9
votes
4answers
450 views

Minimal effort chain cleaning

One of the main reasons I eventually give up my bicycle commute in winter is that keeping my bike -mainly the drivetrain- clean despite all the rain/dirt/salt/hail/snow becomes too much of a time ...
1
vote
3answers
378 views

Spray new bike with teflon to repel dirt and moisture?

I'm getting a new road bike. Would a light spritz of teflon spray help in repelling dirt and moisture? I wouldn't coat it completely, just focus on those dirt collecting areas, the undersides of the ...
3
votes
1answer
410 views

How to clean a bike after muddy/sandy cyclocross race (or mountain bike ride)

What do I need to be concerned with when cleaning my bike after a typical muddy and sandy cyclocross race (Also probably applicable to mountain biking). Particularly, what can be done (in the field) ...
5
votes
6answers
5k views

Homemade bicycle degreaser liquids

Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade bicycle degreaser solution? I'd like to make my own degreaser solution instead of buying one. I have read about using lemon juice and various types of alcohols ...
2
votes
1answer
766 views

How do I clean the inside of a freehub?

I didn't know any better and I let degreaser drip into the freewheel body of my Shimano FH-RM65. Now it makes a terrible retching noise when it rotates. How do I clean the inside of this thing? ...
2
votes
2answers
633 views

Alternative Chain/DriveTrain DeGreasers

My question is whether there is anything "special" about the Bicycle-Specific Branded Chain degreasers or whether the much cheaper alternatives are just as good. I've used the ParkTool CB-2 ...
0
votes
4answers
2k views

Rust on chain and cassette

It looks like rust on my chain and cassette. Both were new 5 months (4000 km) ago. The chain is about 60% worn/stretched. I've been riding 5 days/week, 40 km/day, Toronto on mild winter roads, and ...
2
votes
2answers
635 views

Folding bike cleaning

I just got a Dahon Mu Uno 2011. I am really happy with the bike, but it's my first folding bike and I have noticed how quick it gets dirty. This is probably due to being closer to the ground than most ...
5
votes
2answers
436 views

Cleaning Cable Housing?

I commute about 3600 miles a year and I am able to keep my gears adjusted pretty well. I do find that I get a lot of grime from rainy, muddy conditions, and I think I might be replacing my shift ...
3
votes
3answers
430 views

What's the loss of effective output, with a worn chain?

I was just bought a new fine ultegra chain for 10 speed road race bike. This is actually the first new chain for this not so old bike. I am a fan of statistics, measuring power with a power unit on my ...
3
votes
5answers
386 views

Cycling clothing care products

Given a "standard" cyclist's wardrobe (e.g. paddded shorts, jerseys, moisture-wicking t-shirts and socks--made of blends of lycra, spandex, wool, and other "specialty" fabrics) what special-care ...
1
vote
0answers
133 views

What is a reasonable maintenance routine for a commuter bike? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: How much maintenance? I've purchased a nice hybrid (a Trek Fx) and plan on using it as my daily commuter, maybe averaging 50 miles per week on it. What regular and ...
7
votes
7answers
1k views

Where can I get some rags?

As I'm getting into the habit of cleaning and maintaining my bike more often, I am burning through my stockpile of rags. Up until now I have been using worn-out clothes as rags. I am going to run out ...
17
votes
2answers
907 views

Practical cleaning routine for a commuter bike

I regularly (almost daily) ride my bike, often in bad weather. I mostly ride on roads, but sometimes through parks, forest etc. on unpaved surfaces. My bike is usually rather dirty, at least the lower ...
8
votes
1answer
726 views

How often should I strip my bike down?

How often should I give my bike a full service? Strip the bottom bracket, clean and grease it. Strip the groupset and freewheel. And what products (or type of) should be used for each process? It's ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views

How often should I clean my bike?

How often should I clean my bike? I've used it several times over the summer, but only once in muddy conditions, should I clean it after every ride or once per quarter?
18
votes
2answers
437 views

How to wash a bike properly?

I use my bicycle in a typical urban commute setting. No extreme MTB, but it still accumulates some dust and grime. How should I wash my bicycle?