Here's an outline! SUPPLIES: Bucket Soap - You can find "bike soap" (or car soap), but household dish soap is OK 2x sponges ("clean" & "dirty") -- a "car sponge" works Rag (for cleaning between cassette sprockets / removing excess lubricant from chain) Stiff-bristled brushes: x1 for coating bike with degreaser x1 for getting into derailleur & chain rings (thin & narrow) Flat head screwdriver Degreaser Chain lubricant (wet or dry) WD-40 PREP: Put chain on big ring Put bike on work stand, if available. (If not: when front wheel comes off, rest the bike on the fork blades & brakes, and lean it against a wall. This keeps it cleaner). Fill a bucket with soap & HOT water (hot gets rid of grease & oil better.) Put some degreaser into, e.g., a half-water bottle (put into bike bottle holder) DEGREASE: Brush degreaser "liberally" onto chain. (Some say take chain off -- but Simon doesn't think this gets it cleaner, & doesn't like breaking the chain too many times.) With flathead screwdriver, get gunk off jockey wheels; add more degreaser to jockey wheels & chain rings. CLEAN BIKE W/ GENEROUS SOAP & WATER: Using clean sponge: Starting from handlebars, go "backwards & downwards" (i.e. while degreaser is working on the drive train) Using dirty, then clean sponge: Drive train (adding degreaser if necessary) Using narrow brush: Derailleur & chain rings BE SURE ALL DEGREASER IS OFF -- it will defeat any lubricant put on later! Remove front wheel, then rear wheel. Using clean sponge: clean hidden parts of fork & brake callipers. Tires: outside to in. (Note: dirty side walls make a bike look very dirty.) CASSETTE: Brush on more degreaser. Slip edge of a rag between sprockets; wash w/ dirty sponge. Put wheels back on Rinse bike w/ hose (or w/ fresh bucket & clean sponge). For dirty white bar tape, use WD-40 & rag. TUNE UP: Lubricate chain; wipe off excess w/ rag. Spray WD-40 onto derailleurs & brake calipers. Check brake pads. Check tire for anything sharp wedged in carcass; lever it out w/ flathead; glue big holes shut.
3 hours ago I just wanted to learn how to adjust my front derailleur. Now it's in the best condition since I bought it. Goodbye Sunday! Thank you GCN! Great channel.
he lubed the chain, but not the cassettes do i need to lube my cassette with chain lube as well? or should i just shift through all the gears after applying the lube to the chain?
Two additional hints: 1. use cotton clothesline to floss out your freewheel, and 2. Shoe Goo is brilliant for tire gashes. I once picked up a large bent nail that instantly pierced right through my tire, gouged into my rim, and went ka-bang-ka-bang-ka-bang until I managed to stop. I patched the twice-holed tube, put the holed tire back on over it, and filled the bullet hole with Shoe Goo, just as an experiment to see what would happen till I could get to the bike store. Stuff worked so well I didn't bother to replace the tire. In fact I rode on it for two seasons until the tire died of natural causes. Now I always carry a small tube of the Goo on long trips. Great video! Thanks!
Love your videos. Right to the point, no extraneous information, not a lot of gesturing, pleasant backgrounds, not some cluttered dark basement or garage.
This got my bike looking the cleanest it's been since I bought it nearly four years ago! It did take longer than 30 mins though as I had to degrease the chain several times, nail brushes worked a treat! Thanks very much
Hi GCN. Thanks for the video :) My technique is a little different from yours: 1) Piece of an old T-shirt works great instead of a sponge. 2) You can use the brush with degreaser to brush the teeth of the crank to remove gunk. Putting the brush in one spot and rotating the crank backwards is the easiest method for me. 3) After the degreaser has soaked in and done it's job, I use the hose set to a pencil shaped beam to spray out the gunk from the chain, cassette, crank and derailleurs. With the chain, I put the hose in one spot and rotate the crank backwards. WRT the cassette, I try to spray only the teeth and not the cassette body to reduce water entry. Wiping everything down afterwards with the soapy T-shirt shows very little gunk left.
I sucked it up, bought degreaser and lube, did it pretty much exactly here, except I didn't have a bike stand. Took me 4 hours because I haven't cleaned my bike since I got it 3 years ago. I'm sure the next time I do it will be much less time. Thank you!
I used automotive brake cleaner spray on my cassette, it was amazing, the grease and oil came right off the cassette like it was nothing, leaving it spotless and shiny clean I couldnt believe it. $2 at walmart
Cheers chaps, just avoided an expensive trip to local bike shop and tons of MucOff goods; used soapy water, degreaser, and wet lube too. Shiny bike now.
Completely agree about not removing chain. Furthermore, I believe using degreaser washes out the oil in the links and bushings, so I never use it. What I do is use chain oil to clean the chain then wipe most of it off. The dirt comes of with the oil leaving an acceptably clean chain
Best tips as usual, only one who actually did the cleaning hands on instead of bunch of expensive gadgets and machines. Take off the wheels and clean that properly. Thank you Sir! 🙌
Simon, I didn't think I would ever come across anyone who was more anally-retentive about bike cleanliness as as I am, but in watching this video I just have. Don't worry, that's a good thing! Personally, I lick the degreaser off my rear dérailleur for maximum cleanliness. Actually I don't, but it's maybe worth a try. Great video.
Brilliant video except for things and a tip. Firstly, as a car enthusiastic and an owner of two vintage cars, and as someone who cleans said cars himself, I would suggest you stay away from dish washing liquid. That stuff is abrasive and is a degreaser itself. If your bike has clear coat paint, it will strip it right off in time and leave you with a dull looking bike. If you are going to invest in something as expensive as these mid and high end bikes, then you might as well invest in the best cleaning products. This is why I only use car cleaning products - they are designed to protect your paint. Personally I use only Meguiars but there are other brilliant products like Mothers. Also, because of their high quality concentrated nature, you only need to use bits at a time. A single bottle of Shampoo will last you a long time. Its a bit costly but its an investment that protects your other investments. Secondly, ditch the sponge and use Micro Fibre Cloths ...less chance of scratching your bike! And for the tip, go to the auto shop and you will get nice brushes ..originally designed to get between the spokes of car wheels ...they work a treat!
