Bike cleaning and lubing questions.
 

My UO-8 has gotten fairly dirty and also needs to be greased.
So my questions are, can I just use regular car wash soap?
and
What's a cheap lube that I can use? I don't want the best just something that is cheap, works fairly well and will not damage my bike.

Can anyone at least give me answer on the cleaning right now?
I don't want a demanding tone but I'd like to know right now if I can:
1. Use normal auto wash on it.
2. if there's anything that can't get wet
3. if I can just wash off the grease now and re-lube it.

Here's my two cents.

Many swear by Simple Green as an overall cleaner. Don't use high pressure water. Get an old toothbrush. Clean the cogs with the simple green, rinse with water. In fact, you can wash the entire bike - use some common sense, don't wash too vigorously. After you have washed it, rub it dry. Let the chain and cogs dry for a bit (maybe a couple of hours). Go to your LBS and have them recommend a chain lube. I am currently using something call BikeLube (catchy eh?) :p

Good luck

yea, car wash or some dish detergent to give you sudsy warm water should be fine - simple green or a citrus solvent may cut the lube on the chain a little better. A wet or dry bike lube, based on your riding - and I've been ok using 3-in-1 oil which has a neat applicator tip. So after dry - try to get a drop (no more) of oil on the moving parts - front & rear derailliers and cables. A small drop strategically placed in each chain link, run thru all the gears, and take the bike for a 3 min ride down the street running thru all the gears. My bike is so freaking quiet after I do this!

Good luck / Peter

Thanks for the help, I'll get back at it tomorrow.

I'd suggest not skimping on the lube - ProLink does a much better job than household 3-in-1 oil, and you can afford six bucks to make your bike run better than ever before, right?

Okay, I'll try it.
Also, I'm having some trouble getting the chain off, looked it over for a long time and couldn't find the master link.

I like Dawn dish soap and some brushes and cloths for de-gunking a bike.

You'll probably need one of these to get your chain off.

http://www.jrbicycles.com/park%20CT-...%20breaker.jpg

A chain breaker.

I use dish soap (Dawn or the like) and it does just fine for the frame. I use OranjPeelz on greasy components. Even "expensive" lube is cheap when you think about how long a can/bottle will last. Just be sure to wait until the chain is completely dry before lubing.

Beware, unless you are good at it (I'm a clutz), you can damage your chain when you start messing with links. Think about replacing the chain. If you are feeling adventurous and flush with cash, check for wear on the cassette and consider replacing it if needed (but that gets expensive and requires at least two tools many people don't have).

Edit: As to equipment, I just use rags, a toothbrush, and a bigger plastic-bristled brush that I got at a hardware store.

Another vote for Simple Green and toothbrush. Actually I use a grout cleaner brush, it's a little bigger than a toothbrush. It seems to do the quickest job

I always use Finish Line products!
Echo-Tech degreaser, Pro Detailer, and Dry Teflon Lube(I don't ride in wet conditions & it attracks less dirt)

http://www.finishlineusa.com/

They also have a Chain Cleaner which I love. Does a great job on the chain without having to remove it

I would never use 3 in 1 oil, it will attract every piece of dirt within a 3ft radius:mad:

I ride a mountain bike and after every Ride it is de-gunk and lube time. I use a product called "MuckOff" to get rid of the mud and oil that is on the bike but car wash shampoo and a sponge will work aswell. After hosing down and ensuring that all the crud is off the bike- I spray the whole bike except the wheels, saddle, Brake blocks and anything rubber, with WD40 or similar water dispellant spray. The bike can then be left for a couple of hours- or days if necessary, before wiping the bike clean and lubing the cables and chain.

Lube wars start on what is the best chain lube but your LBS will recommend one for you. Chain lube is not expensive, but use a chain specific lube.

Why not use a high pressure washer (like at a self-serve car wash) if one is convenient? I would still use a toothbrush for touchup, but it seems like it'd be great to blast most of the gunk off beforehand if you can. What is the downside?

... and right in to bearings, cables, and cluster ratchets.

I dunno how much sense it takes to realize it's a bad idea to use pressure washers on a bicycle or just about anything. They are useful for cleaning driveways, decks, siding. I wouldn't even touch my car with one, ask a pro detailer what the best method for cleaning most anything is. Low pressure water and the right cleaning products! I don't even use a jet spray from a regular garden sprayer.