Good cleaning

[helston90]

Whilst playing golf this morning me and a few cycling mates spotted a guy cleaning his MTB next to the clubhouse it made us cringe as he had it upside down on the floor but then as we rounded a corner could hear him attacking it with a pressure washer. Having mocked him between ourselves for probably flushing all his grease out we then noticed it wasn't a pressure washer in his hand- he was using a pressurised air line to dry his bike Yep calmly and systematically pushing all the water off his bike.

So kudos to that guy for probably having an immaculately clean bike that would put mine to shame but please buy yourself a bike stand (and sorry for the jibes which he didn't hear anyway).

 

[Moodyman]

What's up with washing bike upside down?

They do it all the time Down Under

 

[Cyclist33]

Although having got (presumably) water into the bearings, I can't see an air line blasting that all out...

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I can't get excited about a bloke cleaning his bike but playing golf with cycling friends????????? Did you all get there on bikes?

 

[screenman]

I get more water in the bearing when it rains than I likely do using the jet wash.

 

[400bhp]

Just got to put the jet spray on wide and not aim directly at the BB and headset.

FWIW I stayed at a hotel in Spain one night where BMC, Eurpocar and Cannondale were staying as part of the Vuelta. All the mechanics were using jet washers on the various bikes. Now, they weren't regreasing the BB's or headsets afterwards. Appreciate that the bikes do likely get stripped to the bone after the event and if there was a big issue part event they would get stripped down too.

I wouldn't use one myself as it's not necessary. A tinkle with the hose set on shower and a soft brush does the trick.

 

[raleighnut]

Its not so much that a jet-wash removes the grease from a bearing as the fact they can blow grit into the bearings that you have to watch out for.

 

[helston90]

Although having got (presumably) water into the bearings, I can't see an air line blasting that all out...

Sorry it was my poor story telling ability- it was the frame he was drying at the time we saw him- I'm assuming he went no where the BB/ hubs with any water based weapon.

I can't get excited about a bloke cleaning his bike but playing golf with cycling friends????????? Did you all get there on bikes?

It was a once only opportunity for a free round of golf from the manager and, due to the fact I'd never played before, thought it would be a laugh- and it was, our cycling/ golf widows met up for coffee regardless and it was agreed next Sunday we'll be back out on the road.

 

[screenman]

400 I agree you can wash a road bike that way, however a really caked up muddy MTB May require more energy, unless of course you have different mud to us.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

What's up with washing bike upside down?

They do it all the time Down Under

Actually no, I always put my bike handlebars down to clean it, so it's the right side up. I am in Melbourne, after all... .

 

[Globalti]

Washing a bike upside-down is a cardinal sin; water will flow straight into the headset bearings.

 

[screenman]

Washing a bike upside-down is a cardinal sin; water will flow straight into the headset bearings.

I suppose it does not get in there when it rains then.

 

[Globalti]

No, not really; the bearings are shielded against water from above.

 

[screenman]

No, not really; the bearings are shielded against water from above.

And below, I take it you have a full understanding of capillary action if that is not the case.

I have been jet washing bikes for more years than I care to remember, when I do a full strip and lube there is always grease left in and no sign of water.

 

[Cuchilo]

do you strip and lube up before or after jet washing your bike ?