Faff-free bike clean

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3 products, 3 steps, 1 clean bike.

It’s super common that people get frustrated or resist cleaning a bike. 

Usually it’s left longer and longer. Parts then rust or they wear out much faster. The result is more expensive replacements or worse, having a mechnical issue mid ride. 

This is the faff-free process to cleaning a bike. 

I’ve created a Youtube video for you. All done in 10 minutes including me chatting you through it all. 

Before you start: Get the right products. 

  1. General bike wash or soapy warm water. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muc-Off-Bike-Cleaner-1-Litre/dp/B000NNSXLM
  2. Degreaser or chain cleaner https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muc-Off-Chain-Cleaner-400-ml/dp/B000PE96H4/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1S8FV44UVZBYT&keywords=muc-off&qid=1696263749&s=automotive&sprefix=muc-off%2Cautomotive%2C124&sr=1-9
  3. Chain Lube https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muc-Off-Dry-Chain-Lube-120/dp/B0028RWS5S/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1S8FV44UVZBYT&keywords=muc-off&qid=1696263749&s=automotive&sprefix=muc-off%2Cautomotive%2C124&sr=1-8&th=1

Tools / Other – 

  1. A sponge 
  2. A bucket
  3. Warm water
  4. Some rags / microfibre cloth for drying
  5. Stiff brush for chain / chainrings / cassette – https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/262534382

Ok, so lets get cleaning

Step 1: Prep the bike

  1. Remove “stuff” – bike computer, lights etc
  2. Put the chain in the big chainring and smallest cog on cassette
  3. Get the bike wet
  4. Spray all over with bike cleaner
  5. Spray the drivechain with degreaser

Get a cup of tea and chill for 5mins.

Step 2: Clean the bike

  1. Drive Chain: Clean with stiff brush
    • The chain at the big chainring
    • Small chainring
    • Cassette
    • Move the chain to small chainring and a new cog on cassette
    • Clean the now exposed larger chainring, small cog and the sprocket/jockey wheels.
  2. Wash off all the products:
    • Rinse the bike from top to bottom with warm soapy water.
    • Focus on frame first, then wheels and finally drivechain. 
    • Easyist is a sponge for the frame. A brush for the wheels and hose off the drivechain.
    • Clean cold water rinse of any residual. 

Step 3: Finishing off

  • Dry the bike or let is dry in the sun
  • Relube the chain. 
    • My preference is a dry lube like above from muc-off
      Ideally migrate to a wax based product like Squirt in the video. Ask me about this if you want as not included in the faff free series.

Finish that cup of tea and go have a shower. 

Bike is ready for its next adventure!