Massive Clean Up !

[mark st1]

Right ive inherited a bike gratis and it is minging and i do mean minging ive prised the chain set off it and removed the rear derailleur but after 60 minutes hard toil and 5 of swmbo's scourer/sponges i just seem to be getting nowhere the whole lot is just thick grease and hard road dirt. Ive been using finishline de-greaser which has always done me well in the past but its refusing to shift it

First question would a stint in the dishwasher whilst swmbo isnt looking do it any good or more harm ?? or is there anything else you fine folk can recommend ?

 

[Peteaud]

Remove all the bearings etc and jet wash the frame. and mechs etc.

 

[mark st1]

Frame is as clean as its going to get Pete im not fussed about that anyway its the drive train bits that are refusing to sparkle.

 

[Peteaud]

Frame is as clean as its going to get Pete im not fussed about that anyway its the drive train bits that are refusing to sparkle.

Either oven cleaner or throw it in a bowl of white spirit or parafin overnight.

 

[SomethingLikeThat]

Swarfega perhaps, might not be strong enough though considering degreaser hasn't shifted it.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Either oven cleaner or throw it in a bowl of white spirit or parafin overnight.

Fire is the purifier...

 

[biggs682]

is it worth cleaning ?

 

[mark st1]

is it worth cleaning ?

Hmmm not sure its a free bike that would be ideal as a commuter for me its just been very neglected needs new gear cables and possibly a new front mech and bar tape other than that everything seems ok 3 years ago it was a £950 bike i wouldnt say its done alot of miles either its just been abused !

 

[wakou]

Gunk....... Or if you can get hold of SOBO Gold..... ( It is what they use on offshore oil-rigs)

 

[biggs682]

Hmmm not sure its a free bike that would be ideal as a commuter for me its just been very neglected needs new gear cables and possibly a new front mech and bar tape other than that everything seems ok 3 years ago it was a £950 bike i wouldnt say its done alot of miles either its just been abused !

i meant just the chainwheel and associated

 

[fossyant]

Just take chain rings off, soak with wd40 and clean with a rag. Just sorted out a mates MTB and it was crudded up.

 

[Mile195]

Muc-Off degreaser has never failed for me, on motorbike or pushbike.

Whatever you decide to do though, I would strongly recommend that you DON'T put the parts through the dishwasher though (just in case you weren't joking!)... While it might very well leave them smelling lemon fresh, I don't think the salt will do them so much good!

 

[mark st1]

Thanks all im taking it in to work tomorrow to let the blokes in the workshop go over it with there industrial de greaser machine thingy so that should do it.

@Mile195 i was having a small jest my Mrs would chain whip me if anything bike related entered in the wishdosher.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Truckwash

 

[mark st1]

Truckwash

There is a pretty mean pressure washer at work but it would strip the laquer and paint off the frame no doubt. Frame wasnt that bad tbh has had something stuck to it at some point on the rear possibly lights but its made a bit of a mess. Will get some pics up if i dont scrap it lol