Cleaning tips?

Question

I recently got into mountain biking and am a little unsure of exactly how i'm supposed to clean my bike. I took my bike on a trail today with lots of loose dirt. My chain and front derailer are now covered with fine particles of sand/dirt. What is the best way to clean my chain and derailer? Do i need to lubricate them after cleaning?

Answer 1

Here is a link to a good artical on cleaning, it also has some good advice on do's and don'ts.
http://www.howtobefit.com/mountain-bike-cleaning.htm

Answer 2

Firstly, don't use power washers. They are a good way to have to replace bearings. Use car wax wash and a bucket of water.

The chain is the main drive for your bike. Sand etc. mixing with oil or wet wax can make a very nice grinding paste. I would pull a rag over my chain at the end of each ride. Make sure that your chain still has lubricant on it. When cleaning properly, I would re-lube after first removing old oil/wax. Use a baby wipe, or take off chain and bung in a jar of white spirit.

You can not clean/oil your bike too much. You can also get nifty chain enclosed cleaners as well.

Oil/Wax. Go for something like a teflon based oil or wax. If you are taking your bike out in dry conditions, use a dry wax. If wet, you want something that sticks to the chain, so apply wet.

Luck

Answer 3

I use Simple Green for bikes to clean the drivetrain with a Park cleaning brush. That will get most of the grime that built up from the ride. You can rinse it off with water. Definately relube the chain when you do this or it will start to rust. If it's REALLY muddy you can take it to a car wash and spray it. You must however be sure not to spray directly into bearing areas (Hubs, Bottom Bracket, Headset) as that will break down the grease inside them.

Answer 4

Just as you took a shower after biking, so your bike needs a shower.
Hose it off and make sure it dries in the sun