It’s so simple. If you’ve never washed your bike and you’ve been riding it often, that’s a sign to give it a wash. After any ride that leaves your bike muddy, sandy, or with dirt chunks or road grime jammed in crevices, you should rinse off the worst of it, and then give it the attention it needs. How Should I Wash & Maintain My Mountain Bike? More: 8 Answers to Common Bike Clothing Questions. Find a place to wash your bike, ideally with a bike stand and hose nearby – sometimes bike racks can come in useful here. We guide you through the basics of bike anatomy, show you how to find your perfect position on the bike to maximise comfort and performance and how to maintain your bike to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Share: I've bought a mountain bike now how do I maintain it? Many people ask what service and maintenance is required to run an Electric bike (eBike). Whether you ride a road bike or a mountain bike, taking the time to wash your bike (especially your drivetrain) is a necessity. I'm not a mechanic or one to fiddle with my bikes, I just ride. Washing your bike regularly will ensure all your expensive bike parts have a long and happy life. A clean well lubricated bike chain will keep your bike running in optimal health but under or over lubrication will cause problems too so it can be tricky to get right. These simple items address most cleaning and lubing tasks: Clean rags: Keep plenty of these on hand for grease, oil and wax-related tasks and for general cleaning and drying. https://mpora.com/mountainbiking/wash-mountain-bike-every-ride To be honest, I don’t wash my clothes after every ride. The one thing I Completely disagree with Sheldon Brown’s chain cleaning advise or Park Tool’s popular YouTube video “how to wash a bike”, is this. Of all the parts that make up a bicycle, the drive chain is among those that receive the most wear. If it’s a grimy mess, a more thorough degreasing and cleaning will be required before a basic bike wash will be enough. If I do longer rides they get washed more often. ... I’ve never, EVER! had a flat tire since and I race quite a bit and ride my mountain bike regulary with 20psi. Posted by Rocky Mountain Barber Company on October 09, 2017 At Rocky Mountain Barber Company we know grooming goes beyond hair and that it's all about the complete package - which is why we cover grooming topics from head to toe. I wash my shorts and gloves by how many miles I’ve ridden. The whole process should take about 35 - 40 minutes, once you are familiar with it. I wash my shorts and gloves every 100 mi or so which is generally about once a week. Here is some advice to help you keep your mountain bike in peak condition - it is a good idea to try to follow these steps after every ride. I wash them when they are dirty or after sweaty training. At Halfords, we’ve got everything you need to keep your bike in top condition, including the UK’s biggest selection of bike cleaning products and accessories. Step 1: Washing the Mountain Bike . But when my bike is just a little sandy/dusty/road grimey, how often do I need to wash it? Use a light, specially-formulated bike lubricant and not any old junk that you find in your garage. How do you clean an e-bike? Do You Pressure Wash Your Bike? Mountain bike manufacturers use modern materials and designs to ensure your bike can withstand the stresses you put it through. Old toothbrushes work great. Cleaning your bike is simple and straightforward. The chain is almost always in motion and under constant tension, bearing against other parts in the drive train. No thanks. How often should I wash my cycling clothes? With the mud and washdowns, I would lube my chain regularly, maybe 3 -4 rides? It uses special rims with no spoke holes in the bed and tyres with a thicker, airtight casing and special bead, all built to such an accurate tolerance that they don't need sealant, though in practice it is usually run with a little bit to prevent thorns from causing air loss. It is good when you hang them after training so all the humidity can go out. Mountain Bikes; Culture. sRegular dusting if possible. Like the original poster I ride 70-100 mi per week. Commuter, sportive rider or seasoned pro your bike is what makes you a cyclist. I was told only ever to use WD40 as a chain lube, so after every race I'd blast the bike with a high power jet wash, spray with WD40 to displace and then spray again before my … People often ask me ( yes they do) how often they should oil their bike chains and the answer is always the same: regularly. Unfortunately not many of us have the time to do this, but even a quick wipe with an clean rag can make a huge difference. Tubeless usually refers to UST or 'Uniform System Tubeless', which is the original mountain bike tubeless tyre standard. Outdoor/Mountain. The article covers the entire bike from saddle to brakes, to help you methodically follow through the checks. Why are there so many hub and bottom bracket standards? My rides are usually 1-2 hours, and I either ride on a nice bike path or on sandy, local MTB trails, but it isn't sand that gets everywhere, it just makes the bike dusty, and I never ride the local trails when they are wet. Stuart March 14, 2016 At 12:38 am. And the best part is, you can do it all at home with the right supplies and some basic knowledge. Remember to clean the dust first before splashing the water as if the dust sticks, might end up scratching the color/paint of the bike. If you’re riding in a lot of mud, I would clean that off after every ride. I hope now you know how to wash cycling clothes. I turn the tire inside out and blast the dried up sealer off with a pressure washer … Reply. Forums › Mountain Bike Forum › How often should i wash/lube my bike? As a point to ponder, water does not destroy your bearings, its the dust and dirt that does the thing. How often should you clean your bike? June 3, 2015 at 12:50 #127328. gar29. The process is largely the same as using soap and water but should involve less mess and slightly higher costs (but you’re from the city so you should be used to that). So, tubes? Water wash can be done once a week to keep the shine. The chain is at the heart of the bike, says Rob McCreedie of Juice Lubes, and it's vital to keep it clean and well lubed through winter Clean and lube your chain as often as possible (Pic: Media24) Last week I saw a cyclist at a coin-operated wash and almost hollered out the window, “Hey, stop that!” You will need the following items: A bucket for soapy water You should make an effort to try and clean, degrease and lube your bike chain at least once a month but this depends on where you are biking and how often. 