What would you say is the number one reason for cleaning your bicycle on a regular basis?

[I like Skol]

A filthy bike is the quickest way to get people to underestimate you during Silly Commuter Racing*. Nothing demoralises quite like the squealing chain of the person dropping you

* Not that I'd endorse such an activity

THIS^^^^ (except for the squeaky chain).

Filthy bike with mudguards and odd panniers. Basic looking hybrid. Tatty, baggy clothing and an old baseball cap. Then burn em good!

 

[Maenchi]

number one reason ?...……..when I bought it I asked for advice from the shop mechanic, he said , 'keep it clean !'...............
(...…………………………………)

 

[Andy in Germany]

you'll be saying next there's something wrong with that, as kids we used to jump frames with worse

I once had a bike with a frame cracked like that break under me. It was a surreal way to end a wheelie.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Rain residue and mud look awful, and can muss up my tweeds.

On the other hand the light patina of grey-brown road dust that a bike collects as the miles roll by is obviously evidence of great distances ridden and extreme awesomeness on the part of the rider.

 

[I like Skol]

On the other hand the light patina of grey-brown road dust that a bike collects as the miles roll by is obviously evidence of great distances ridden and extreme awesomeness on the part of the rider.

I have perfected that look.

 

[fossyant]

Flipping scruffs the lot of ya.

 

[fossyant]

PS my nickname in my cycling club was 'marigold' as my bikes were that clean. Even shiney cassette.

 

[Drago]

I'm a bit anal about shiny cassettes - nowt more pleasing than a nice shiny hard chromed cassette.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I'm a bit anal about shiny cassettes - nowt more pleasing than a nice shiny hard chromed cassette.

One advantage of an Xtracycle: Cassettes are largely hidden from normal viewing angles.

 

[rivers]

it lives in my house, on a wall, like a piece of artwork....



and if i didn't keep it clean, my wife would kill me

 

[Threevok]

Both my bikes live in the house

If the wife ever made me choose between her and the bikes, I would have room for another bike

 

[MontyVeda]

another regular cleaner here... i clean my bike so regularly that i can't remember the last time i cleaned it.

 

[Drago]

I cleaned my bike once. I started in 2011, and have been doing so continuously ever since.

 

[Arjimlad]

I love the smell of GT85 in the morning. The smell of success.

 

[screenman]

Both my bikes live in the house

If the wife ever made me choose between her and the bikes, I would have room for another bike

I know of some blokes who mean that last bit, so sad.