Keeping your bike clean not only makes your bike look better, it also works better and faster. Washing your bike regularly will prevent costly repairs or corrosion damage from coming. A thorough bike cleaning only takes 10-15 minutes.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Drivetrain
Step 1. Always clean your drivetrain first
The drivetrain is your bicycle's transmission and is made of four parts: cassette (collection of teeth on the rear tire of a bicycle), rear derailleur (metal sleeve on the rear tire of the bike), chain ring (the large gear located next to the pedal), and chain.
The drivetrain keeps your bike running, but the dirt, rust and grease that builds up will make the bike prone to jumps and chain damage
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the drivetrain will extend the life of your bike
Step 2. Raise or turn the bike over so you can turn the pedals without making the bike run
The bicycle chain must be moved in order for it to be cleaned properly. If you don't have a bicycle stand, turn the bike over so that it stands on the seat and handlebars. Make sure you spread a dirty cloth or towel under the bike to prevent scratching the seat and handlebars.
Step 3. Use a rag and biodegreaser to scrub the bicycle chain
A biodegreaser, also known as a biodegradable solvent, will dissolve oil like soap but will not damage or contaminate your bicycle chain. You can buy it at a bicycle shop, near the lubricant section. Pour a small amount into the washcloth and clamp the chain with the cloth, but loosen it slightly so the chain can still move freely between your fingers. Pedal the bicycle with the other hand, running the chain for 2-3 turns.
- Run the chain through the washcloth 2-3 more times, applying light pressure with your fingers on top, bottom, and both sides of the chain.
- Wipe off any dirt and grease that is still visible on the chain with a rag.
Step 4. Use an old scouring brush or toothbrush to clean the crevices of the gears
The gears must be cleaned to prevent dust and grease in the cassette. Dip the brush into the bowl of the water and dissolving solution mixture and then scrub it between each set of gears. To make things easier, try holding down your brush while pedaling with the other hand.
Use a screwdriver to pry or push dirt deposits in hard-to-reach areas
Step 5. Remove dirt on the outside of the derailleur and chainrings
If they look dirty, these parts should be cleaned. Use a damp cloth, brush, and degreaser to clean as many crevices and crevices as possible so the bike looks shiny. Let the wheels do the work by holding the rag and pedaling the bike. Areas that are often forgotten to clean include:
- The jockey wheels, small deposits on the derailleur arm also need to be cleaned.
- The back side (the closest on the bike) on the chainring.
- Bike frame, joints and hinges near chain.
Step 6. Purchase a chain cleaner for heavily soiled chains
If a rag and toothbrush can't clean the chain, you'll need to purchase a cleaning kit. Add degreaser to the box and clip it to your bicycle chain. You can hold the tool in place while pedaling the bike so that the chain link rubs off on its own. The price is usually IDR 260,000-Rp 390,000, including a degreaser and brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Step 7. Lubricate the bicycle chain immediately after cleaning
No matter how often you cycle, it's always a good idea to have a bottle of chain oil handy to lubricate and protect the chain from dirt and moisture. Pedal slowly after cleaning and drying. Apply a drop of lubricant every 2-4 joints. When all chains are lubricated, switch to gears and apply 10-12 drops of lubricant to make sure everything, including cassette, is properly coated. Use a rag to wipe off any excess lubricant from the chain when you're done. Excess lubricant can hold dirt so that it settles on the chain. If you're still going to be cleaning the entire bike, it's best to wait and lubricate at the end.
- The lubricant layer should be thin all over the chain, and not dripping. Try to feel the lubricant only slightly on the finger when it touches the chain.
- Feel the chain with your finger. If it feels dry, you will need to add more lubricant.
- Never use WD-40 on a bicycle chain. This product is not built to withstand weather and stress.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Bike Frames and Wheels
Step 1. Stand the bike on a stand, rack, leaning against a tree, or upside down
Spread a mat or scrap cloth on the ground to protect the seat and handlebars from dirt and scratches if the bike is overturned. Make sure you're in an open, well-ventilated area that can be soaked in water without damaging anything.
Step 2. Flush the bike with a low pressure water hose
Don't spray the water vigorously, you can simply wet the bike and loosen the dirt before starting to scrub.
Never use a high pressure water hose as this can cause water to enter components, corroding the bicycle's internal parts or removing lubricant in important joints
Step 3. Fill the bucket with warm water
If you wish, you can also provide a special bicycle cleaner, but avoid using ordinary dish soap because it usually contains salt which can cause corrosion of bicycle parts, including the frame. It is recommended that you use a different bucket and sponge than the one used to clean the drivetrain. Dirt from the chain and cassette will not transfer to the bike frame if you use new equipment.
Step 4. Remove the bicycle wheel
Bicycle wheels should be thoroughly cleaned and you should clean the inside of the frame with a sponge. The wheels are the most difficult part of the bike to clean because they are closest to the ground and are the dirtiest parts.
