Winter washing

[Swordtail]

I've bought a new TCR 0 with the intention of continuing using my 20 year old racer in winter. However, it's so much nicer to ride I'm thinking of using the TCR in winter as well. I commuted to work on it yesterday in the rain and then spent 15 mins wiping it down with hand towels.

The question is, if you wash your bike after every wet, dirty ride, is it still ok to use a decent bike in winter? Is there any particular cleaning regime, chemicals etc. which will protect the components? Or should I really go back to the old bike for such days?

Any cleaning advice gratefully received!

Cheers!

 

[biggs682]

use the older bike its got to be easier

 

[gbb]

Here's what i found the winter i overused my Bianchi somewhat...
Salt/dirt got into the brake nut recess at the back of the front fork, causing light corrosion, causing the carbon fibre to start to seperate from the alloy steerer.
Headset seemed fine but i happened to strip it in the spring, evidence of rust round the bottom of the bearing rings.
BB (FSA outboard)...again, stripped, plenty of evidence of light rust on the bearings.

The frame etc will be fine with regular and proper cleaning...its the bits you can't get to you don't think about.