Anyone any good tips on cleaning a mountain bike to get it back to as new condition?

Camping season is upon us, so I need to get our bikes ready and looking mint - at the mo the crank, chains etc are covered in that horrible goopy black oil stuff that goes everywhere.

Going to jetwash them I think, but any tips on any product to remove the oil and crap? Will engine degreasant work?

Cheers

 

I'm not sure that a jet wash is a good idea - I would think the pressure would blow water through the seals?

Steve

 

I'm not a mountain-biker by any stretch of the imagination, but I clean mine using a toothbrush (for the chain) and a sponge, with lots of warm soapy water (lots of fairy liquid). After doing this, let it dry completely and oil everything which needs oil.
If you go the power-wash route - be careful around the pedal crank bearings don't blast water in there.

 

Theres some stuff called "muck off" which is supposed to be the puppys parts for getting mud and grime off the bike.

http://www.net-biker.co.uk/acatalog/...enance_34.html

laters

Stu

 

Treat them to new chains. They'll thank you for it

 

Jet wash from a distance and not direct on. remove wheels and chain. Soak chain in petrol for a few hours. use a paint brush to clean (using petrol) the cassette and cranks. Clean the rear mech jockey wheels. remove all cables and bin. Spray WD40 etc sown cable housings until clean. Rinse chain etc off and let dry. (Help with hair dryer) Soak chain in a good Dry wax type or Gt type lube for a few hours.Clean out front mech with Wd40 etc. remove handle bars and clean inside stem etc. Fit back. Re cable the bike . First put lots of lube inside cable housings. Use new cables. Fit chain etc. Set gearing up. If you have V. brakes ckeck pads. Sand them down a bit. Clean rims with Petrol etc. Watch how much dirt comes off!!.


Go for a good ride , Wipe it all down and re lube cassette and chain. Put a bit of lube on mechs.

If you are going to do the BB. you will need tools. PTFE tape ,some good grease etc. Remove and wipe down BB and inside frame. re grease . Put a single wrap of tape around cups .Refit.


Enjoy..

I prefere to use water based lube as they are easier to clean in the summer.

[Edited by Luke - 4/4/2003 10:57:18 AM]

 

Get some of the wax wizards degreaser, orange cleaner and preparation.

Do your bike then your engine bay!!!

 

Be careful with deep penetrating de-greasants (spelling?) if they get into any of the bearings which are supposed to be sealed they will distroy the grease. You will then have to replace the bearing.

 

LOL CHeers all.

Luke, would be cheaper and easier to buy a new bike than that routine Its only a cheapo £400 Carrera thing

Dougster, already done engine bay, even though tis only a 14yr old Pug 205

Cheer again all, cleaning time at the weekend then

 

Obviously after cleaning and removing the gunky stuff, the next step would be to re-grease and teflon lubricate everything that moves.

I even do my knees!!

 

Ooooh. Another mountain biking thread.

Jet wash should be fine, as long as it's pure water and you lube the bike afterwards. The place where I ride (The Hub) has a jet wash specifically for post-ride bikes, and since it's run by two ex-Pro riders, I suspect they know what they're on about.

When I'm giving the bike a really good clean, though, a toothbrush does indeed do wonders for getting the gunk out of the mechs. A Colgate Actibrush is only £6.99, and worth every penny for the ease of cleaning without any exertion.

 

Most bike places ,Drill the size of the nozzle jet a little bigger to soften the jet pressure.

 

I have used a jet wash on my rear Cassette and mech for years whithout any problems

Just use a bit of common sense, dont point it at the seals

Brings all that crud off a treat

 

I use the Teflon stuff & GT45 aswell. If its REALLY muddy add aligher to the equation

usually strip and lean one day 2-3hours. Then spend time putting all back together correctly etc

Si