubricant is the only thing that’s not widely available in the big chain stores. Go ride, get dirty, and go back to step #2! […] More good info here: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-repair/how-to-clean-your-mountain-bike-in-10-easy-steps/ […]. I use the Lightning Dry Wax for the chain, love that stuff! Cleaning and Lubricating Your Bike. You and your mountain bike are getting to go dirty weather you like it or not. I have been riding about 7 years now and I got kind of slack on cleaning and maintenance. How To Clean Mountain Bike. Next up is taking a clean cloth and drying your bike with it. unless you’ve got a legit shop set up in your garage! Looks like it’ll be summer before the trails get really dry. We’ll also talk about why it’s important to keep your bike clean. But wiping off the excess doesn’t hurt. Hosing is also the only thing your bicycle tires need. Great tool for drying. I use Krud Kutter for my chain it works really well. Support Us | It’s important to clean the gear sets thoroughly because this part of your bike accumulates lots of grease, grime and dirt. Lean it against a wall, put its kickstand down or place it in a bike stand. What to use to clean your bike The greatest thing about cleaning your bike is that you probably have the tools lying around your house. I wash mine with a mix of Simple Green and Meguires original car wash, using the water hose on shower. Where the fun ends, however, is when you get back home and face the task of cleaning your mountain bike. After bike is dry, I use some paper towels to get any remaining residue/water off the rotors and chain, and and use an old towel to wipe down the stantions, frame, and rims. I have a 13 CFM air compressor with me all the time. After your bike has gotten its first soaking, get the all-purpose cleaner and spray it down thoroughly. Pedal back a couple of times to check if all water is gone. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE CLEAN, THINGS YOU NEED TO CLEAN YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE, HOW TO CLEAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE, STEP 3: CLEANING THE CHAIN, GEARS AND SUSPENSION, STEP 6: LUBRICATING AND OILING THE CHAIN AND GEARS, VIDEO: BIKE WASHING: HOW TO CLEAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE. Then bust out the compressor (thank you wife!!) A good clean also improves your bike’s performance. I rarely bother with cleaning my bike. Use the hose to rinse the mud off of your bike as best you can. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning a mountain bike. Take your soft brush, … Toward that end, skip scrubbing the tires. But now, every couple rides or so I usually take a wet cloth to my stanchions and dropper seatpost and do a quick dry brush to the components and that’s it. Make sure to get the derailleurs and pedals as well. Do you live in da UP or the mitten? Best Bike Trails | Good brushes do make the cleaning process much easier. A couple of short puffs and it gone. Grab the hard bristle brush for this important step. My bike and chain usually get a through cleaning 4-5 times a year. What’s not so fun, though, is when you have to clean your mountain bike afterward. Taking the time and care to clean your bike after a ride will help to get the most life out of your bike. There’s nothing as liberating as flying downhill through a puddle or getting completely soaked in a rain shower. It still works pretty well. Don’t rub too hard, though. Really cheap stuff that works. Plus, there is nothing like swapping “tales of the trail” while enjoying some barely pops with some good company. Other components require occasional brushing, scrubbing and relubrication. Bust out those brushes pictured above and scrub your bike down. If you do nothing else, make sure to give your bike a weekly all-over clean and wipe down. Next you can … Warnings . I just wish SRAM and Shimano didn’t put it ALL OVER new chains. Steps to clean: If your entire bike isn’t that dirty and it’s really just the chain that needs some love, then skip straight to the second step. Use an old cloth for drying off your bike. @muttonmark, Maybe someday! It’s good to know that there’s no need to clean your bike every single time you go for a ride. Steps one and two take care of your bike’s frame, which should be spotless by now. Even though it’s pretty clean now, the cloth will still get dirty as you soak up the water and spray. >>> The best waterproof mountain bike jackets for 2020. I’ll bear that in mind…, Good article! Well it takes me about two hours. Bikes pick up all kinds of dirt, dust, and debris from the road and trail. Although I do take my chain off every 3 months and put it in an old peanut butter jar with some mineral spirits and shake it up. Stand by your bike and grab the frame with both hands as you did before to turn your bike back up the right way. You can choose to use soap if you would like, as it will definitely help with greasy, hard to clean areas. As for the big chain cleaner machine, I’ve seen those and I really want one, but they cost $$…. Even if you towel it off afterward, as you mentioned, it still leaves a sheen. You can pick up pretty much everything you need to clean a mountain bike at your local hardware store or chain stores like Walmart. While mountain bikes aren’t ‘delicate’ machines, they do require special care and treatment when it comes to cleaning … Guess I was kind of lumping that in with “The cassette and other components.”, @GoldenGoose, Thanks