Mountain Biking - Can I Power wash my bike?

Can I Power wash my bike? or will this cause problems with my hydraulics brakes and other components?

If not I guess a regular hose will do.

DON'T DO IT!

It will tear apart your saddle and grips if you touch them with it, trust me I know.
Plus the pressure will most likely penetrate sealed bearings and seals on suspension forks.


I was like 12 when I took my dads 2400psi gas pressure washer to a bike I had, messed it up pretty good.

no it will wash out grease in your hubs. and mess with you fork seals... so a regular garden hose will work

You can, but you'll inject water into all your bearings, washing the grease out and leaving a metal on metal situation.

IOW, NO!

It's not worth it. Get a bucket fill it with soapy water and a sponge. Spray down your bike, avoiding any bearing locations, but spraying down the frame to knock off the big chunks is o.k. Sponge down your bike wiping all the dirt off. The rinse it.

I like to take my wheels off and wash them seperately.

I also remove my chain (Sram Powerlink) and soak it in degreaser.

Let the chain soak for 15 mins. rinse off with clean water, hang it to dry overnight and then lube it after all the water is gone or you'll trap moisture between the links.

Thanks for the advice.. I figured it would not be a great Idea.. lol ..that's why I asked first..

Thanks for the advice.. I figured it would not be a great Idea.. lol ..that's why I asked first..
If common sense told you it wouldn't.......... Why ask?

werd power wash = bad

i usually just use a soapy rag and a light spray with the garden hose..

Hehe...just got a new power washer 2 weeks ago, man that thing is FUN! You can cut right through a log! And if you wanted to clean your bike with that you can say bye-bye to your clearcoat.

YES !!!! You CAN power wash it !!!! Hell, you can even blow it up with some C-4 if you want....

As for a more reasonable response to a totally wide-open question;

I only wash mine off (with a regular garden hose) about every 4th ride....
There, next question please....

Every couple weeks, I clean up my bike, and get every spec of dirt off and make sure everything is running perfectly. My bike LUSTS! :p The only problem with bike lust is that its so damn slippery!

You can, but you'll inject water into all your bearings, washing the grease out and leaving a metal on metal situation.

IOW, NO!

It's not worth it. Get a bucket fill it with soapy water and a sponge. Spray down your bike, avoiding any bearing locations, but spraying down the frame to knock off the big chunks is o.k. Sponge down your bike wiping all the dirt off. The rinse it.

I like to take my wheels off and wash them seperately.

I also remove my chain (Sram Powerlink) and soak it in degreaser.

Let the chain soak for 15 mins. rinse off with clean water, hang it to dry overnight and then lube it after all the water is gone or you'll trap moisture between the links.


A rinse in isopropyl alcohol will drive out the water nicely and deter rusting. The alcohol rapidly evaporates leaving the chain ready to lube sooner.

I don't even use a garden hose. I use simple green and lots of rags for the frame and drivetrain.

If common sense told you it wouldn't.......... Why ask?


Why not ask? Does not hurt to ask.. just in case...