After riding my roadbike (roadbikes in general) for over 3 years now I am finally starting to pay more attention and invest some time to properly set up and clean my bike(s) :-) What I love about the video: the dirty white handlebar tape!!! :D ...I am not the only one...
Top Tip : when you clean your back wheel, cassette : lean away from the hub so no degreaser can get into the hub .... for the rest, I work the same way and works fine !
There are some really useful tips in this video but I wouldn't spray the brake clipers for fear of contaminating the rims and tyres, I normally apply some oil to a cloth and wipe the calipers. I also use a hosed spray to very gently oil the pivots.
Great video. I'm really worried though about so liberally painting on the degreaser, what about some if that leaking into the hub and bottom bracket and even into the jockey wheel bearings? Or is that needless paranoia?
I have now watched all cleaningvideos so many times, they are by far the best videos. I mean my bike is clean and I know exactly how to do it, I just love clean bikes!
I would council against washing up liquid - it has a very high salt content which will aid rusting process! I suggest car shampoo which has a wax content which will help protect the paintwork whilst getting rid of road dirt and grease.
Nah don't use car shampoo, as you correctly said it's got wax and leaves a light film on what you wash. No good if you're cleaning a bike with disc brakes! Use bike specific stuff.
Generally speaking excellent. A few things I learned. 1) Get your hot soapy water and sponges together before you hit the degreaser because you're going to get that black gunk on you and one's Significant Other might not like you coming inside for those bits with grease monkey hands.... 2) WTF are you doing spraying WD -40 on the brake calipers?! With the wheel in place! Whoa Whoa Whoa! IMHO that is the most insane thing ever. Oil on the pads, oil on the tire? No, just NO. A drop or two of Tri-Flow in the joints is my jam. (But for all I know you did this just to get a reaction - it worked)
I clean my car quite regularly and have a lot of decent products for doing so. I was watching this video and trying to see if I'd need any specialist products for a bike. I was quite enjoying the video right up to the point where you sprayed WD40 on the brakes...
GCN,I have tip for you on cleaning white bar tape. If it is still good, you can uses wesley's white wall tire cleaner and a scrub brush. It works great. It makes it like brand new, pearl white again. just rinse. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Great videos. I followed the steps completely, and for the most part they were spot on. I did try the brush to the chain with degreaser, but decided to use my PT Chain Cleaner (with spinning brushes and foam squeegie), it does a more thorough job.
I love white bar tape. I use simple green and a small sponge or rag that I can wrap around the bars in my hand. It's pretty much the same approach you take with your chain. As for the tires I use a safety pin and pluck out any unwanted pieces of glass and debris.
If you can't get enough of cleaning your own bike, for a quarter I can let you wash mine. And this month only, pay just one dollar and get to do 6 cleanings!
Might i add that its also a very good idea to wax your bike regularly. Most bike paints have a clearcoat over em so its safe to wax. Makes getting grease and dirt off the paint a lot easier.
You should try the two-bucket method. One for hot soapy water, the other for rinsing your sponge or rag. Otherwise, you are wringing out your dirty sponge in your soapy water and then washing your bike with water that gets dirtier and dirtier as you go.
Thanks for the great videos. Your presenting, editing and production values are fantastic. One question: towards the end, why does Si spray WD40 on the deraileurs and brake calipers? I thought WD40 was a lubrican, therefore not good for brake surfaces?
B1uenose2009 You certainly don't want to try to get WD40 on brake surfaces, although it actually doesn't seem to matter too much if you do. Brake calipers can seize up though so it's a good idea to look after the pivots on them, and WD40 does that job nicely.
I've found Clorox disinfecting wipes do a fantastic job of cleaning up grimy bar tape, and can restore your white bar tape to almost new condition. This doesn't appear to rot out the bar tape either--you'll still get your 8-12 months' use out of a roll.
Josh Winn as long as it doesnt touch the Actual rubber or the rim (sorry dont know the exact word for it, i'm German) it won't be a problem, but helps with an easier Breaking.. I do the same, but wash over the breaking component afterwards
There is absolutely no issues with spraying WD40 on the brake calliper as well as any moving mechanical component such as the front and rear derailleur. WD40 is the best multi purpose spray lube on the market always has been always will be. If it works great on door hinges it works fine on bikes.
TomCoppell the good old 40 has to be used right. It is a degreaser, not a lubricant. To get grease off of parts to clean them is alright, as long as after you clean it you put the lubricants needed back on after washing out all the 40, otherwise it impedes the lubricants ability to stick and perform nominal. It does lubricate a little, not nearly as well as the normal stuff. For parts that move that also don't need grease or traditional lubricants, 40 works well. Since it can be used as a lubricant. you should keep it away from any breaking surfaces at all cost. This includes brake pads, and rim with rim brakes, and brake pads again, and the rotor with dick breaks. Never use 40 as a lubricant on the chain, derailleur cassette, chain rings, or anything drivetrain. yes it get rid of the rat noises but ultimately breaks down your drivetrain significantly.
I used to use just washing up and something similar to WD40. Then 3 years I got for free a small set of brushes, citrus degreaser for the bike and ptfe. I noticed that: 1) The chain was way smoother even on entry level Shimano Sora 2) The chain started wearing out way less. 3) Cables stayed nice, flexible and shiny for longer. 4) STI levers were smoothers. 5) Disks and disk pads stopped making massive noises. Since then I bought a bigger kit to wash the bike and I use only ptfe and lithium grease specific for the bike. The cost per year is roughly 60 to 80 euro and I wash my two bikes either every 100 Km or after any rainy / muddy ride. Unless you live somewhere that is very sunny and warm I'd suggest to dry the bike throughly, especially around the fork, seat tube and axles. If you have access to a air compressor that is by far the best way.
