Ultimate Guide: Clean Your Bike Like a Pro

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  • Опубліковано 7 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 108

  • @bikeradar
    @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +6

    Is there a cleaning trick that you use to wash your bike? Or, heaven forbid, do you not wash your bike at all? Let us know in the comments!

    • @jaredpurdy2164
      @jaredpurdy2164 9 місяців тому +1

      What degreaser are you using? Also, what's the brand of that drip wax? I don't think I've seen that before.

    • @michaelpolkey5996
      @michaelpolkey5996 9 місяців тому +3

      Bit of a catch 22 with using a jet wash on the cassette as you do not wanna get any moisture into the ball bearings on the rear hub of the back wheel.

    • @timoey1
      @timoey1 8 місяців тому +1

      I rarely wash any of my bikes (even though I ride everywhere year around in just about any weather) unless I've ridden thru lots of mud or other muck that has stuck to my bike. In the muddy or salt encrusted bike cases I rinse all the mud/salt off of my bike with relatively low pressure water so I don't force any grit into areas with bearings or into cables and such. Regular dish soap and water work great -- no fancy degreasers needed.
      Since I have fenders on my commuting and touring bikes and I ride in the rain, the rain washes off most of the stuff that gets on my bike and the fenders keep the bike itself relatively clean.
      If using a wet lube on my chain, I do clean the chain periodically (as needed as gunk builds up) but if using a dry lube I don't bother cleaning the chain other than wiping it down after a wet ride to dry it and then reapplying the dry lube. Dry lube gets washed off the chain easily by water (like rain) requiring a relube after riding in the rain but dry lube also flakes off taking dirt with it when it doesn't rain so chains stay relatively clean naturally -- just need to reapply dry lube as needed (typically every few hundred miles if it is not raining). I only clean when I see the need for cleaning and that is not all that often since I mainly stick to road riding. With dry lube I just keep lubing and sometimes wiping with no need to degrease the chain like I have to do with wet lube. Thankfully I now live in California so just use dry lube year around.
      Mountain bikes get dirtier faster so I do give mine a gentle scrub as needed but generally I try to avoid really muddy conditions because it is such a pain to clean the mud off.

  • @RudyBoonekamp
    @RudyBoonekamp 9 місяців тому +25

    Instant thumbs up for a bike cleaning video that isn't just product placement! Like a certain well known cycling channel.. Good job.

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +7

      Honestly I'd love if No Nonsense wanted to send me a lifetime supply of degreaser 😂 Liam

    • @iskiiwizz536
      @iskiiwizz536 6 місяців тому

      muc off is great :(

  • @bramtibbs8559
    @bramtibbs8559 9 місяців тому +17

    When finished washing, blow dry it with a garden leaf blower. Works a treat to get rid of all the moisture and prevent corrosion. Great video, thanks!

    • @banditrider613
      @banditrider613 4 місяці тому +2

      I progressed from the garden leaf blower , and actually bought a basic workshop wet / dry vacuum cleaner that does suck and blow , and its only £49.99 . it is much easier to move around, and provides and easier directional level of air flow .. and it can hoover my garage ..or suck up fluid spills too .

  • @toukka4
    @toukka4 8 місяців тому +3

    You seem genuine and honest, I trust you! This will be my go to video when washing my bike.

  • @johngannon1
    @johngannon1 9 місяців тому +6

    I bought a couple of pound shop shower caps and pop them over the disc brake rotors. And my luxury item is a quick spray of Bike Protect in theory to help with any missed water but in reality because it smells nice 😊

  • @JohnChristopher-k7u
    @JohnChristopher-k7u 4 місяці тому

    It’s good to see someone not using this as a marketing opportunity to promote very expensive cleaning products from named brands in the industry. Well done!

  • @johnnyloco11
    @johnnyloco11 9 місяців тому +26

    finally someone cleaning a bike that is actually dirty to begin with

  • @jessegraham1004
    @jessegraham1004 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for the tips! Beautiful bike by the way.