Step 5. Use the soft part of the sponge to clean the skeleton
Scrub the frame, which is the metal body of the bike, in an up and down motion using a sponge and warm water. Never use a harsh or abrasive brush on your frame, even if the dirt is stubborn. Bike paint can scratch and become susceptible to rust.
- If there is dirt that is difficult to clean, apply a small drop of soap or degreaser to the dirt with a small amount of water and let it soak for a few minutes. Scrub in a circular motion until the dirt is clean.
- If you have brake calipers (the two black pads that clamp down on the top of the wheel), use the rough side of the sponge to remove any grease deposits there.
- If you have disc brakes (metal discs attached to bicycle wheels), wipe both sides with the soft side of a sponge.
Step 6. Wipe the rim of your bicycle wheel
Bicycle tires, which will get dirty again when they hit the ground, do not need to be cleaned. However, metal rims on bicycle wheels can deposit dirt that is blocking your brakes. Use the rough side of the sponge to clean the edges and wipe each stirrup so that the bike looks sparkling clean.
- Use a toothbrush to brush the axle (the small tube in the center of the wheel), nuts, and bolts on both sides.
- If you want to clean bicycle tires, or see large deposits on the treads, use a large, straight-bristled brush (which is usually used for cleaning pans). so it can be cleaned quickly and easily.
Step 7. Use a clean rag to wipe into the back of the cassette
The rear cassette is a collection of gears on the rear wheel. This section gets cleaned up a bit when you clean the drivetrain. However, take the time to thoroughly clean this area when doing a thorough cleaning. Drop a little soapy water into the cassette, then use a clean rag to clean the gaps between each gear and remove any dirt deposits deep in the cassette.
Step 8. Gently pat your bike dry with a towel and let it air dry in the sun
It's best not to let the bike get wet and pool in its components for too long. Take a clean, dry washcloth or towel and wipe off any excess water. Focus on the joints and components of the bike, and any parts where water could pool. When you're done, put all the bike parts back together and let them out in the sun, if you can.
- If you're setting up your bike on a seat and handlebars, wipe them both while turning the bike over before drying the entire bike.
- If you're cleaning your bike on a damp or cloudy day, let it dry a little longer.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the bike clean
Step 1. Know that cleaning your bike regularly will extend the life of your bike
Bicycles are made of many screws, pulleys, nuts, bolts, cables and everything has to work properly for the bike to run properly. Rust, dirt, and lack of lubricant will cause the bicycle components to rub against each other, increasing wear and tear. As a result, you cannot drive smoothly. Get in the habit of cleaning your bike to save a lot of time and money later on.
Wipe your bike with a damp cloth after riding in a dirty, muddy area to save a lot of time and effort when doing a thorough cleaning
Step 2. Perform a “short cleanup” after driving in rainy or wet weather
Dry your bike as best you can with a clean, dry towel or rag and then check the bike chain. Water and mud can get into the cassette and chain causing major problems later. However, this dirt is still easy to clean after driving. Pat the bicycle chain and wipe off any dirt with the chainrings and derailleur, then apply 4-5 drops of lubricant to replace any water washed away lubricant.
Check the chain. If it feels dry, do a full lubrication
Step 3. Add 1-2 drops of bicycle lubricant for critical components 2-3 times a year
The chain isn't the only part of your bike that needs to be lubricated for it to work properly. Although the lubricant needed is also not too much, the following bicycle parts need to be lubricated so that the bicycle can run smoothly.
- The brake pivot point, usually the part that holds the two sides of the brake together (only on brake calipers).
- Use your fingers or a small rag to apply a thin layer of grease to the cable.
- Shifter, if open. Make sure you only use bicycle lubricant.
Step 4. Keep an eye on your drivetrain
There are few areas on the drivetrain that can get dirty, but these areas should always be kept clean. If you ride a bicycle every day, clean the chain, cassette, and derailleur once or twice a week.
You will need to clean the drivetrain more often than any other part of the bike. at the very least, you should check, clean and possibly lubricate the chain every 1-2 weeks
Step 5. Clean your bike regularly to protect it from rust and damage
You should wipe and clean your bike at least every month. The benchmark, do the cleaning after 20-25 times driving. You can then do a thorough cleaning and re-lubricate everything 1-2 times a year. However, you should clean your bike if:
- After driving on very wet or muddy roads
- When you hear a rattling or scraping sound.
- Whenever you see dirt on the joints, brakes or bicycle chain.
Tips
- Remove most of the dirt from the bike before washing it.
- Instead of washing, you can quickly clean your bike with a damp towel. This is best if the bike is not too dirty and add more time before doing a thorough cleaning.
- While washing, give your bike a full inspection to look for problems that could develop. Repair or replace damaged parts after washing the bike.
- Do not use wax as they are not made for bicycles. Wax can drip and damage the components of your bike.
Warning
- Only use bicycle lubricant on your bike, and not car lubricant or WD-40.
- Do not spray the bike with high pressure water as this will strip the bike of the oil and lubricants it needs. In addition, water can also enter parts of the bicycle that should not be wet, such as the axle and pedal board.