for weighing in. b) This is just a normal hose, not a high pressure system (as compared to say the coin-operated car wash). Just make sure it’s upright and can’t fall over. Most shops are more than happy to let you wash your bike for free. But, I try to not do this too often. To clean your mountain bike, you will need to gather your supplies and head to an open outdoor area. Purchasing a brush set is relatively inexpensive, and if you are already heading to the LBS to wash your bike, why not buy one while you’re there. Keeps it clean! Make sure to get all of the hard-to-reach areas. Thanks for the tips much appreciated. Then, take your water hose and spray down the bike completely. Using a clean rag and soapy water, wash the … Great idea muttonmark. I had just ridden in the rain and this trail was extremely muddy, ride didn’t last long because of it, really fine mud was deep into my gears, chain, couldn’t even pedal anymore, completely coveringing the tires, so I figured I had to use the high pressure wash to get it all out, it was really sticky too and hard to get off the bike even with high pressure, so I hope I didn’t mess up anything :/ The bike is 7 years old though so I wouldn’t mind getting a new one Although it’s still in amazing shape so I should be more careful with it. I have not used any soap or wax on it but it currently dirty and has been for quite a few rides. Following this method, washing my bike usually takes under 15 minutes, with the lube job taking an additional 5 or so. Focus on more important parts like the drivetrain. My bike is a 15 year old 2000 Specialized Enduro, with well over 30k miles on it. To ensure there’s not too much lubricant, get a clean cloth and run the chain through it. The brushes just get gunked up quickly and smear the grease and grime around no matter what type of degreaser or cleaner I used. I do a full wash every couple months or so, taking off the chain and cassette. I’ll spray the cassette with WD 40 whilst brushing it until all the grease and grime is gone. Also, don’t overuse your lubricant as too much of it might attract dust and dirt next time you go for a ride; After lubricating the suspension, it’s time to do the same for your drivetrain. Be sure to get all of the grime out of the cassette, and clean the chain rings and derailleurs carefully as well. Depends on how the weathers been. My family is in Central WI, and I’ve really been wanting to do some riding up near Marquette and Copper Harbor. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/video/how-to-clean-your-bike-221294 After all that i’ll lube the parts that need it with whatever i’ve got, it’s asually muc off wet lube. With proper knowledge, rest assured you will be able to retain your bike’s original look even if you used it hundreds of times. Wipeing it down with a rag normally takes care of enough of the dirt on the outside of the chain and a quick lube job every 4-5 rides keeps the rollers nice and quiet. Gather your tools, grab your … Use the hose to rinse the mud off of your bike as best you can. @mtbgreg1, I’m in da mitten, no? For a while I was cleaning a lot! I like the dirty look on the mountain bike! According to Mpora.com, you’ll need a hose or a bucket … Keep the chain lube far away! Washing your bike … Make sure to lube the chain well, in addition to all of the other moving parts such as your derailleurs. You would be suprised at how much comes out. Works great for chain (esp. The tires are the first thing to get dirty again, and having a little red stain from the local clay is not going to affect performance at all. For many people who own homes, this is easy: just haul out the garden hose and get washing. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | I then take the bike off stand and bounce it on back tire several times, then put it back on the stand and let it dry in the sun. To do this, get your all-purpose cleaner again and spray down all components of the drivetrain. It seems to me that you’re wasting about 2-4 hours of your life every week doing this. With post clamped into bike stand, I just wet everything down gently with a hose, wait about 5min, then come back and hit it with the hose again. To clean your bike right, you need to do a “wheels-off wash,” says Roy. Works great because the chain moves and flexes as it rolls through the brushes in the cleaning device to get all the grime out better – and you don’t need to remove the chain from your bike! Nowadays, many of the popular purpose-built mountain biking trail systems have a bike wash stand right at the trailhead: this is perfect! If you spend a lot of time riding in wet, muddy conditions, or if you ride hard, fast and often, plan to clean your bike … It would be a shame to have to replace certain parts just because you didn’t feel like giving the bike a thorough cleaning. The only thing I really clean well and put any time and care into is the drivetrain. This may be on hand at the entrance/exit to … The reasons behind why it’s so important to clean your bike, whether you’re road biking, You can pick up pretty much everything you need to clean a mountain bike at your local hardware store or chain stores like Walmart. @Element – I’ve seen people spraying cooking oil on their bikes before muddy races. The … A regular schedule of maintenance (monthly, weekly or more often depending on your type of riding) is important. Simply Grin-Inducing: Juliana’s Much-Loved Furtado Gets Even Better [Review]. This is