Bicycle Mechanics - Have You Ever Used Air Pressure To Clean Your Bike?

A couple of days ago, I went to a local motorcycle show. There were about 200 bikes there, and all of them were squeaky clean and pristine. I asked some of the owners how they keep them so clean. Most said they use a soft brush with soap and water, and then use an air pressure hose to get the water off and keep it from spotting. Would this work on a bike?

STOP!Do not do that.Water will go where it should'nt be forced to go.Also,its just a bad idea.

I agree 100% with Shokhead, you will force water
into bearings, turning good grease into sludge.

Use a chamois or shop towel if you want to dry your
bike off after cleaning.
I imagine that the compressed air is to prevent water
spots on a show bike, and we all know our bikes
are not for "show". . . :D

Marty

I have used compressed air to clean my bike, but it wasn't to get rid of water. I was spraying the dust off the surface of the frame. I was careful not to spray bearings, but it wasn't that effective, coz I had to wipe it down anyway. But it does get rid of some of the thicker dust that collects on the tube surfaces and keeps your bike somewhat cleaner until you can find the time to give it a good wipedown.

I don't recommend the procedure not because of possible bearing damage, but possible hearing damage, since the compressed air blown at such velocity will creat a lot of noise. I use hearing protection when I do this, and it's at work, so it's pretty convenient.

If it has that much dust it needs to be riden more.Throw a old blanket over it.I hope you dont use that chamois on your car.They are bad.Use the absorber.

Compressed air can force water into seals. Never, ever use compressed air!

I always use compressed air.

Originally posted by shokhead
If it has that much dust it needs to be riden more.Throw a old blanket over it.I hope you dont use that chamois on your car.They are bad.Use the absorber.

Dust is from the dry fireroads around here ... they have a lot of dry dirt and it accumulates on my bike like dust on the TV. ;) Don't worry, I ride quite a bit. :D

I towel really works best for general drying. On a motorcycle there are too many deep places to reach and detail with a towel which is why we will use an air hose, and thats generally reserved for putting the bike on display.

I use compressed air to blow off dirt and road grime off of components, then wash, then towel dry.