Questions tagged [cleaning]
A happy bike is a clean bike. How to keep your bike squeaky clean effectively and safely.
6
votes
2answers
155 views
How do I clean the inside of my frame? Is it even necessary?
I'm trying to fix up a bike that has been abandoned outside for a while. When I first turned it upside down, rust brown water started coming out of holes in frame around the rear stays.
I've fixed it ...
1
vote
2answers
148 views
How to remove an older Shimano Hollowtech crank?
I'm getting some creaking in my crank/bottom bracket and a good first step towards fixing this is to remove and clean the cranks and chainrings. If I still have the creaking, the BB is almost ...
8
votes
7answers
2k views
How can I dry a chain?
I've started cleaning my mountain-bike chain more regularly, using this process:
Wash off mud.
Use chain-cleaner tool with de-greaser.
Wash off de-greaser.
Dry chain (see below).
Re-lube with wet ...
5
votes
5answers
437 views
New bicycle for commuting
I'm just retiring my old roadie and looking to buy a new bike, and am torn on what kind to buy.
I cycle 34 miles per day on my commute, down roads and canal towpaths (which are bumpy and have on ...
4
votes
1answer
872 views
Cleaning and lubing bicycle chain with diesel
For last 3 weeks I am using diesel for my cleaning and lubing my bicycle chain, so far I am not facing any problems.
Should I continue this or am I damaging my chains ?
Has anyone else using this ...
0
votes
1answer
91 views
How to clean my full suspension bike [closed]
I have a full suspension canyon neuron and after each wash, I'm finding that just water doesn't cut it. Does anyone know of any good products to use when cleaning my bike? e.g Mucoff.
2
votes
1answer
100 views
Litespeed frame has clear film all over it
I never noticed the film on my Ti frame until it started peeling. What is this? Can I safely remove it? It seems to be flaking off on its own anyway.
2
votes
2answers
92 views
Can mountain bike dirt remaining on different parts for long time damage the bike?
My mountain bike is dirty from dust, mud and oil. Does it do any harm to the parts if I leave it dirty for a few more months - and for the sake of background information - or forever? I can imagine ...
5
votes
3answers
5k views
How to clean disk brakes?
I want to clean my disk brakes and am wondering if it is sufficient to only remove the pads and use water & soap when washing the parts.
If not, is there a list of stuff to avoid when cleaning ...
1
vote
0answers
45 views
Will chain spray evaporate from its can when unused?
My bike chain cleaning spray has evaporated from its can while I stored it in my room after having closed it normally. I have used it only four times. Actually about a half of the bottle should be ...
3
votes
2answers
129 views
I have jetwashed my mountain bike twice… will it cause any damage? [duplicate]
I jet washed my bike around 6 months ago and decided to do it again having got it caked in crap! Only for a mate to tell me how daft I was. Will this have damaged my Carrera Vengeance (I know it’s ...
8
votes
6answers
2k views
Remove lubricant from seat tube and seat post
I recently bought a second hand bike. It rides pretty well, the only nuisance I have is that the previous owner has spread some lubricant on the seat post. I am pretty sure of this because I see on ...
4
votes
2answers
216 views
How to secure a fully carbon (aero) bike when washing/repairing on a stand?
My bike is fully carbon (frame, seatpost, saddle etc...) and I clean it regularly. I have read/heard from multiple sources that you should not clamp carbon materials when using a bike stand. However, ...
3
votes
1answer
199 views
How to clean this Helmet?
My son has that helmet for bicycles. Its brand new and was gifted to him recently. Unfortunately due to my mistake it was left in the backseat of our car and has accumulated some dust/lint which is ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
Why should one clean a chain?
I do understand that this may sound like a troll question but please bear with me.
I've always been a maniac about drive train cleanliness until I got a 11 speed bike and realized I didn't want to ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
Is is safe to use WD40 as a matte paint protector for a carbon bike?
I like to take care of my bicycle and clean it regularly.
After a deep clean I would use Muc-Off Bike Protect to protect and preserve the matte paintwork. This works, but is pretty expensive. I do ...