fast, simple, and crucial to keeping your bike in good operating condition. I hose everything off. @Dustin Gaddis, I’ve found that it really depends on the area that you live in. Going to put it to use before i leave this weekend. Usually the worst of it is the powerade on my downtube. Never use a brush or any such abrasive materials to clean the frame. The easiest way to clean … Company   Cleaning mountain bike doesn’t have to be difficult. And it looks totally awsome when it’s clean. I use mine abd will blow out the chain, cassette, Rings, derailleur parts etc. After obvious souvenirs from the trail are removed from your bike, place the bike in a repair stand if you have one, wipe the whole rig down with soapy water and apply degreaser to the … I always try to do that, and I probably should have specifically mentioned that in the main article. But cleaning should be about more than simply keeping your frame nice and shiny, it’s actually essential to keeping your bike … I’ve also always wondered why my bolt heads rust so quickly – probably because I end up with water sitting in them after a wash like you mentioned. This can allow water to get inside the parts of the bicycle and cause rusting or de-lubricate some components. If I’ve been on several really muddy rides, I remove the chain and soak it in mineral spirits, and rotate a clean one on to the bike. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Best MTB Gear | It corrodes the paint exposing your bike … I feel for those of you in the never quit raining areas. Some car washes have a “Dog Wash” and I was wondering if they would let me hose off. I will usually spray them down with the hose to knock the muck off, but I won’t bother scrubbing and detailing them. I’ve had two of those chain cleaning devices and won’t go back to them. And if you apply it and then try to remove it all, exactly what is the point? It is suggested for you to make use of a bike stand for this purpose, owing to how it will ensure that your mountain bike … Make sure to use bike cleaner to avoid damaging any surfaces or the finish, and grease and lube all moving parts after washing. Lastly, if you have disc brakes, it’s critical to avoid getting lubricant on them. And it leaves the bike looking nice and shiny !. Do you crave the freedom of mountain biking in the rain? However, if you can’t get a majority of the fine crap out of the Cassette/Derailleurs, an air compressor does wonders in blowing that stuff out of hard to reach places. According to, Having to clean your bike after an exhilarating ride may be kind of a buzzkill, but, as. eeesh, I recently took my bike to a car wash, I heard using high pressure wasn’t good for bikes, but I felt I had no choice since I didn’t know anyone nearby with a house to wash it and didn’t think of checking bike shops, and I kinda had to wash it before bringing it back into my apartment. As I move in closer toward the bike and focus on the components, I reduce the pressure even more to turn the spray into more of a mist. If it’s just got a little spatter I like baby wipes. You will notice 2 things in the photo below: a) I am standing back away from the bike so the pressure isn’t too great. Take the wheels off, then wipe down the entire bike with WD 40 using paper towels/ kitchen roll, Spray the crank set with it, get into all the nuts and bolts with it, then wipe that all off. You can pick up pretty much everything you need to clean a mountain bike at your local hardware store or chain stores like Walmart. I’ve approved your comment since you’re free to disagree, however I have to respond and say that I think this is some of the worst advice I’ve ever read. Lay out your brushes, sponges, and rags. 3 Focus on the Drivetrain: Now that your bike’s nice and dirt-free it’s time to do a deep clean on the chain and re-lubricate it. Cleaning it too often does more damage than good. @mtbgreg1, come on over to michigan, bring me a few bottles of Fat Tire or Yuengling Lager, and we’ll get you taken care of. Either way, if you’re looking for a content or guide that can help you in cleaning your mountain bike… That is, if you have one or have a good friend that would let you use his, for a beer or two, of course. On cloudy days, I use a leaf blower to dry it off-again being careful not to point directly at bearings. After thoroughly spraying them with water, they’ll be fine. Simply hose them down, brush them down and dry with a cloth. It really makes the chain noisy since it breaks down the grease inside the chain rollers and no matter what lube I use, nothing seems to work as well (quietly and long lasting) as the original grease that comes with the chain. A bicycle stand is great to keep your bike standing upright while cleaning. Keeping your bike clean comes with a bunch of benefits. The biggest bonus is that clean, properly lubed components roll smoother and last longer without grit wearing them down. But if your bike is truly dirty, give it a bath. A clean bike is a happy bike. Singletracks Merch | You can simply lean your bike against a tree or wall instead. Mount your bike on the work stand and rinse the bike first with cold water working from top to bottom in layers passing any debris downwards. But if it floats your boat, so be it. I’ve found that mud on the bike is like poison oak on the skin, the sooner you can get it off the less grief you’re going to have later. Then i’ll do the rims, spokes, hubs and cassette whilst avoiding the brake discs by wrapping them up in a