Regular cleaning of bicycles keeps your two-wheeler in the best possible riding condition and improves the bike's functionality and performance during rides.
Especially for mountain and gravel bikes, it is advisable to clean the bike of the worst dirt after each ride if possible, and to set aside time for more thorough cleaning regularly.
When washing the bike, it is easiest to use a garden hose, for example. Using a pressure washer is also possible in principle, but a hose is safer and usually completely sufficient. Water is used to rinse off loose dirt and mud, but it is advisable not to spray water on the hubs or wheel bearings to prevent rusting.
When washing an electric bike, be particularly careful with water around the motor and battery. Also, clean the battery connections and contact surfaces carefully.
After the initial rinse, spray bike-specific detergent on the frame, cockpit, tires, and rims. These detergents are generally biodegradable.
The detergents are mainly intended for general bike washing and are not actual degreasers. However, concentrated soaps can be used to make a strong solution to remove small amounts of dirt from the chain if necessary. Concentrates are quite economical, so one bottle lasts a long time even with frequent washing, and you don't need to use much detergent at a time.
Use a sponge, for example, to wash the frame, as it makes it easier to remove dirt without scratching the frame.
Apply degreaser to the cassette and rotate the chain to allow the degreaser to reach the chain. After letting the degreaser sit for a few minutes, scrub the cassette and chain clean of grease and dirt using a purpose-designed brush or an old dish brush.
The same treatment should be applied to the front chainrings and the small jockey wheels of the rear derailleur, which are particularly prone to getting dirty.
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If the chain is very dirty, you can use a chain cleaner, which speeds up the cleaning process significantly. A chain cleaner also helps save on detergent and brush wear, so in the long run, the device pays for at least part of its purchase price.
After degreasing, wash off the solvent and the loosened dirt and grease from the chain, front chainring, cassette, and derailleur. Degreasers are usually not biodegradable, so the wash water should be collected properly as wastewater and not released into nature. Finally, dry the parts.
For chain lubrication, it is advisable to use a wax-based lubricant, as it attracts less dirt. Additionally, you can add more wax after a water wash without needing to use solvents every time.
If using oil, always completely clean off the old grease before adding new, or the parts will accumulate dirt.
Apply just a small drop of lubricant to each link, and avoid over-lubricating. Allow the lubricant to dry before riding, and wipe off any excess.
It is sufficient to add wax, oil, or other lubricant to the chain only, and there is no need to add grease separately to the cassette. If the grease is not allowed to dry properly, it will easily end up on the cassette, attracting more dirt.