2
votes
2answers
587 views
Degreaser and oil recommendations for Nexus 8
Morning!
i read a few articles about how to clean and lube the nexus 8, but i didnt found a good degreaser here i can leave my internal hub inside for a hour at least to breakdown the old grease, ...
2
votes
3answers
903 views
What sort of wipes should I use to clean a bike with disposable wipes?
I'm the sort of person who doesn't have time to clean his bike after every ride in the rain. It occurred to me that there are probably 'bike wipes' like there are for everything else these days that ...
3
votes
7answers
767 views
How do I best clean the cog wheels?
Would it be best to take it off first then soak it in soap, or should I use petrol to get the grease off first?
4
votes
4answers
1k views
How to prevent chain looking dirty one ride after cleaning it!
I try and clean my chain regularly and particularly when it's wet or dirty.
Despite my chain looking pristine clean once I have finished it often looks black and oily again after just one commute of ...
10
votes
3answers
3k views
Shared helmet etiquette
We are lucky enough to have four shared bikes at work, which are available for any employee to ride.
Due to NZ compulsory helmet laws, we have to provide some shared helmets.
Some people don't like ...
8
votes
4answers
227 views
Are there big differences in maintenance/care between different types of clipless pedals?
I was reading this article http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/best-road-bike-pedals-33045/
and it talks about maintenance/care with a couple of the pedal options, even mentioning that "...
2
votes
2answers
344 views
Easy Clean Handlebar tape
My white handlebar tape is an absolute nightmare to keep clean even using Sprint Spitfire Spray and I don't have time in my life to keep on top of it. Are there any bar tapes out there that are very ...
5
votes
1answer
208 views
cleaning v-brake arms with riveted inner sleeve
I've got avid single digit 5 v-brakes, those with an inner sleeve riveted into the arm; the sleeve isn't supposed to move around the pivot, the arm itself moves around the sleeve instead. Arguably due ...
0
votes
1answer
458 views
Restoration and upgrading old bike
I have an old Huffy from my uncle that he bought at around the 90s and I'm thinking of restoring it and maybe upgrade some of the parts. But Huffy doesn't seem to have any much information for bikes ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
What to do with a frozen bike?
My bike was outside and it snowed. I thought it was ok because it was undercover but the tarp broke and now my bike is covered in snow.
I had 3 locks on it, 2 of them came off but one is frozen. I ...
1
vote
2answers
191 views
Can I clean out a set of old handlebars with water?
I've bought these bars second hand and would like to clean them out before I use them. Right now they're full of dust, dirt, spiders, etc.
Will it do any damage to run water through them? I'll, of ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Washing a vintage bike—special considerations?
I've watched several tutorials on washing bikes, and the general gist seems to be to use a degreaser on the drivetrain, then wash the rest with soapy water, and don't spray hard when rinsing so water ...
4
votes
3answers
607 views
Cleaning leather bike gloves
I have fingerless leather gloves which are smelling pretty bad and stink my hands up when I wear them. So I've been googling ways to clean them. Most methods seem to need exotic stuff like saddle soap ...
8
votes
6answers
3k views
How do I wash a bike indoors?
There are many sources describing how to wash your bike but all of them are for people who live outside town with a nice garden and a lot of space. Provably most of people live in small flats in a ...
1
vote
2answers
232 views
How to clean sticky brake dust from carbon fiber fork?
After having wiped by Specialized Langster 2017 carbon fiber fork with a water soaked cloth, there's still some sticky brake dust left. How do I remove that without harming the carbon fiber or the ...
9
votes
4answers
1k views
Where do people in Netherlands wash their bikes?
This would seem to be an absurd question, but I would like to know (especially from the Dutch or people staying in Netherlands) where do they clean their bikes? I am talking about:
a) Cleaning bike ...
1
vote
2answers
631 views
Helmet headband is getting wet from sweat [duplicate]
I cycle to work on a daily basis, however I do like to also sweat a lot. Most of this is ok, I have a change of clothes and can managed, but when it comes to my helmet, it's a different story.
There ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
How to remove skid marks from fabric
What is an effective yet safe way to remove skid marks from fabric originating from keeping a bicycle on it?-- The back tire of my bicycle has been standing on a piece of rug and I need to clean the ...
2
votes
2answers
144 views
Power washing a bicycle [duplicate]
I'm moving from the UK to Australia later this year, and shipping most of my stuff, including two bicycles (simply hybrid bikes, nothing fancy).
Australia has strict biosecurity rules about what you ...
14
votes
1answer
677 views
What is a sensible user service schedule for a professional work bike in non loaded applications such as food delivery?
I am now a food delivery boy. I currently check brake and tyre pressure daily by riding. I wipe my chain and brake surfaces weekly. My weekly run is 400 km and 66 hours on road.
As a non mechanic ...
2
votes
1answer
397 views
Ants infestation on bicycle
During the recent trip my road bicycle was mounted on the rack on top of the car, and since I didn't wrap it, nor used the cover, flies and other small insects got stuck on the frame and handlebars. ...
0
votes
1answer
2k views
Disc brakes stop working after a wash [duplicate]
I washed my bike few days ago with soapy water. I didn't directly wash the brakes, but I assume I got some soapy water on them.
Now my disc brakes do not work. I can see that cable is tight enough, ...
4
votes
4answers
811 views
Is it OK to leave my bicycle unlubricated for a day after a hose-down?
I just cleaned my bike with low pressure water but I don't have any lubricant. I left it to dry in my basement with the window left open.
Is there any chance my bike will malfunction or rust before ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
How to safely remove dried tire sealant from a carbon frame?
I have a carbon mountain bike frame with some good sections of tire sealant stuck on it (Stan's specifically). If there an easy and/or safe method for cleaning unicorn juice off without hurting the ...
0
votes
1answer
815 views
How to clean a grimy old bike frame?
It's a 1950s eatons glider , used to be my great uncles. Sat in the garage since the 80s and now it's mine. Finally. Haha , but the paint just won't clean up. I've tried soap and water with a ...
6
votes
5answers
527 views
Why are rear wheels dirtier?
I have noticed that my rear wheel is always considerably muckier than my front one, after a wet commute.
Why should that be? They both travel the same distance and terrain. I assume this is a common ...
2
votes
3answers
209 views
If I am using DRY lube, do I need to clean my chain between applications?
Do I need to clean the chain before reapplying dry lube if I am only using dry lube?
7
votes
2answers
375 views
Bike Washing Steps to know
I would like to wash my bike.
Which cautionary steps should I take?
Which parts of a Bike are water sensitive?
Which steps should I take after bike wash?
5
votes
4answers
527 views
Can Park Tool CG-2.2 kit work with the bike upside down?
I've recently acquired a new bicycle with coaster brake and internally geared hub.
Naturally, I'd like the bike to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the local weather seems to be stuck in "...
0
votes
2answers
760 views
Remove wheel to clean ball bearings
I have heard that one should clean the ball bearing frequently for smooth performance. But how to? ??? I wathed some diy videos which include some tools which I dont have acess to. I want to remove ...
5
votes
2answers
200 views
Cleaning and maintenance
I have a gearless bicycle. I ride it about thrice a week. Its spokes are rusted. Any suggestions to clean the rust?
Also I need some good technique to clean the bicycle with rags and household ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
How to clean sweat-soaked handlebars/handlebar tape?
I just moved to a new apartment in a more humid climate, and while fiddling with my bike trainer setup, I've noticed that my gloves and handlebars are soaked with sweat at the end of a ride on the ...
3
votes
2answers
10k views
Bottom Bracket Lube?
Lately, after my normal wash & lube routine, I've been squirting a little Teflon lube into the bottom bracket hub. I do so without dissembling by inserting the lube straw into the hub crevice. Is ...
4
votes
1answer
174 views
Post cyclo cross race bike cleaning and lubrication for you bottom bracket?
If I wash down my bike after a muddy race cross race or training ride I usually dry everything off and then begin lubricating the chain and sprockets back up once it has dried. The only place I don't ...
