Re: Bicycle Washing

Thread approved.

Re: Bicycle Washing

I am not sure why you would wash your cycle everyday? I am pretty sure it is not recommended.
Here is what I do:
1) Wipe the frame with a damp cloth to remove the dust.
2) Wash every 3 weeks. When washing, clean and lube the drivetrain as well.

I ride 3 times a week approx 25KMs each time. I stay in Gurgaon and it is pretty dusty here.

Rachit

With my last 5 years experience riding my Mongoose Hybrid bicycle for office commute and occasional long rides. I can conclude that...

1. No need of bike wash everyday, just wipe the muck and dust if it's too bad after a ride.
2. Clean the bike with shampoo water, use dishwash liquid if the parts are too dirty/gross. (Once or twice a month based on your use and condition)
3. Clean the entire drive train with kerosene/diesel first and then lube it with sewing machine oil, trust me it works like a charm. (after every wash)

+ Make sure you ride with protective gears, helmets are must.

PS : I have mostly put the jugaad stuff for cleaning and lubing which was very easy and handy in my case. Use the special products if you want to.

When in doubt, Pedal it out

No need to wash your bicycle daily. If it's a fine layer of dust on body frame, wipe it with a damp and then with dry cloth.
If you need to wash the bicycle, use shampoo+water.
Keep an eye on dirt level, that gets accumulated on drive-train. It should be almost be in a clean to very less dirty state.
If it has lots of sticky stuff/gunk in your drive-train, you need to de-grease it first, wash it with water, let it dry or wipe with dry cloth and the lubricate it with bicycle specific lubricant. Don't lubricate instantly after wiping with cloth. Let it dry for say 20 to 30 mins. Also, don't go for ride instantly after lubricating the drive-train. Wait for about 30 minutes or 1 hour after lubricating before going for a ride.