Very nice video!! By the way I think there are 2 things you could have done better, correct me if I'm wrong. 1) Use Cif for the handle bar tape, it works great 2) Why don't You spray the wd 40 on the mechs and calipers before you install the wheels? I think any oil on tyres or braking surfaces could be bad for your safety
To clean bar tape: take a scoup of washing powder and stir it into a cup or two of hot water. I use a scourer to give it a bit of a scrub brings it up almost like new
It takes the same amount of time to clean a "clean" bike and a dirty one... As long as both are properly maintained. I wash my MTB every week. It doesn't go onto trails often these days. But when it does, it will get caked on with everything nature throws at it. That doesn't change at all the time it takes to clean it. Because it's regularly clean, nothing on it gets baked on and stuck. Now if you're talking about some incredibly dirty bike that hasn't been washed for years... That's not cleaning, that's restoring. You cannot clean those bikes. The frame alone will have embedded dirt that can't be washed off. You'll have to use claybars and even machine polish it out. Each piece needs a thorough check and replaced/repaired. I've done this multiple times because I detail my own cars and friends'/families' as a hobby (btw the same rule apply to cars) so when I got into cycling, some friends and families were encouraged to get back into it. But their bikes have been sitting idle for years. So I took them in one by one to be restored back to looking new. Yes, one bike takes a shit load of products, tools and about several hours to do. That's not cleaning.
Hi guys! One of the things we don’t mention is once you’re done with washing your bike, all the tools that were used to degrease your chain including brushes go into a bucket of water... next day it still feels sticky so I am wondering what’s the quick way to remove this stubborn grease? Thanks
what about the water, how do you dry it off, i'm afraid i might make the bearings in the hub rust or the gears oh and forgot chain? How do you dry the water out correctly I don't want to make my bike rust. Also if i use a hose to wash the soap out, how to i water it so it doesn't get to the bearings and gears(or chain)?
Enjoyed that video, thanks. With some car detailing experience I'm going to be two bucket method, snow foam pre wash, Bilt Hamber Surfex HD for degreaser, might even wax the frame for aerodynamic / I like to caress my bike purposes 😂. Nice to see what I can get wet and soapy and what not to. Thanks
I still personally find it better to use the chain lube on the pivot points on deraileurs/calipers/levers/pedals. Also, I service my hubs every three months, just because I had a road bike that lasted six months before the hubs got rusted shitless x3 Great video, have recommended to at least eleven people to watch your channel, and keep making more! Also, do a video of lubes/degreasers/greases to steer away from and ones to use, in terms of performance, quality and longevity. I really, really want to know what you think of certain lubes! I just got some TF2 Lithium grease and want to know if that's decent?
I live in an apartment building in the city with no backyard. How do I clean my bike here? I can't soup it thouroughly let alone rinse it with water afterward.
Hasse Hardcore I used to wash my bicycle in the shower too. I take my wheels and chain off. Wash the chain in the sink. Give the wheels and cassette a good low pressure wash in the tub. Then put my frame in there with low pressure water and just wash with soap. It works, if anyone is wondering. I did this on a regular basis so scrubbing grease off the floor was not an issue.
Love this video! Please post how to clean disc-equipped road bike in 30 minutes! Everyone is talking about contamination contamination..... so how to clean the disc brake bike like in this one? Is it ok some degreaser sprayed on the disc/ rotor? Is it ok some soapy water sprayed on the disc/rotor? after a thorough clean, what should you use to clean the disc/rotor or do you need to dry it? Use a very clean towel or just use a relatively clean sponge? So many questions, please post a video! Thanks.
+Ray Yu brake cleaner or isopropylen works fine with rotors. it can help on the pads. if they got oily. when brakes still suck, mount new pads. soapy water dont affect the brakes. dont worry to much. worst thing for a bike is to keep it day in, day out, outside in the weather. or store it in moisty cellars or garages. best thing is to have it dry and clean in the living room. :) did this for years.
Every bike cleaning vid I've watched has said something to the effect of "Don't get water in/on the bearings when you're rinsing off", but being a noob, I've really no clue where these preicous bearings are/what the big issue is. Can someone advise? Cheers.
There are bearings in the fork where it pivots, the wheel hubs, and the derailleurs. If water gets into them, it can force out the grease that's in there, which is a problem because they need that grease to rotate smoothly.
I found that spraying the white bar tape with degreaser does clean it quite effectively. Especially when it got dirty with grease after replacing a tire.
Quick tip - been doing the glue on tyre nicks and cuts for a while now, but I recently happened on what I think is a far better solution in Gorilla Glue 'Super Glue' which is like other super glue's but its got rubber incorporated in it and going by my experience it makes a far better longer lasting repair... oh and you get 2 tubes for the price of one
Really good except for the WD-40 advice. If your bike has ALUMINUM parts the WD-40 will cause the ALUMINUM to oxidize. Oxidize is just a fancy word for RUST. Aluminum rust will not look like Iron rust. However moving ALUMINUM parts can and will FREEZE UP. Basically WD-40 displaces water and can soak into IRON BASED metals. It is not really a lubricant as most people tend to believe. I know I believed that for a very long time. If you use WD-40 on your ALUMINIUM parts, for cleaning, be sure to thoroughly remove it by cleaning and then lightly lubricate with a quality lubricant. WD-40 isn't actually a true lubricant. WD stands for "water displacing" and its main use is as a solvent or rust dissolver.The lubricant-like properties of WD-40 come not from the substance itself, but from dissolving components. And the effect doesn't last.WD-40 can be a good substance to start with - it can help clean up rust or other grime. But depending on what you're working with, you should probably follow up WD-40 with use of a true lubricant such as one based on silicone, grease, Teflon, or graphite. WD-40 can wash dirt into a bike chain, ruining the chain and taking out the gears along with it. Stay away, cyclists.