  • @DanDan-fu6sd
    @DanDan-fu6sd 4 місяці тому +2

    Hold on, at the start of your video, you said "with little effort". Respectfully, this hardly seems like little effort. How often should we do this? Yearly? None the less, this is a perfect example of how it should be done, great job.

  • @Михаил-м1л3ъ
    @Михаил-м1л3ъ 4 місяці тому +2

    Washing is enjoyment when you have 3 things: backyard, water hose and bike stand. But while living in appartment I don't have an option of using pressure sprayer and bike stand when outside, and I don't have a car to carry all that stuff somewhere.

    • @papamuerte5752
      @papamuerte5752 3 місяці тому

      at the gas station you have a hose, I just drive to the closest one and clean my bike there

    • @Михаил-м1л3ъ
      @Михаил-м1л3ъ 3 місяці тому +1

      @@papamuerte5752 Of course I can, but I love my bike too much to ruin it by high pressure car washers. Having a very cheap bike which I really don’t care sure I would use gas station for washing.

    • @aaronster
      @aaronster Місяць тому

      Comments from another video suggests apartment dwellers could use a watering can in place of a hose.

  • @JibbaJabber
    @JibbaJabber 9 місяців тому +1

    I know someone who treats his bike like his hair. He says by not washing either, it creates a protective layer.
    I'm thinking of creating a crowdfunding page for him, for a Cervelo 'Soloist'.

  • @권용대-b5v
    @권용대-b5v 9 місяців тому +5

    I don’t mind black drivetrain. Cycling is an outdoor sport and it would be painful to keep everything clean.

  • @mattes3183
    @mattes3183 9 місяців тому +5

    I‘d always cover the disc brakes while degreasing the drivetrain. Without doing so, I never managed not to sprinkle a fair amount of lube on the discs. But maybe that’s just me.

  • @bikeman123
    @bikeman123 9 місяців тому +1

    I clean my bike with water only and it does the job fine. Soapywater for the chain, nothing else. All that soap and degreaser is just going to remove grease from where it should be.

  • @garthTurningCranks
    @garthTurningCranks 9 місяців тому +10

    wet lube is a dirt magnet.Use Wax and all you'll need is hot water to clean the drive train. Bearing companies Love it when folks say "use a pressure washer"

  • @ssllylawrence618
    @ssllylawrence618 2 місяці тому

    I haven't washed my bike in years.
    My husband once told me at length that I was going about it all wrong so now the job is his.

  • @HMSITH
    @HMSITH 9 місяців тому +13

    Pressure wash is the best way of destroy your bearings in the bb, steering and hubs because you not only remove the grease but you introduce water in the system to corrode everything after, just use a bucket with soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry with a cloth, simple

    • @_Just_Some1
      @_Just_Some1 9 місяців тому +3

      Seems like you don’t know how to use a pressure washer. 😅

    • @piotrkol91
      @piotrkol91 9 місяців тому +6

      If someone doesn't know how to use one then yeah. Otherwise it's a great tool to assist with bike cleaning. Used pressure washers for almost a decade and never done any harm to any bike with them.

    • @HMSITH
      @HMSITH 9 місяців тому

      @@_Just_Some1 not me i use to work on a bike shop and you dont believe how many customers send me bikes with frozen bearings, bottom brackets and steering tubes full of water because of people blasting the bearings with the pressure washer, i see some many tragic cases of this is not even funny, it was a dirty job but someone has to do it 😆😆😆

    • @larryt.atcycleitalia5786
      @larryt.atcycleitalia5786 9 місяців тому

      WTF do you need a pressure washer? There's simply no need for such a thing. Save it for washing your boat. Back-in-the-day before KARCHER gave 'em to the teams at LeTour bikes were washed as HMSITH described. Worked just fine then, works just fine now with far less risk of washing out grease while washing contamination in.@@_Just_Some1

    • @marcdaniels9079
      @marcdaniels9079 9 місяців тому +1

      GCN did a video on this and it’s actually quite safe. It’s another myth like you mustn’t clamp a carbon frame in a bike stand… nonsense.