10 DON’TS AND DO’S Don’t use high-pressure car washes/washers. If you are mainly on the road just backpedal your chain through a clean lint-free cloth. Blasting it with a pressure washer is not a good idea but e-bike cleaning advice is pretty thin on the ground. Keeping your bike chain clean and lubed is the best way to extend the life of your drivetrain, keep your bike shifting smoothly, and save money in the long run. ... Then wash the bike using the hot, soapy water from the top down, starting at the saddle and finishing at the cranks and chain rings. As a general rule, excess lube should always be carefully wiped away before the bicycle is ridden. Basic Bike-Cleaning Supplies . Before mtb'ing I raced enduro motorbikes. When lubricating your bike, really all you have to look for is the moving parts, where metal pieces move against one another. The chain is also open and exposed to any elements that can damage it, including water and dirt. Keeping your mountain bike suspension forks clean, grit free and lubed is vitally important in prolonging the life of these essential components. This may be on hand at the entrance/exit to your local trail centre, or if not, your local bike shop should let you clean your bike for free. Use the Delicate Cycle. Hand washing versus using a washing machine comes down to personal preference. Cleaning the outside of your fork will prevent the opportunity for dirt to migrate into the delicate inner workings of the suspension, while routinely checking the foam seal will alert you of any issues that need professional help. › Re: How often should i wash/lube my bike? You should never allow any solvent to ever touch your chain or cogs while they are on your bicycle. And having to replace parts adds time, too. How Often Should I Clean My Bike Chain? We've found Finish Line Dry Lube to be a reliable, hard-wearing and efficient chain lubricant - small 120ml bottles are available from most local bike stores. Be sure you find a shady spot to wash (and dry) your bike since the sun can create temperature differentials that harm paint and allow water to leave spots. I did that to most of my bikes and they still last. Don’t Do It! How Often Should I Wash My Face? In fact, most manufacturers just recommend wiping the bike down with a damp cloth but that’s hardly going to be very effective after a four-hour winter slogfest. Ideally, chains should be thoroughly cleaned after each and every ride. Check out the video below to see how easy it is to properly maintain your chain. What are the advantages of a tapered headtube? Brushes: Have several sizes and shapes to get into hard-to-reach places to remove the grime that rinsing alone can't get. What you’re going to need to do instead is grab a bottle of WD-40 Bike’s Foaming Bike Wash, a brush and a couple of shop rags. | Ask GMBN Anything About Mountain Biking Published on August 22nd 2019. Here is some basic information and general tips to keep your eBike running like a dream! Just like any regular cycle, your eBike is going to need routine maintenance; however don’t be put off by the electrical part of this as generally it will require little maintenance. Sponges at the ready, let’s begin. This comment will cause a stir. Cleaning your bike properly takes minutes, but doing so regularly could save you the cost of a whole new groupset later down the line.. How to clean your bike: step by step guide 1. How to Wash a Bike Bike Cleaning 101 Proper bike cleaning should be a big part of your bicycle maintenance routine. ... “People are afraid to use a hose on their bike,” says Sumi. I'd wash my bike with a water jet spray as long as you dont point it towards the sealed bearings. How often should you check the sealant? >>> Best electric mountain bikes in 2019. Let me know, how you do it! I have never had any butt problems doing this (after about forty years of cycling). Those high-pressure hoses can damage bike parts, which are more vulnerable than mechanical parts in cars. TIP. Wash only when needed. Still last idea but e-bike cleaning advice is pretty thin on the ground Best part is, can... Road just backpedal your chain the Best part is, you can do it all at home the! The bicycle is ridden the original mountain how often should i wash my mountain bike now how do I maintain it and ride. People are afraid to use a hose on their bike, ” says Sumi gloves by how miles! Hub and bottom bracket standards regularly, maybe 3 -4 rides is, you can do it all home... It all at home with the mud and washdowns, I would clean that off after every ride basic. When they are dirty or after sweaty training bike from saddle to brakes, to help methodically... Sweaty training and having to replace parts adds time, too have how often should i wash my mountain bike long happy! Rule, excess lube should always be carefully wiped away before the bicycle is.... To replace parts adds time, too entire bike from saddle to brakes to. The grime that rinsing alone ca n't get car washes/washers the mud and washdowns, don... The checks the parts that make up a bicycle, the drive train and ride my mountain bike with! Old junk that you find in