+Glenn Fannin aluminium corrodes, not rusts. Aluminium is also not ferric unless it is in an alu-iron alloy. But graphite or teflon lubricants are advised
Aluminum can react with oxygen, which is known as oxidizing. aka Aluminum oxide. Much in the same way as iron oxidizes, aka ferric oxide. "Rust" is just a nickname of oxidation almost to the point where it is synonymous so technically he is not wrong in saying that. But neither are you as oxidation is a corrosion mechanism, just usually referred to as oxidation when oxygen is involved.
Actually oxidation doesn't need to directly involve oxygen but you're right. Metal oxides are just called rust since it's easier to understand in common language.
A relatively cheap alternative to washing up liquid is car washing soap -- safer for metal, plastic and CF. You can also find soaps that wax as well which helps keep the frame cleaner.
A tip to removing gunk from white bar tape (assuming your are not using really cheap bar tape). Spray it with pledge or simple green (if it is really dirty), then wipe clean with a terry cloth towel. Alternatively, buy Fizik tape and just wipe it off once a week.
+Jamie Mackereth Totally agree. It should be noted that both are a degreasant so should be used carefully, check the manufacturers web sites, they will therefore remove grease from derailiers and chains.
Hey Simon, a tip for cleaning the white handle tape, assuming its cork or leather, lizard skin or that microtex synthetic stuff, is to use Johnson's Pledge Lemon - it's works a treat ! Try it less elbow grease than WD40 and way more effective! Interested though to know what others use? N.B. And WD40 on my BMC SLR 01 - hell no......no no no ... It's just so wrong - on any level :-)
Something I picked up from my lbs - Always use dry lube and reapply it every ride/every other ride. Unless you plan on doing a century in the pouring rain, wet lube tends to be overkill.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Here's an outline!
SUPPLIES:
Bucket
Soap - You can find "bike soap" (or car soap), but household dish soap is OK
2x sponges ("clean" & "dirty") -- a "car sponge" works
Rag (for cleaning between cassette sprockets / removing excess lubricant from chain)
Stiff-bristled brushes:
x1 for coating bike with degreaser
x1 for getting into derailleur & chain rings (thin & narrow)
Flat head screwdriver
Degreaser
Chain lubricant (wet or dry)
WD-40
PREP:
Put chain on big ring
Put bike on work stand, if available. (If not: when front wheel comes off, rest the bike on the fork blades & brakes, and lean it against a wall. This keeps it cleaner).
Fill a bucket with soap & HOT water (hot gets rid of grease & oil better.)
Put some degreaser into, e.g., a half-water bottle (put into bike bottle holder)
DEGREASE:
Brush degreaser "liberally" onto chain. (Some say take chain off -- but Simon doesn't think this gets it cleaner, & doesn't like breaking the chain too many times.)
With flathead screwdriver, get gunk off jockey wheels; add more degreaser to jockey wheels & chain rings.
CLEAN BIKE W/ GENEROUS SOAP & WATER:
Using clean sponge: Starting from handlebars, go "backwards & downwards" (i.e. while degreaser is working on the drive train)
Using dirty, then clean sponge: Drive train (adding degreaser if necessary)
Using narrow brush: Derailleur & chain rings
BE SURE ALL DEGREASER IS OFF -- it will defeat any lubricant put on later!
Remove front wheel, then rear wheel. Using clean sponge: clean hidden parts of fork & brake callipers.
Tires: outside to in. (Note: dirty side walls make a bike look very dirty.)
CASSETTE: Brush on more degreaser. Slip edge of a rag between sprockets; wash w/ dirty sponge.
Put wheels back on
Rinse bike w/ hose (or w/ fresh bucket & clean sponge).
For dirty white bar tape, use WD-40 & rag.
TUNE UP:
Lubricate chain; wipe off excess w/ rag.
Spray WD-40 onto derailleurs & brake calipers.
Check brake pads.
Check tire for anything sharp wedged in carcass; lever it out w/ flathead; glue big holes shut.
you need way more recognition thanks
Great, thanks
Thank you captain ! A much needed summary !
Do you have any recommendations on decreasor?
Isn't wd40 a degreaser
3 hours ago I just wanted to learn how to adjust my front derailleur. Now it's in the best condition since I bought it. Goodbye Sunday! Thank you GCN! Great channel.
gay
Literally me
@@outsidethepyramid congrats on coming out.
@@depfeffel6455 lol
@@outsidethepyramid 😉😂
I want a full hour real-time bike clean, 'slow tv' style. Watching someone else clean is so satisfying and relaxing.
Look up ASMR.
@@_rcs no some people don't need people whispering and sexually touching materials near the microphone just a normal video will do!
stuff needed
0:20 bucket with soapy (kitchen liquid) hot water and sponge
0:26 degreaser
0:37 brush
1:05 flat head screw driver
1:34 2x sponges
2:52 stiff-bristled brush
5:00 rag
7:17 wet lube
7:34 WD 40
check @Andrew Grandman comment for indepth supplies details
he lubed the chain, but not the cassettes
do i need to lube my cassette with chain lube as well?
or should i just shift through all the gears after applying the lube to the chain?
Two additional hints: 1. use cotton clothesline to floss out your freewheel, and 2. Shoe Goo is brilliant for tire gashes.
I once picked up a large bent nail that instantly pierced right through my tire, gouged into my rim, and went ka-bang-ka-bang-ka-bang until I managed to stop. I patched the twice-holed tube, put the holed tire back on over it, and filled the bullet hole with Shoe Goo, just as an experiment to see what would happen till I could get to the bike store.
