iBikeRide.com

(video credited to quickrelease.tv) 

Step 1.

Wash as soon as you can after you ride. Fresh dirt comes off easier than baked on dirt.

Step2

Get your self a decent set of brushes. At least one big brush, a medium sized one and a wire brush for the really small fiddly bits (a toothbrush works just as well). Also washing up liquid is OK but it is made for getting cornflakes off a bowl so specific bike cleaners will be best for shifting real dirt and bike grime.  A bucket is useful and a  hose really convenient. Be cautious of using high pressured hoses (like in garage forecourts). If you do make sure you avoid all the bits with bearings. If dirt gets inside then the resulting damage can be painful and costly.

Step 2.

Wherever you clean your bike make sure that there is a healthy route for the dirty water to escape. I had a mate who washed it in his front garden and his neighbours roses got poisoned (oh well!) and another mate who washed it in the shower and still cant get the marks out the bath (weird anyway;). 

Step 3

I like to get the surface dirt off initially with just plain water and a garden hose and wipe the excess off with a brush (again keeping in mind the bearings). I also turn my bike around and do both sides and then upside down as otherwise you finish cleaning your bike to find mucky bits in places you have missed. I also get the surface dirt out from the saddle area by removing the seat post. If you don't do this you can easily find the quick release jammed up still with dirt next time your are out and maneuvering your seat post. 

Step 4

I spray on Muck Off personally, liberally all over the bike and then give it a mo to sink in. So this is where I go put the kettle on. Few minutes later I use the big brush to foam up a lather and the medium brush to get around the cranks, gears and chain. Remember to lift and clean under and all around your chain The wire brush is for those really fiddly bits that are hard to reach and need no explanation as if you got this far you can see them. 

Step 5

Rinse off with clean water. Leave to drip a bit. Get your trusty bike rag out (old towe or T shirt) and wipe her dry. The drying will actually remove a lot of the  hidden surface dirt you can't see. Run the whole chain through the towel and you will see what i mean. As with washing your hand, they are not clean until you have dried them properly.

Step 6

Lube. If you wait any significant time your bike will rust ,so don't. There are so many different types of lubes and greases. I use three. I use one in wet conditions and when I do long trail rides that is wet lube and I use this on all exposed moving parts like the chain, quick release locks, cranks and so on. I use wet lube is it lasts longer and doesn't get washed when the heavens open. I don't use it all the time as it attracts more grime and so you need to clean your bike more. i use dry lube more for when I'm out in the local woods and dirt park. For either you apply in moderation. A thin layer is adequate. Don't over-lube. I use grease when I have taken any non exposed parts out for cleaning or checking e.g. hubs, bearings, nuts and bolts and so on. 

Step 7

Put her somewhere safe and protected but be sure to come back and take her out again soon. 

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