Washing and Lubing your MTB Bike

We've seen too many bikes lately coming in for a service with corrosion and seized parts due to pressure washing after a ride.

So we thought we would educate riders to proper bike washing and lubing procedures.  

We stock a range of cleaning products which you will see actually used in the video. We also use these products in our workshop, so you know its not just a sales pitch, this stuff works!

Washing and Lubing Your Bike video

It's a good idea to do a clean whenever your mountain bike has a build-up of grime.

Since you are getting up close and personal with your mountain bike while you are cleaning it, it is a good time to notice areas that may need repair, such as a crack in the frame or other potential malfunctions.  Point this out with your friendly bike mechanic for further inspection.

Use a Citrus Degreaser (easier to dispose and doesn't harm the environment), we suggest Dirtwash Citrus Aerosol Spray. Lightly spray degreaser on the chain, derailleurs, chainrings and cassette cogs. Brush them with the degreaser until they are clean. Don't put degreaser on the painted parts of your bike unless the directions say it is safe because it can eat away the paint. Avoid getting degreaser in areas where there are seals or bearings or on your shocks or brakes

If the chain is extremely dirty, use a bike chain cleaner that clips onto the chain. We suggest using the Dirt Trap Chain Degreaser Machine. It has a reservoir that holds bicycle degreaser and brushes that scrub the bike chain as you turn the pedals and the chain moves through the cleaner. 

For the wheels and frame use a sponge, and bikewash cleaner, we suggest Dirtwash Bike Cleaner 1L. Use bike brushes which are designed to get into tight corners. For a good brush set and sprocket brush, we suggest Weldtite Cleaning Brush Set and the Weldtite Sprocket Cleaning Brush.

It is easier to remove the wheels and clean, and easier to clean the cassette without the rear wheel on.

Rinse the bike and wheels off with a low pressure hose. Use soft rags to dry the bike, using separate ones for the drivetrain. Put the wheels back. Make sure the drivetrain is totally dry before lubricating it.

After your bike is dry, lubricate the bicycle chain by dripping or spraying lubricant into each of the chain's rollers, we suggest TF2 Extreme Wet Synthetic Lubricant. Lightly wipe off the excess with a rag. Put a little lubricant into the pivot points of the brakes, derailleurs, and pedals. Wipe off any excess lubricant so it doesn't collect extra dirt.

That's it! Your bicycle cleaning is done and you and your mountain bike are ready to hit the trail!