Stuff worked so well I didn't bother to replace the tire. In fact I rode on it for two seasons until the tire died of natural causes. Now I always carry a small tube of the Goo on long trips.
Great video! Thanks!
Love your videos. Right to the point, no extraneous information, not a lot of gesturing, pleasant backgrounds, not some cluttered dark basement or garage.
no expensive tools or gadgets
This got my bike looking the cleanest it's been since I bought it nearly four years ago! It did take longer than 30 mins though as I had to degrease the chain several times, nail brushes worked a treat! Thanks very much
Hi GCN. Thanks for the video :) My technique is a little different from yours: 1) Piece of an old T-shirt works great instead of a sponge. 2) You can use the brush with degreaser to brush the teeth of the crank to remove gunk. Putting the brush in one spot and rotating the crank backwards is the easiest method for me. 3) After the degreaser has soaked in and done it's job, I use the hose set to a pencil shaped beam to spray out the gunk from the chain, cassette, crank and derailleurs. With the chain, I put the hose in one spot and rotate the crank backwards. WRT the cassette, I try to spray only the teeth and not the cassette body to reduce water entry. Wiping everything down afterwards with the soapy T-shirt shows very little gunk left.
Aside from that last act of W40 on the components and brakes, I loved the rest of the process...
Yeah omg, if you did that with a disc brake, I'm pretty sure it would be screeching forever.
Just because disc is a shitty system. @@jakebailey146
All of your videos are helping and making me Interested to watch everyday, even in the morning while drinking coffee!
Thanks Kerr, keep it up!
I sucked it up, bought degreaser and lube, did it pretty much exactly here, except I didn't have a bike stand. Took me 4 hours because I haven't cleaned my bike since I got it 3 years ago. I'm sure the next time I do it will be much less time. Thank you!
I used automotive brake cleaner spray on my cassette, it was amazing, the grease and oil came right off the cassette like it was nothing, leaving it spotless and shiny clean I couldnt believe it. $2 at walmart
that is what my bike guy said also; havent used it as it snowed last night
Cheers chaps, just avoided an expensive trip to local bike shop and tons of MucOff goods; used soapy water, degreaser, and wet lube too. Shiny bike now.
I'm pretty new to this, but I've found that using 550 cord/para cord works really well on the cassette and other tight spots.
Completely agree about not removing chain. Furthermore, I believe using degreaser washes out the oil in the links and bushings, so I never use it. What I do is use chain oil to clean the chain then wipe most of it off. The dirt comes of with the oil leaving an acceptably clean chain
Best tips as usual, only one who actually did the cleaning hands on instead of bunch of expensive gadgets and machines. Take off the wheels and clean that properly. Thank you Sir! 🙌
I don't even have a bike yet, but i'm already motivated to clean it. Thanks! :D
"Scrubbling Bubbles" works on white bar tape & hoods. I use it all the time.
Good vid! Thnx Simon.
Simon, I didn't think I would ever come across anyone who was more anally-retentive about bike cleanliness as as I am, but in watching this video I just have. Don't worry, that's a good thing! Personally, I lick the degreaser off my rear dérailleur for maximum cleanliness. Actually I don't, but it's maybe worth a try. Great video.
Brilliant video except for things and a tip. Firstly, as a car enthusiastic and an owner of two vintage cars, and as someone who cleans said cars himself, I would suggest you stay away from dish washing liquid. That stuff is abrasive and is a degreaser itself. If your bike has clear coat paint, it will strip it right off in time and leave you with a dull looking bike. If you are going to invest in something as expensive as these mid and high end bikes, then you might as well invest in the best cleaning products. This is why I only use car cleaning products - they are designed to protect your paint. Personally I use only Meguiars but there are other brilliant products like Mothers. Also, because of their high quality concentrated nature, you only need to use bits at a time. A single bottle of Shampoo will last you a long time. Its a bit costly but its an investment that protects your other investments. Secondly, ditch the sponge and use Micro Fibre Cloths ...less chance of scratching your bike! And for the tip, go to the auto shop and you will get nice brushes ..originally designed to get between the spokes of car wheels ...they work a treat!
This video is strangely soothing
After riding my roadbike (roadbikes in general) for over 3 years now I am finally starting to pay more attention and invest some time to properly set up and clean my bike(s) :-)
What I love about the video: the dirty white handlebar tape!!! :D ...I am not the only one...
Fill your tub with degreaser, put the bike and then, wait for about 5 minutes. Then, throw it into a lake!
I tried, it worked
Loll
Lol it works
my tub is too small :(
isn’t that pollution
This is honestly one of the best channels on UA-cam! These vids are invaluable :)
Top Tip : when you clean your back wheel, cassette : lean away from the hub so no degreaser can get into the hub .... for the rest, I work the same way and works fine !
A timeless Video in my opinion. I just purchased my first expensive bike ...and this is great for reference
There are some really useful tips in this video but I wouldn't spray the brake clipers for fear of contaminating the rims and tyres, I normally apply some oil to a cloth and wipe the calipers. I also use a hosed spray to very gently oil the pivots.
Years struggling with different bike cleaning products and brushes.. just tried your way, the best result! Thank you so much😀
Great video. I'm really worried though about so liberally painting on the degreaser, what about some if that leaking into the hub and bottom bracket and even into the jockey wheel bearings? Or is that needless paranoia?
During this very informative video, I was also astounded by how naturally cool your voice sounds.
Dude that view is majestic!
You mean his under pants?
New condition is better than Run down conditions. Keep up the great work :3
I can't get over how tiny his T-shirt is.
😂😂😂
Just looks outwashed thats all
Isn't that how they do it in France?
Looks like a child’s medium
Thinking 2000s atyle
I have now watched all cleaningvideos so many times, they are by far the best videos. I mean my bike is clean and I know exactly how to do it, I just love clean bikes!
The wd-40 directly on the brakes at the end is crazy.
This is exactly the video I need to clean my manky old bike that's getting fixed. Thank you.
