To jet wash or not to jet wash....that is the question.
swelsbyuk
Posts: 421
A colleague at work has a brand new karcher jet wash that they want to get rid of (got free with Tesco insurance).
I have said that I will have it as I thought it would be ideal for cleaning the bike after a muddy ride. However, reading the bike's handbook last night it advises that you shouldn't use a jet wash on the bike.
What do you think? Anyone else use one?
I have said that I will have it as I thought it would be ideal for cleaning the bike after a muddy ride. However, reading the bike's handbook last night it advises that you shouldn't use a jet wash on the bike.
What do you think? Anyone else use one?
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Comments
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bearings and grease do not like hipressure water.
So not advised."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
yeah don't jet wash (or any other sort of high pressure water hose) your bike for cleaning, 'cos you'll just break seals and ruin bearings/pivots/chains/hubs/ other moving parts.
Definately a no, you can find good how-to guides on washing bikes, I think Bike Radar has some somewhere.92% of teenagers have turned to rap. If your one of the 8% that still listens to real music put this in your sig
Walk (Ride) softly and carry a big fish
Yay, 100 hundred posts :-)0 -
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Don't jet wash. You can get lower pressure washers designed for bikes though.0
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Yeah, I've had my bike so caked in good quality British mud so many times that it's rendered the bike unrideable. It always comes off with a regular garden hose and some Muc-Off.
A pressure washer really isn't needed.0 -
My mates got one of these and he always uses it on his bike.
He has a nice shiny bike, but is also the one who has mysterious creaks coming from somewhere on his frame (he's got a full suss stumpy) where the water has got into his bearings.
+ it does get rid of all mud instantly (and when has being lazy been so bad?
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+ probably best used on a hardtail, unless you like creaks.
- will eff up all bearings/seals etc eventually
- garden hose attachement from B&Q will work just as well
- muc off + bucket + bikestand + chain cleaner + lube is the best way0 -
I agree there's nothing better than Muc-Off (or similar) and salt-free warm, clean soapy water with a sponge and some elbow grease to clean your bike up. Then a little bit of degreaser-to get all the old grease and gunk off your chain, cassette, chain rings and jockey wheels- followed by more warm water to wash it off and then clean new oil/lube to finish it off
92% of teenagers have turned to rap. If your one of the 8% that still listens to real music put this in your sig
Walk (Ride) softly and carry a big fish
Yay, 100 hundred posts :-)0 -
I bought a Mobi Washer a few weeks ago.
It differs from a regular pressure washer in that 1) the pressure is really low; 2) it carries its own (15l) water supply, and 3) works off car 12v or mains.
It works very well, cleaning two Muc-Off'd bikes before they go back in the car. If you are thinking of getting a pressure washer, this may actually be more useful if you ever drive to your ride. The low pressure means it won't degrease your sensitive parts!0 -
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A normal hose is good enough. It will blast fresh mud off easily and as long as you keep it on a widish spray, it won't get water anywhere it shouldn't.You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
i use a karcher on my bike just the low pressure part though (just the trigger bit) same as using a hose really , karcher great for me patio though and the block paving 0
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if he's giving it away free, you can always have it for the car.0
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I have the Dirtworker, which is lower pressure, and I have to say very handy after muddy rides. Off to the LBS tomorrow though, as seem to have jet-blasted the crap out of my rear hubb, which isn't spinning like it should... I wouldn't use a high pressure wash for this very reason, and even lower pressure/garden hose should be used with care on greased/moving parts.Scott Scale 20 (for xc racing)
Gary Fisher HKEK (for commuting)0 -
I use a hozelock killaspray, a self contained garden sprayer due to no water supply near where I keep my bike, and it works really well and can be got clean enough on 1.5 litres of water. I can't see the point of a high pressure washer seems to do more damage than good and would take longer to set up.-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
I use a jet washer
I Just don't aim at the areas mentioned in other replies -
I Turn the pressure down for those areas !
Saves a fortune on cleaning products 0 -
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I use a hand pump garden sprayer, fifteen quid from b&q. It's got just enough pressure to get the schmeck off but won't knacker your bearings or penetrate your seals like a regular jetwash. Easily transported around in the car as well.0
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or you could all just pointing jet washers at your bearings and seals?0
