HOW TO DEEP CLEAN A BICYCLE
Is your bike harder to ride lately? It might just need a good cleaning, not a costly repair. Regular cleaning does more than keep your bike looking sharp. Dirt, grease, and grime can wear down your drivetrain and other components, leading to rust, poor performance, and expensive damage.
A clean bike not only lasts longer but also rides more smoothly and safely. Routine cleaning can also help you spot wear and tear early, saving you time and money down the road.
Even the highest-quality bikes are machines, and their parts are vulnerable to corrosion and breakdown, especially in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions. That's why sticking to a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule is key. Clean your road bike at least once a month and clean your mountain bike more often, especially after muddy or wet rides.
DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A BICYCLE
- Rinse bike using a hose, sponge, or wet cloth to wet the entire bike surface.
- Spray Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner directly into your drivetrain, use a toothbrush to work into smaller areas and penetrate tough dirt, grease, and grime.
- Soak your chain in Simple Green or hand-clean it directly.
- For soaking: Remove the chain from your bike and submerge it in a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and ambient water in a bucket or other container. Soak the chain for 5-7 minutes before rinsing with water and thoroughly drying. Re-lubricate the chain prior to putting it back on your bike.
- For hand cleaning. Use a cloth soaked in Simple Green to loosely wrap around the chain and run the pedal so the chain moves through the cloth. For dirtier chains, you'll need to use a scrub brush or toothbrush to work out the grime, being careful to work out any buildup between the gears.
- Rinse the bike with fresh water, then check to make sure you've shifted all the grime off the bike, gently brushing again before rinsing where necessary.
- Lube the chain – Slowly pedal the bike, dripping the lubricant onto the links as they move. Wipe off any excess lubricant.