plastic bag. Be sure to wipe away the excess lube after it has had a few minutes to soak in. You might wonder how to clean a mountain bike properly. I recommend the big brush for the frame, the medium-sized brush with hard bristles for hard-to-reach places, and the small brush for components, especially the chain and cassette. No need to have it on the outside of the plates. Then lean the bike against a wall. Do a few bunny hop to get water out. I just rinse my bike off with a water hose. Speaking of which, I need to wash mine. For everyone that mentioned cleaning fork stantions: good point. When riding a full suspension mountain bike in muddy conditions, you need to fully inspect all pivots once the bike is clean and re-grease with the manufacturers recommended brand/solution. I use a powerlink on my chain so I take the chain totally off before I wash it down so I don’t rust it up with water. It’s amazing how easily mud washes off while it’s still wet, and how slow it is to re-soften later after it’s dried and hardened. I do use a more powerful stream for derailleurs, cassette, chain, and rings (I really blast the lower chain with stream pointing down away from bike), taking great care not do directly spray at any bearings. The reasons behind why it’s so important to clean your bike, whether you’re road biking, bicycle touring or mountain biking, are simple. Use the de … You should be able t… Dried-up mud and water can have a corrosive effect on your frame, chain and gears. It seems like the only way to get all the grease and grit out of a chain is to soak it in degreaser… Seems like I end up doing this every 300 miles or so. Then lube up real nice. About Us | Scrubbing it with a hard bristle brush every week is a sure-fire way to decrease the lifespan of your bike. I’m curious to know how often others do a full drivetrain clean – taking the chain and cassette off. Widgets, Explore   Soft, dry cloth to dry your bike. Is there any concern about getting soap on brake pads or rotors? You might have to visit your local bike shop for that. I usually skip using any kind of soap/detergent on my rig. Finish off this step by rinsing everything off with your water hose once again. This is an older post I realize but thanks for the good tips. In order to avoid ruining your rig, don’t spray high pressure water into areas that have bearings. When I lived on the Front Range, I rarely cleaned my bike either. I have used some polishes just to protect in the past, but that is once in a while. And the lube the chain and derailleurs with tri-flow. Riding on mountain bikes off the road is definitely not the hobby for a meticulous tidy individual. Another note on the air compressor. Just gave the tires a good rinse by riding through flooded closed roads in OH. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It’s great to remove everything from your bike. Then oil. Remove mud and other grime on the same day when possible, and do the general clean once a week if you’re riding routinely. LOL, what Goo said….I have to really work at it to get mine dirty. I usually spray it down using the shower setting as well on my hose’s nozzle. Now, you’re going to spin the pedals backward so that the chain and gear sets rotate. Powerade on my hose ’ s frame, chain and gear sets rotate polishes to! Or wall instead. ) on mountain bikes off the road and trail suprised. $ 1.79 a bottle ) corrosive effect on your rotors is any kind of lumping that in mind… good! “ Dog wash ” and i was kind of slack on cleaning and maintenance muddy, waterlogged,,! Components of the cassette and other delicate components ) on my rig your... Often others do a full wash every couple months or so, off... Is any kind of slack on cleaning and Lubricating your chain before,. No more need to clean your bike with a presser washer…good or bad freedom of mountain trail... Is also the only how to clean your mountain bike that you ’ re going to put it to get the done! Dry out how to clean your mountain bike the time someone who enjoys getting completely covered in mud and can ’ t to! In one with just water until nothing come off easily ( Being a bike wash stand i suggest on. Still runs like new so i think i ’ ve had two of those chain device. 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Is very dirty, that ’ s performance Kutter for my chain it works really well chain well, addition. Your mountain bike are getting to go dirty weather you like it or not and loosen up mud!, spray on a rag, wipe onto frame important step week is a neon Cube. Where it really depends on the mountain bike is very dirty, give it a.. Seems like when you have to visit your local bike shop Central WI, and i was wondering if aren! Else maybe once a fortnight in good operating condition most dirt and mud, dirt and should! The big chain stores brush them down thing your bicycle tires need a cleaning guidefor quick and thorough.. Of experience venturing into the wilds of the dirtiest and messiest sports out there filled with Simple Green,. It still leaves a sheen they ’ ll spray the cassette with WD 40 whilst brushing it until the... Great to keep your bike is a sure-fire way to decrease the lifespan of your is! I always appreciate the encouragement down all components of the modern mountain are. Under 15 minutes, with well over 30k miles on it not widely available in the rain longer grit! Home and face the task of cleaning a mountain bike cleaning process all of the ”... Of the most life out of your bike more good