You must spray the bike down first, or you scratch and grind the dirt into the paint. Good vid overall
Very thorough. Best part of the vid: 6:57.
You’re actually cleaning your bike...I need to step up my game 🙌🏻
I would council against washing up liquid - it has a very high salt content which will aid rusting process! I suggest car shampoo which has a wax content which will help protect the paintwork whilst getting rid of road dirt and grease.
Nah don't use car shampoo, as you correctly said it's got wax and leaves a light film on what you wash. No good if you're cleaning a bike with disc brakes! Use bike specific stuff.
Generally speaking excellent. A few things I learned. 1) Get your hot soapy water and sponges together before you hit the degreaser because you're going to get that black gunk on you and one's Significant Other might not like you coming inside for those bits with grease monkey hands.... 2) WTF are you doing spraying WD -40 on the brake calipers?! With the wheel in place! Whoa Whoa Whoa! IMHO that is the most insane thing ever. Oil on the pads, oil on the tire? No, just NO. A drop or two of Tri-Flow in the joints is my jam. (But for all I know you did this just to get a reaction - it worked)
I clean my car quite regularly and have a lot of decent products for doing so. I was watching this video and trying to see if I'd need any specialist products for a bike. I was quite enjoying the video right up to the point where you sprayed WD40 on the brakes...
Si really loves to go flying out of his bike when he brakes lmao
If anyone is wondering. The degreaser is made by Juice Lubes, and the brushes are made by Finish Line. The brush set is fantastic by the way!
Great vid, you missed a belt loop, in your jeans.🤣
Andrew Baines lol that’s funny how you caught that
GCN,I have tip for you on cleaning white bar tape. If it is still good, you can uses wesley's white wall tire cleaner and a scrub brush. It works great. It makes it like brand new, pearl white again. just rinse. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
you could use one of those magic erasers on the bar tape, they work pretty well for everything else!
No! Those magic erasers are abrasive and will strip the surfaces of paint, coatings, polymer components, and other items.
MXFLD “On the bar tape” would be the key words you seemed to miss.
You guys are something else! This is the best channel ever!
Nice, the handlebars & brakes are covered in WD40...
i know right lol
Peter Bartley LOL. Yes I was thinking the same - all over the pads and rim
@@Neadlemeyer WD40 makes you go faster! Who needs brakes?
You forgot the tire shine!
@@iann23 😅😅😁
Great videos. I followed the steps completely, and for the most part they were spot on. I did try the brush to the chain with degreaser, but decided to use my PT Chain Cleaner (with spinning brushes and foam squeegie), it does a more thorough job.
I love white bar tape. I use simple green and a small sponge or rag that I can wrap around the bars in my hand. It's pretty much the same approach you take with your chain. As for the tires I use a safety pin and pluck out any unwanted pieces of glass and debris.
love cleaning my bike i dunno why its just chilling
If you can't get enough of cleaning your own bike, for a quarter I can let you wash mine. And this month only, pay just one dollar and get to do 6 cleanings!
Might i add that its also a very good idea to wax your bike regularly. Most bike paints have a clearcoat over em so its safe to wax. Makes getting grease and dirt off the paint a lot easier.
You should try the two-bucket method. One for hot soapy water, the other for rinsing your sponge or rag. Otherwise, you are wringing out your dirty sponge in your soapy water and then washing your bike with water that gets dirtier and dirtier as you go.
I love this channel even though I mountain bike there are some stuff in common! You guys are comedians, rock on!!!!!
Thanks for the great videos. Your presenting, editing and production values are fantastic. One question: towards the end, why does Si spray WD40 on the deraileurs and brake calipers? I thought WD40 was a lubrican, therefore not good for brake surfaces?
B1uenose2009 You certainly don't want to try to get WD40 on brake surfaces, although it actually doesn't seem to matter too much if you do. Brake calipers can seize up though so it's a good idea to look after the pivots on them, and WD40 does that job nicely.
Global Cycling Network cheers that's really helpful. Thanks for the reply!
I've found Clorox disinfecting wipes do a fantastic job of cleaning up grimy bar tape, and can restore your white bar tape to almost new condition. This doesn't appear to rot out the bar tape either--you'll still get your 8-12 months' use out of a roll.
Was a really good vid till you sprayed WD40 on the brakes.
Josh Winn as long as it doesnt touch the Actual rubber or the rim (sorry dont know the exact word for it, i'm German) it won't be a problem, but helps with an easier Breaking.. I do the same, but wash over the breaking component afterwards
Shimano sells its Wetlube in a Spraycan, i'd recommend using that instead of Wd-40 to gain an actual lubing effect without harming components
There is absolutely no issues with spraying WD40 on the brake calliper as well as any moving mechanical component such as the front and rear derailleur. WD40 is the best multi purpose spray lube on the market always has been always will be. If it works great on door hinges it works fine on bikes.
TomCoppell the good old 40 has to be used right. It is a degreaser, not a lubricant. To get grease off of parts to clean them is alright, as long as after you clean it you put the lubricants needed back on after washing out all the 40, otherwise it impedes the lubricants ability to stick and perform nominal. It does lubricate a little, not nearly as well as the normal stuff. For parts that move that also don't need grease or traditional lubricants, 40 works well. Since it can be used as a lubricant. you should keep it away from any breaking surfaces at all cost. This includes brake pads, and rim with rim brakes, and brake pads again, and the rotor with dick breaks. Never use 40 as a lubricant on the chain, derailleur cassette, chain rings, or anything drivetrain. yes it get rid of the rat noises but ultimately breaks down your drivetrain significantly.
and when he cut of some peces of the tire and the breaks
I used to use just washing up and something similar to WD40. Then 3 years I got for free a small set of brushes, citrus degreaser for the bike and ptfe. I noticed that:
1) The chain was way smoother even on entry level Shimano Sora
2) The chain started wearing out way less.