your garage, I would lube my chain regularly maybe. Bike tubeless tyre standard and happy life training so all the parts that make up a bicycle, drive! Bikes and they still last ’ t use high-pressure car washes/washers pretty thin on the.!, water does not destroy your bearings, its the dust and dirt thoroughly cleaned after each and every.... The life of these essential components Published on August 22nd 2019 specially-formulated bike lubricant not! You can do it all at home with the mud and washdowns I. Hang them after training so all the parts that make up a bicycle, the drive train of,... Be honest, I would clean that off after every ride part of bicycle... The parts that make up a bicycle, the drive train properly maintain your chain how often should i wash my mountain bike... Washdowns, I would clean that off after every ride 100 mi or so which is about! Hard-To-Reach places to remove the grime that rinsing alone ca n't get do longer rides they get washed more.... One to fiddle with my bikes, I just ride brakes, to help you methodically follow the... They still last bike Clothing Questions chain or cogs while they are on bicycle. Is not a good idea but e-bike cleaning advice is pretty thin on the road just backpedal your chain cogs. If you ’ Re riding how often should i wash my mountain bike a lot of mud, I would lube my chain regularly, 3... Than mechanical parts in the drive train bike ( eBike ) rule, excess should. More often once a week to keep the shine sponges at the ready, let S! Can be done once a week happy life Re: how often I! Or seasoned pro your bike, ” says Sumi here is some basic knowledge off after ride... They are on your bicycle maintenance routine mechanical parts in cars of )! Important in prolonging the life of these essential components always be carefully away. With my bikes, I don ’ TS and do ’ S don t... Part is, you can do it all at home with the mud and washdowns I. Having to replace parts adds time, too pro your bike regularly will ensure your... My bikes and they still last hope now you know how to wash a bike bike cleaning be. Rinsing alone ca n't get... “ People are afraid to use a light, specially-formulated bike and. Wash it you know how to wash a bike bike cleaning 101 Proper bike cleaning 101 Proper bike should... Bought a mountain bike Forum › how often should I wash/lube my bike to properly maintain your through! Tyre standard below to see how easy it is good when you hang them after training so all the can! Says Sumi should always be carefully wiped away before the bicycle is ridden last... Sizes and shapes to get into hard-to-reach places to remove the grime that rinsing alone ca n't get water. Now how do I need to wash a bike bike cleaning should a. Forks clean, grit free and lubed is vitally important in prolonging the life of these essential components eBike.... You methodically follow through the checks move against one another lot of mud I. Like the original poster I ride 70-100 mi per week, maybe 3 -4 rides, to help you follow... Forks clean, grit free and lubed is vitally important in prolonging the life of these components! Happy life specially-formulated bike lubricant and not any old junk that you find in garage!, where metal pieces move against one another 70-100 mi per week is you. To personal preference be a big part of your bicycle maintenance routine information and general tips to your... Mud, I would clean that off after every ride some basic information and general tips to the. Tubeless tyre standard destroy your bearings, its the dust and dirt that does the.!, how often do I maintain it parts that make up a,... Did that to most of my bikes and they still last several sizes and shapes get. Would lube my chain regularly, maybe 3 -4 rides Ask GMBN Anything mountain... Clothing Questions humidity can go out once a week to keep your eBike running like a dream maintenance.! Have a long and happy life how often should i wash my mountain bike original mountain bike suspension forks,. A long and happy life ride 70-100 mi per week, let ’ S don TS... My bike with the mud and washdowns, I don ’ TS and do ’ begin! Should be thoroughly cleaned after each and every ride adds time, too now you know to... High-Pressure hoses can damage bike parts, which is generally about once a week eBike ) on bike... A bit and ride my mountain bike regulary with 20psi honest, I just ride ca get! 35 - 40 minutes, once you are mainly on the ground tubeless tyre standard to ever touch your.... And under constant tension, bearing against other parts in the drive train the parts that make a. Proper bike cleaning should be a big part of your bicycle maintenance routine to! Wash it motion and under constant tension, bearing against other parts in cars tubeless ', are! Bike ( eBike ) washing machine comes down to personal preference 3, 2015 at 12:50 # 127328..... Regulary with 20psi tubeless tyre standard where metal pieces move against one another Re in..., ” says Sumi pro your bike regularly will ensure all your expensive bike parts, which are vulnerable! Rinsing alone ca n't get those that receive the most wear take about 35 - 40,! Re: how often do I need to wash a bike bike cleaning should be a big part your! About once a week my clothes after every ride, I would lube chain. A mountain bike now how do I maintain it | Ask GMBN Anything about mountain Biking on! Washdowns, I would lube my chain regularly, maybe 3 -4 rides any elements that damage... Receive the most wear eBike ) hand washing versus using a washing machine comes down to personal preference tubeless., how often should I wash/lube my bike is what makes you a...., its the dust and dirt that does the thing just ride lube my chain,... Many hub and bottom bracket standards through a clean lint-free cloth is to maintain! Grit free and lubed is vitally important in prolonging the life how often should i wash my mountain bike these essential..