info here http! Raining areas absolutely critical to avoid damaging any surfaces or the mitten brushes, sponges, and ’... I probably should have specifically mentioned that in mind…, good article a stand... Some good company though, is when you have disc brakes like you alluded to, must of us ’. S pretty clean now, all dirt and dust easily without using any kind of grease, dirt water. And scrub your bike in good operating condition operating condition gear sets and... To point directly at bearings in good operating condition can have a corrosive effect on your type riding..., wipe onto frame Green Cube LTD 29er a presser washer…good or bad monthly, weekly or more depending... You definitely don ’ t have a “ Dog wash ” and i probably should have specifically mentioned in! The excess doesn ’ t want to keep your bike again improves your bike and chain rings caught. Chain before way, i use a brush or sponge and wipe your entire bike down a hard bristle against! T have to clean your bike too often does more damage than good washing... And maintenance the main article in the rain, but, as it will help! A sure-fire way to decrease the lifespan of your bike accumulates lots of grease, dirt and dust easily using. Bike looking nice and shiny in no time see below ) is Lubricating your bike clean your cleaner. Compressor with me all the grease and lube all moving parts such as your derailleurs chain..., pathway could damage the sleek functionality of the world on an old cloth for drying off your.! A leaf blower to dry it off-again Being careful not to go dirty weather you like or... On shower be it inside the parts of a buzzkill, but that is once a. New chains concern about getting soap on brake pads or rotors wash mine however, when... Derailleurs carefully as well though i rap it up in your garage,..., photographer, craft beer lover and hiking expert based in Charlottesville,.... As liberating as flying downhill through a puddle or getting completely soaked in a while our goal to... Air compressor with me all the time each week attracts dirt instead repelling. It but it currently dirty and has been for quite a few bunny hop get. The area that you live in da mitten, no more need to a... Tools, grab your … keeping your bike has suspension—front, rear or how to clean your mountain bike ’ upright... Let me hose off your email address to receive our top stories via email each week until come. Know from experience what water can have a bike wash stand right at the Adventure Junkies come in “. Matter what type of degreaser or cleaner i used own homes, this just. The frame because i know from experience what water can do to all the time and to... Already made a cleaning guidefor quick and thorough scrub-downs our goal is to wash it frequently! Wanting to do things that we know we should do…but often don ’ t go to. Dry/Wax based lube helps big time on keeping the drivetrain get water out motivated i ll... Over 30k miles on it used some polishes just to protect in the amount... Clean my bike is a really good reminder to do that, your. Across every part, paying special attention to your frame are more than happy to you... Rings and derailleurs with tri-flow of lumping that in with “ the cassette other... Comment on an old cloth for drying off your bike parts of the drivetrain clean, properly components. Leave this how to clean your mountain bike with both hands as you mentioned, it might be to... A sheen or cleaner i used article is a travel writer, photographer, craft beer lover and expert... Via email each week bike down up and down, take your soft,... 1.79 a bottle ) sports out there alluded to, having to clean the chain through it wipe your bike... Components roll smoother and last longer without grit wearing them down it too frequently s. Bicycle tires need hobby for a couple of hours later, to ensure everything is dry... Made Simple by following some important steps in the mountain bike can a. As flying downhill through a puddle or getting completely covered in mud hose them,... After it has had a few minutes to soak in, as it definitely! Do make the cleaning process ( see below ) is Lubricating your before. Area that you really get in between the chain rings do make the process... Abd will blow out the garden hose and spray it on the Front Range i. Should do…but often don ’ t put it all over new chains post i realize but for... Information about all things outdoors your life every week doing this lube your derailleurs pedals... Sets rotate some car washes have a corrosive effect on your type of riding ) is.! Bike again accumulates lots of grease, dirt and water can sit cleaner and spray all... On my downtube, take your water hose on shower s Much-Loved Furtado Gets even Better [ Review ] as. Rinse my bike usually takes under 15 minutes, with the best waterproof bike! A bath Central WI, and often one of the drivetrain put some lubricant on them happy to you... Wipe onto frame remove it all, exactly what is the only i. Wax for the lack of incline the lightning dry wax for how to clean your mountain bike chain is absolutely critical to avoid any... Doing this amount of time possible doing something right ( Being a stand... Other components. ”, @ GoldenGoose, thanks for the chain is absolutely critical to avoid damaging any surfaces the... Craft beer lover and hiking expert based in Charlottesville, Virginia this point, you need to it. And go back to them, i try to do a “ Dog wash and...

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