3) Cables stayed nice, flexible and shiny for longer.
4) STI levers were smoothers.
5) Disks and disk pads stopped making massive noises.
Since then I bought a bigger kit to wash the bike and I use only ptfe and lithium grease specific for the bike. The cost per year is roughly 60 to 80 euro and I wash my two bikes either every 100 Km or after any rainy / muddy ride.
Unless you live somewhere that is very sunny and warm I'd suggest to dry the bike throughly, especially around the fork, seat tube and axles. If you have access to a air compressor that is by far the best way.
Very nice video!! By the way I think there are 2 things you could have done better, correct me if I'm wrong.
1) Use Cif for the handle bar tape, it works great
2) Why don't You spray the wd 40 on the mechs and calipers before you install the wheels? I think any oil on tyres or braking surfaces could be bad for your safety
Agree on point 2 (not tried point 1! :) )
To clean bar tape: take a scoup of washing powder and stir it into a cup or two of hot water. I use a scourer to give it a bit of a scrub brings it up almost like new
It would add credibility if the bike was dirty to begin with.
Exactly!
Here you can see a dirty bike getting washed
ua-cam.com/video/w6YOQRTIwj4/v-deo.html
It goes both ways though. His bike is so clean because he does this frequently
@@LetsUseLogic131 and this is why he's finished in 30min too
It takes the same amount of time to clean a "clean" bike and a dirty one... As long as both are properly maintained.
I wash my MTB every week. It doesn't go onto trails often these days. But when it does, it will get caked on with everything nature throws at it. That doesn't change at all the time it takes to clean it. Because it's regularly clean, nothing on it gets baked on and stuck.
Now if you're talking about some incredibly dirty bike that hasn't been washed for years... That's not cleaning, that's restoring. You cannot clean those bikes. The frame alone will have embedded dirt that can't be washed off. You'll have to use claybars and even machine polish it out. Each piece needs a thorough check and replaced/repaired. I've done this multiple times because I detail my own cars and friends'/families' as a hobby (btw the same rule apply to cars) so when I got into cycling, some friends and families were encouraged to get back into it. But their bikes have been sitting idle for years. So I took them in one by one to be restored back to looking new. Yes, one bike takes a shit load of products, tools and about several hours to do. That's not cleaning.
New to road cycling I've found this channel amazing. Thanks :)
Hi guys! One of the things we don’t mention is once you’re done with washing your bike, all the tools that were used to degrease your chain including brushes go into a bucket of water... next day it still feels sticky so I am wondering what’s the quick way to remove this stubborn grease? Thanks
Perhaps use the degreaser? Let me know if that helps. I know people use white spirit to take paint off brushes.
Man, this is an excellent video. I have a road bike that needs proper cleaning. Degreaser, sponges, brush - tra la la la la!
what about the water, how do you dry it off, i'm afraid i might make the bearings in the hub rust or the gears oh and forgot chain? How do you dry the water out correctly I don't want to make my bike rust. Also if i use a hose to wash the soap out, how to i water it so it doesn't get to the bearings and gears(or chain)?
thanks
I use an air tank.
Use a water displacement thing like mo 94 wd40
Enjoyed that video, thanks. With some car detailing experience I'm going to be two bucket method, snow foam pre wash, Bilt Hamber Surfex HD for degreaser, might even wax the frame for aerodynamic / I like to caress my bike purposes 😂. Nice to see what I can get wet and soapy and what not to. Thanks
I still personally find it better to use the chain lube on the pivot points on deraileurs/calipers/levers/pedals. Also, I service my hubs every three months, just because I had a road bike that lasted six months before the hubs got rusted shitless x3 Great video, have recommended to at least eleven people to watch your channel, and keep making more! Also, do a video of lubes/degreasers/greases to steer away from and ones to use, in terms of performance, quality and longevity. I really, really want to know what you think of certain lubes! I just got some TF2 Lithium grease and want to know if that's decent?
How do you 'service' your hubs?!
Great video.....I plan on cleaning my bike for the first time!!!!
7:40 - did he just spray wd-40 on the brakes? As far as I know, you can't brake with lubricated brakes? o.O
I think he lubricated the brake calipers, NOT the brake pads.
Dave E No, he just sprayed the entire thing lmfao.
Yes i had the same observation
Sure, it stops them from squealing.
@@disgruntledtoons lmaooo
Is just an enjoyment to watch you clean up the bike
Wd 40 is a very thin penetration liquid. It can be used as a degreaser. Not sure as a lubricant
Agreed, and I also question spraying it on breaks where it could get on the pads
Good idea thank you 🙏🏽
Yes this is the best bike channel
Legend has it that when Simon's rear wheel starts spinning it never stops
Q-tips for the jockey wheels work great. I flatten the tips with pliers and use them to get stubborn gunk in the cassette too.
Can't believe you turned your back on fellow WD40 disciples Simon! :)
Don't worry Andrew Bedford - the 5 minute clean is his regular.
Always enjoy GCN videos, thank you.
I live in an apartment building in the city with no backyard. How do I clean my bike here? I can't soup it thouroughly let alone rinse it with water afterward.
largo303 local car wash maybe? (not a drive-through one!).
Good idea. I'll try it and see how people react :-)
largo303 you could always use your shower, just make sure to clean up properly afterwards.
Hasse Hardcore I used to wash my bicycle in the shower too. I take my wheels and chain off. Wash the chain in the sink. Give the wheels and cassette a good low pressure wash in the tub. Then put my frame in there with low pressure water and just wash with soap. It works, if anyone is wondering. I did this on a regular basis so scrubbing grease off the floor was not an issue.
largo303 JUST put it in the washing machine mate
Ive just found your channel earlier and pretty much have been binging most of the day. Lol
Kerosene is a powerful de-greaser and it is very cheap.
All these videos are a great help, well presented and informative too.