  • @flyingnorseman
    @flyingnorseman 4 місяці тому +1

    Prefer to not use so much water cleaning my bikes. Just soft bristle brushes, damp rags, drive chain specific brushes and a dry clean rag to polish it up.

  • @Jetpilott77
    @Jetpilott77 9 місяців тому +4

    Get ready to replace bearings

    • @jossadaan
      @jossadaan 9 місяців тому +1

      How can you prevent that?

  • @Pat14922
    @Pat14922 9 місяців тому +1

    quite like the degreasing container, in the water bottle holder 😁😁😁😁

  • @andrewnewton-e3o
    @andrewnewton-e3o 2 місяці тому

    what is that red disc on the rear for the chain called. and where do i get one

  • @cyrusf.4039
    @cyrusf.4039 9 місяців тому +2

    An air compressor is immensely useful in this process.

  • @michaeldance5734
    @michaeldance5734 9 місяців тому

    I started hot waxing my chains a few years ago. So much easier. No more degreasing, most of my bike cleans is using simple wet wipes. Chain and cassette never gets dirty, except for a few dry wax flakes. May use a bit of muc off from time to time but never on the chain or cassette.
    Actually, last weekend, was the first time in years I used lube, as I hadn't waxed a chain ahead and it was a bit dry in the morning. Had a snapped chain on that ride and remembered how messy lube and grease is.

  • @franklynj9
    @franklynj9 9 місяців тому +1

    keep up work hope to see more

  • @CRLAMB
    @CRLAMB 9 місяців тому +3

    What battery powered pressure washer are you using?

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +1

      Worx Hydroshot 56. I cover it here in more detail - ua-cam.com/video/d989O2UmgYM/v-deo.html

  • @tjnadah
    @tjnadah 3 місяці тому

    What do you use to lube the jockey wheels if you’ve applied wax to the chain?

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  3 місяці тому +1

      Depends on the jockey wheel as some have ceramic bearings. But most run on a bushing so don't require lubrication. If yours are squeaking, however, a drop of wet lube applied into the bushing can really help. Liam

    • @tjnadah
      @tjnadah 3 місяці тому

      @@bikeradar thank you !!

  • @iansellers1251
    @iansellers1251 9 місяців тому

    Do you dilute that screwfix degreaser or use it as it is ?
    Will it not damage finish to components otherwise?

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +2

      Nope, it's used neat. I can't say it won't corrode stuff if left for hours, but it has been absolutely fine for me for years

    • @alanbussell7894
      @alanbussell7894 9 місяців тому +1

      I left a chain in it overnight. It discoloured the chain 😕 It was on the MTB so not too bad.

    • @alanbussell7894
      @alanbussell7894 9 місяців тому

      Just been riding. Ran the chain through a chain cleaner with No Nonsense degreaser in it. Poured away the solution and it was still quite clear. I then refilled the device with Halfords Citrus degreaser. Dirty solution & finally, a clean chain.

  • @tedoakes9235
    @tedoakes9235 9 місяців тому +3

    Top tip after speaking with many mechanics - don't fire water at your bike unless you absolutely have to

  • @savagepro9060
    @savagepro9060 9 місяців тому +5

    That elbow grease you mentioned, where the hell can I get some?🤔🤨

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +2

      Readily available from The Good Old Days

    • @coachcurt7606
      @coachcurt7606 8 місяців тому +1

      My dad told a kid that, who came back a week later and said he checked the store, they didn't carry it. 😅😅

  • @30nabster
    @30nabster 9 місяців тому +3

    non specific degreaser can be too strong and damage your components

    • @marcdaniels9079
      @marcdaniels9079 9 місяців тому

      The automotive stuff is so powerful that you must lube or wax the chain immediately or rust will set in.

    • @yonglingng5640
      @yonglingng5640 8 місяців тому +1

      I've had a customer's chain almost break on her. When I inspected the chain during my spare time, I saw at least 17 cracked side plates.

