Now with the weather getting better it’s the perfect time for some spring-cleaning – your bike that is. After the harsh winter a little love and care will not only bring back some of its original shine but will also make sure it rides smoother and lasts longer for years to come.
All you really need are regular household cleaners plus an old toothbrush (for hard to reach areas), a normal kitchen brush, an old kitchen towel and s0me soap and water. Ideally also get some chain cleaner, chain lube and a degreaser from the bike shop.
Start off by washing away the obvious dirt with soapy water. Then turn your attention to the little spots in the hard-to-get-to parts of your bike.
A bike stand is very helpful to keep the bike up higher so you can see the dirty spots you might not normally see. But if you don’t have one, turn your bike upside-down on a towel or on your lawn. Be sure the base of the bike where the cables run is clean to avoid shifting problems. If you are cleaning the bike with dish soap and water, rinse it afterwards and carefully towel it dry.
Lastly make sure you clean and grease your chain. It’s a good idea to clean your chain once a month at least using specialist chain cleaning products. You’ll notice the shifting will be smoother and quieter and your chain will last longer.
After the chain is cleaned, you’ll want to lube it. Generally, you’ll put a tiny drop on each link. Just move the chain by rotating the pedal and lube a long segment of chain at a time.
image: cyclingtipsblog
