General Cycling Discussion - Washing new bike?

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PM7771
06-08-05, 11:22 AM
Hi - I've had my new Trek 820 mountain bike 5 weeks and its a good day to wash the caked-on dirt off. I've rinsed it; then washed it with a soft dust brush & soapy car wash concentrate in lukewarm water, and a final rinse. Now I'm letting it air dry - its hot but lo humidity here today.

Did not soap wash the chain, just a rinsing.

Wondering if a wipedown with soft towel is a good idea - and do I need to lube / oil anything?

Thanks from Peter

FarHorizon
06-08-05, 12:05 PM
I normally rinse with a hose, wipe down with a rag, and then hit the chain with a shot of WD-40 or equivalent. I'm sure the majority of bikeforums posters will disagree with my routine, but so far, it has kept my bike looking spiffy and minimal rust on anything that I can see.
Bikewer
06-08-05, 12:29 PM
Nothing wrong with your cleaning procedure. I used to just spray mine down with Simple Green while it was still on the carrier (and the mud was kinda soft), then hose it down.

When you get done rinsing, Bounce it up and down a few times on the sidewalk to knock off most of the water, and let er' dry. I always figured a little dirt in the bits proved you were a real mountain biker.

MichaelW
06-09-05, 04:20 AM
Use car wax on the clean frame and dirt will fall off.
twahl
06-09-05, 05:03 AM
When you wash, try to not get water in the seatpost. Just be judicious with the water. I use Simple Green and a brush, although I go after the chain with Dawn, seems to cut the grit on the chain better. When it's all dry, chain lube on the chain, dribble it around and run the bike through it's gears to get everything. A dab of oil on any hinged surfaces in the deraileurs, brakes, and shifters. Go over everything to make sure nothing is loose, check brake adjustment, and you should be good to go.
ksheuk
06-09-05, 07:00 PM
Honda Motorcycle Polish.
Takes about 5 minutes to spray and wipe the entire bike including the spokes and rims. Prevents rust, you can use it on the saddle, and one can will last forever.
Once you have a good base coat on the bike, mud and dirt will wrinse off easily. Wipe it dry and spray some more polish on it. If it's not muddy I don't use water on it.

KS