  • @tjnadah
    @tjnadah 3 місяці тому

    Does anyone know the pressure washing being used?

  • @andrewa.3304
    @andrewa.3304 9 місяців тому

    What product is that for rinsing?

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +2

      Worx Hydroshot 56. It's been brilliant for me this winter. If you want some more details on it, I do a little run down in this video - ua-cam.com/video/d989O2UmgYM/v-deo.html

  • @delkim3691
    @delkim3691 9 місяців тому +9

    You must be JOKING with that pressure washer! Noooooo way! bearings etc

  • @dafyddlovestocycle
    @dafyddlovestocycle 9 місяців тому +1

    Who has the time to get sanding disk rotors?

  • @shaunedwards4362
    @shaunedwards4362 9 місяців тому

    What stand is that being used ?

    • @AS-qc6cg
      @AS-qc6cg 9 місяців тому +2

      Think it is the Feedback Sports Sprint stand.

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +3

      It is indeed. Has done me many years of faithful service and mostly been stored outside. They make great stuff. Liam

  • @edwardsjohnpaul
    @edwardsjohnpaul 9 місяців тому +5

    Pressure washing is a no-no; you can wash by soaping up from the bottom, then rinsing down from the top; there is specific "brake cleaner" designed for cleaning brake rotors, use that instead of alcohol; and did you suggest cleaning brake pads (after lightly sanding them), with alcohol? Yikes. For cleaning the bike frame, unless it's caked with muck, I prefer to use kitchen wipes, they clean while dissolving grease very well & are lemon scented :), and are a lot less messy than soap and water.

  • @marcdaniels9079
    @marcdaniels9079 9 місяців тому

    Don’t lean your bike against a rough stone or brick wall with the brake lever in contact; the slightest movement for whatever reason and that lever will be scratched forever !!!!

  • @chinabicycle
    @chinabicycle 9 місяців тому +1

    it is necessary to cook the chain in paraffin so that everything is not so black)

  • @ChrisGil94
    @ChrisGil94 9 місяців тому +30

    RIP freehub bearings 💀

    • @shawcobra
      @shawcobra 4 місяці тому

      Why whats going to happen?

  • @JohnChristopher-k7u
    @JohnChristopher-k7u 4 місяці тому

    There is no way in hell I’m using a pressure washer on any of my bikes! I would also water down the degreasers 10/1 before applying to any part of my bike.

  • @ianpayter-oy8gg
    @ianpayter-oy8gg Місяць тому

    Not bike related but I used to cut the grass where you filmed this before my back forced me to not being able to work anymore 🥲 I still ride though

  • @tonyflitton4407
    @tonyflitton4407 4 місяці тому

    I thought pressure washing the bearings was a big no no. Unless you like buying new bearings

  • @NeoPayneHK
    @NeoPayneHK 9 місяців тому +1

    i dont care
    i love clean bike
    🤣

  • @irishlesbian
    @irishlesbian 2 місяці тому

    At 1:15 saying not to put degreaser on disc break rotor and 3:04... WAT?

  • @_petar
    @_petar 5 місяців тому +1

    Do not ever wash bicycle, clean/degrease drivetrain wipe the rest thank me later!

  • @thirtycrows
    @thirtycrows 3 місяці тому

    Don't do this. Degreaser will creap into all your bearings and the pressure washer will ensure an even faster death.

  • @jonathanzappala
    @jonathanzappala 9 місяців тому +4

    Wax your chain most all of this becomes unnecessary

    • @stefanwagener
      @stefanwagener 9 місяців тому +1

      But in wet winter cassettes get pretty rusty because there is no protection. So cassette maintenance with wax is more work in winter, but for everything else wax is maintenance heaven :)

    • @tedoakes9235
      @tedoakes9235 9 місяців тому +1

      Wax is the wsy

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 3 місяці тому

      Most? Like all dirt having hit the frame and everything in front of the drivetrain?