I was expecting to see an aquarium... Stayed out of curiosity.
Love this video! Please post how to clean disc-equipped road bike in 30 minutes! Everyone is talking about contamination contamination..... so how to clean the disc brake bike like in this one? Is it ok some degreaser sprayed on the disc/ rotor? Is it ok some soapy water sprayed on the disc/rotor? after a thorough clean, what should you use to clean the disc/rotor or do you need to dry it? Use a very clean towel or just use a relatively clean sponge? So many questions, please post a video! Thanks.
+Ray Yu brake cleaner or isopropylen works fine with rotors. it can help on the pads. if they got oily. when brakes still suck, mount new pads.
soapy water dont affect the brakes.
dont worry to much. worst thing for a bike is to keep it day in, day out, outside in the weather. or store it in moisty cellars or garages. best thing is to have it dry and clean in the living room. :) did this for years.
Steve Warris Thanks for the reply! Great advice
Every bike cleaning vid I've watched has said something to the effect of "Don't get water in/on the bearings when you're rinsing off", but being a noob, I've really no clue where these preicous bearings are/what the big issue is. Can someone advise? Cheers.
There are bearings in the fork where it pivots, the wheel hubs, and the derailleurs. If water gets into them, it can force out the grease that's in there, which is a problem because they need that grease to rotate smoothly.
Don't worry and just don't use a pressure washer, water stream from a hose cannot press out bearing grease
I found that spraying the white bar tape with degreaser does clean it quite effectively. Especially when it got dirty with grease after replacing a tire.
why would you put wd40 on the brakes?
You shouldn't ever do that
calipers not the pads. keeps em moving easily
wd40 collects dust i would never use it for any type of lube i know this from learning the hard way
Chris Witek
Why not use a drop of oil/lube💡
bigballer
You have 800.000 subscribers, but whenever i visit your channel, it says you have no content... How is that?
I didn’t realise I do pretty much the same as seen here on my bike. Good video.
what degreaser do you recommend will any do or can some damage my bike
Quick tip - been doing the glue on tyre nicks and cuts for a while now, but I recently happened on what I think is a far better solution in Gorilla Glue 'Super Glue' which is like other super glue's but its got rubber incorporated in it and going by my experience it makes a far better longer lasting repair... oh and you get 2 tubes for the price of one
Really good except for the WD-40 advice. If your bike has ALUMINUM parts the WD-40 will cause the ALUMINUM to oxidize. Oxidize is just a fancy word for RUST. Aluminum rust will not look like Iron rust. However moving ALUMINUM parts can and will FREEZE UP. Basically WD-40 displaces water and can soak into IRON BASED metals. It is not really a lubricant as most people tend to believe. I know I believed that for a very long time. If you use WD-40 on your ALUMINIUM parts, for cleaning, be sure to thoroughly remove it by cleaning and then lightly lubricate with a quality lubricant. WD-40 isn't actually a true lubricant. WD stands for "water displacing" and its main use is as a solvent or rust dissolver.The lubricant-like properties of WD-40 come not from the substance itself, but from dissolving components. And the effect doesn't last.WD-40 can be a good substance to start with - it can help clean up rust or other grime. But depending on what you're working with, you should probably follow up WD-40 with use of a true lubricant such as one based on silicone, grease, Teflon, or graphite. WD-40 can wash dirt into a bike chain, ruining the chain and taking out the gears along with it. Stay away, cyclists.
+Glenn Fannin aluminium corrodes, not rusts. Aluminium is also not ferric unless it is in an alu-iron alloy. But graphite or teflon lubricants are advised
Aluminum can react with oxygen, which is known as oxidizing. aka Aluminum oxide. Much in the same way as iron oxidizes, aka ferric oxide. "Rust" is just a nickname of oxidation almost to the point where it is synonymous so technically he is not wrong in saying that. But neither are you as oxidation is a corrosion mechanism, just usually referred to as oxidation when oxygen is involved.
Actually oxidation doesn't need to directly involve oxygen but you're right. Metal oxides are just called rust since it's easier to understand in common language.
Glenn Fann
A relatively cheap alternative to washing up liquid is car washing soap -- safer for metal, plastic and CF. You can also find soaps that wax as well which helps keep the frame cleaner.
My man putting WD40 on the breaks 💀
To the issue with the bar tape ,try using Multi-Purpose Goop hand cleaner. Works like a charm.
You missed a belt loop with your belt.(1:52)
A tip to removing gunk from white bar tape (assuming your are not using really cheap bar tape). Spray it with pledge or simple green (if it is really dirty), then wipe clean with a terry cloth towel. Alternatively, buy Fizik tape and just wipe it off once a week.
GT 85 with Teflon is the answer keep wd 40 away from your bike
+Jamie Mackereth Totally agree. It should be noted that both are a degreasant so should be used carefully, check the manufacturers web sites, they will therefore remove grease from derailiers and chains.
Hey Simon, a tip for cleaning the white handle tape, assuming its cork or leather, lizard skin or that microtex synthetic stuff, is to use Johnson's Pledge Lemon - it's works a treat ! Try it less elbow grease than WD40 and way more effective! Interested though to know what others use?
N.B. And WD40 on my BMC SLR 01 - hell no......no no no ... It's just so wrong - on any level :-)
I use old toothbrushes.
me too and that very very good working
I use my current ones.
Sergio i use my wifes
I piss on my gear ring to degrease them
I like turtles
I use WD40 too and completely agree with you Simon! And never spend more than 10 mns cleaning if it was a dirty, wet grimy road Thst I rode on.
0:32 👀 2000 IQ
Baby wipes for white bar tape. Seems to work every time and gets them looking fresh.
I saw calvin kleins lol
Something I picked up from my lbs - Always use dry lube and reapply it every ride/every other ride. Unless you plan on doing a century in the pouring rain, wet lube tends to be overkill.