The pleasures of cleaning your bike

[Matthew_T]

I have just spent a good 2 hours cleaning my bike. I used the newly purchased Aldi bike work stand which allowed me to be at eye level with the middle of the bike. It allowed for very easy access to underneath the bike without flipping it.

I degreased and cleaned the chain, gave the whole bike a spray with the hose, relubed the chain, then gave they whole bike a good bit of elbow grease and baby wipes then wiped it down with a rag after.

The chainset is now smooth and I cleaned a few bits that I hadnt before (the inbetweens of the brakes).

The whole process was really enjoyable and the family didnt bother me at all. I have just spent 10 mins in the bathroom cleaning the oil off my hands and I am just about to go out and wear in the lube.
I cleaned the bike because I am doing a 70 mile ride from here to West Kirby tomorrow morning and didnt want any mechanicals that would have been fixed with a clean.

Cleaning your bike is one of the most relaxing things you can do. I also look forward to cleaning my commuter in the week.

 

[boybiker]

Get yourself some disposable gloves!

 

[Matthew_T]

[QUOTE 2547999, member: 30090"]Good stuff.

Don't know what you used, but washing up liquid with sugar is about the best home made substance to wash out oil and muck from your hands.[/quote]
I am currently using Mr Muscle degreaser because my parents said all the others can damage the pain/frame (they have some kind of chemical in them). Getting an ordinary cleaner from a Supermarket is a lot cheaper than getting a purpose degreaser.

 

[Matthew_T]

Get yourself some disposable gloves!

Yep, I defo need to do that.

 

[Breedon]

It can be enjoyable in the summer sun, but not so in winter

 

[ianrauk]

I am currently using Mr Muscle degreaser because my parents said all the others can damage the pain/frame (they have some kind of chemical in them). Getting an ordinary cleaner from a Supermarket is a lot cheaper than getting a purpose degreaser.

Complete rubbish of course.

 

[Matthew_T]

[QUOTE 2548027, member: 30090"]I'm talking about normal washing up liquid but add sugar to wash your hands with.[/quote]
Oh! I misread what you put. I thought you were talking about the BIKE!
For my hands I normally just use soap but next time I will try your technique.

 

[ianrauk]

Oh! I misread what you put. I thought you were talking about the BIKE!
For my hands I normally just use soap but next time I will try your technique.

As what he said, washing up liquid and a scotchbrite pad.

 

[Matthew_T]

Complete rubbish of course.

Well we looked at the ingredients and I think Mr Muscle had the least amount of chemicals.

 

[Matthew_T]

a scotchbrite pad.

I need to buy some of these for the house, we seem to be low in stock.

 

[ianrauk]

Well we looked at the ingredients and I think Mr Muscle had the least amount of chemicals.

Your bike has a clear laquer over the paint. Washing up liquid will not do any damage what so ever.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Cleaning your bike is one of the most relaxing things you can do. I also look forward to cleaning my commuter in the week.

Really? Tell me a day and a time and I'll drop my bikes off and you can do them

 

[classic33]

I need to buy some of these for the house, we seem to be low in stock.

If your planning on cleaning the house, scotchbrite pads won't be good enough. You'll require a multitude of different cleaning materials.

 

[Hip Priest]

I absolutely hate cleaning my bike.

I can never get it quite clean enough.

 

[Matthew_T]

I absolutely hate cleaning my bike.

I can never get it quite clean enough.

The trick is to take your time and ignore your hands getting dirty, they can always be cleaned too.