  • @george-danfulger
    @george-danfulger Місяць тому

    all these bike cleaning guides are showing that you use degreaser to wash your bike rear derailleur , but, there, if you bend it , you will find green grease ... don't you take that grease which is placed there to grease your moving parts , if you wash it the way these videos are showing you how to ?

  • @savagepro9060
    @savagepro9060 9 місяців тому +1

    Liam, come on, you could've used another bike. An ugly Bianchi? Even the background music is cuter!

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +1

      I'm still genuinely torn on the looks. I want the elegant lines of the 2017 Specialissima back, but then Bianchi is just delivering what the market seems to want. Liam

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 3 місяці тому

      Please, this one may not be Bianchi's prettiest bike but far from the close-to-Pinarello ugliness of the latest Oltre.

  • @steve_and_lolas_hikes
    @steve_and_lolas_hikes 5 місяців тому

    Sponge 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

  • @crankshoptv
    @crankshoptv 9 місяців тому

    I can make any dirty brand new bike look factory fresh with just a petrol station pressure washer in under 5 minutes.
    Doesn't mean it's good for it.

  • @SG-dg6oi
    @SG-dg6oi 8 місяців тому

    Ugh too much work

  • @SG-dg6oi
    @SG-dg6oi 8 місяців тому

    This dude doesn't have a girlfriend!

  • @pieterbauwens5607
    @pieterbauwens5607 4 місяці тому

    How to not clean your bike!

  • @krisb2038
    @krisb2038 9 місяців тому +1

    Just ride cheap drivetrain to save money

    • @piotrkol91
      @piotrkol91 9 місяців тому

      Even friggin Sora is expensive nowadays...

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому

      Everything is expensive now tho 😂

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 3 місяці тому

      You also need to clean a cheap drivetrain if your bike is supposed to move.

  • @GrahamFootBicycleLover
    @GrahamFootBicycleLover 9 місяців тому

    I love these videos, Oh so wrong! The title should be "Clean Your Bike THIS WAY To Waste Your Money!
    NEVER EVER PUT DEGREASER NEAR ANY BEARINGS! If you want to clean your chain and cassette take them off the bike and do it in the container.
    When it comes to chain lube, You are on the money but, if you do use it you don't need any degreaser. Slightly confusing video this one

  • @zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589
    @zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 9 місяців тому

    IT.IS.DRIVE*TRAIN*.NOT.DRIVE. CHAIN. HOW MANY EFFING TIMES?!?!

  • @chrisjong8412
    @chrisjong8412 9 місяців тому +1

    Powerwasher, even straight on the bearings, old water bottle with degreaser and not advising to wax the chain in the crockpot?? An I looking at a 90's video ?

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 3 місяці тому

      Waxing the chain is overhyped. Too much of an effort for only a tiny benefit. For anyone who does not need to win races and whose spare time is scarce, waxing is a waste of time.

  • @johnlesoudeur3653
    @johnlesoudeur3653 9 місяців тому

    Don't forget to order a new bottom bracket after you have successfully pressure washed your bike.

    • @piotrkol91
      @piotrkol91 9 місяців тому +2

      Not true at all. Just a tiny bit of common sense when using one and you are good to go.

    • @johnlesoudeur3653
      @johnlesoudeur3653 9 місяців тому

      Common sense is not that common. I have just changed out a BB and four chassis bearings due to the previous owner not using his pressure washer judiciously. The bike was very clean though.@@piotrkol91

  • @LEL7567-ABCDEF
    @LEL7567-ABCDEF 9 місяців тому +1

    sounds like a good waste of time and money

  • @savagepro9060
    @savagepro9060 9 місяців тому +2

    After paying £15000 for a bike, I don't think anyone will have money to even buy a hose

    • @tonflo1
      @tonflo1 9 місяців тому +1

      I would say you have your priorities in order 😂

    • @savagepro9060
      @savagepro9060 9 місяців тому +1

      @@tonflo1 hope you do as well 🤭🤭🤭

    • @bikeradar
      @bikeradar  9 місяців тому +1

      😂