Cleaning new bike

Barberj66
Barberj66 Posts: 2
edited July 2014 in MTB beginners
Hi all

Just bought a Carrera Vulcan first bike I've had in about 12 years seems ok for the money I'm not a serious rider just wanted something to get back in to it and commute to work now and then and do a bit of off roading.

Been out on it a few times and wondered what's the best way to clean it. What products will I need to keep it in good nick without ruining parts. What bits should I be not soaking through to much and do any parts need oiling etc.

Cheers

Comments

  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    Don't use a high pressure water source, bit of silicone lube for the fork, chain lube, soapy water on the frame, dont put any oil on the discs, just hose them, and baby wipes are great for hard to reach areas.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I clean off using buckets of soapy water (not washing up liquid as it contains salt) and a sponge, once it's clean 'enough' then relube as listed above by BC.

    I don't hose anything as the water can 'catch' at bearings and create enough pressure to force its way past the seals, especially the hub seals on the formula wheels (ddm) on yours which just use a plain rubber seal.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • gregwari
    gregwari Posts: 230
    My personal preferences:

    Cleaning product - bucket of water and Fenwick cleaner, dry lube for the chain and jockey wheels after I've cleaned
    Tools - sponge, hard brush for cassette etc, chain cleaning device from parktools

    Things to avoid - pressurised water (especially on bearings or anything with a seal), WD40
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Personal regieme is to rinse down with the garden hose on 'shower' setting.
    Spray muc-off all over.
    Wait a minute or two
    Rinse all with the hose again.

    That gets rid of 99% most of the time, if you want more you can use a sponge etc when the muc-off is on there.

    Occasionally I will also spray the chain and cassette with degreaser and shower that off then re-lube.

    The above won't get it super professional 100% clean but I find doing that once a week or after every long ride keeps most of the dirt away.

    Pro tip: Don't do what I did yesterday and spray with muc-off, fail to rinse properly and then go straight out for a ride - no brakes! :shock:
  • Dayz
    Dayz Posts: 33
    I hose it all down to get it wet, spray muc-off all over the bike, and degreaser all over the drive train, let it soak whilst i go get a bucket and sponge, pour some of the same muc-off in the bucket. work on the drive train with a toothbrush like object then go over the bike with a bucket and sponge, once im happy hose it all down, then regrease and relube all the relevant parts.

    If im feeling flash ill go over it all with muc-off speed polish (except the brake areas). I find the more often I do this, the easier the next load of dirt comes off :)
  • russyh
    russyh Posts: 1,375
    I bathe my bike in a vat of milk after every ride. If I use water the carbon bits will melt.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Dayz wrote:
    I find the more often I do this, the easier the next load of dirt comes off :)
    At least it will be clean when you have to change the bearings!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Pro tip: Don't do what I did yesterday and spray with muc-off, fail to rinse properly and then go straight out for a ride - no paint or anodising!

    FTFY

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