Kids, don't try this at home
#1
Portland Fred
Thread Starter
Kids, don't try this at home
For many years, I've consistently maintained a level of cleanliness that would probably make plenty of people here puke. I do not wash water bottles until they get slimy or the water tastes funny (usually both happen about the same time). The only criteria I use for determining when to put on clean clothes has to do with whether I expect to encounter other humans when I'm in kit. I wear clean stuff if I expect to encounter humans. Otherwise, I don't bother.
BTW, I have to keep stuff I don't wash in the garage rather than the house. Also, in case you're wondering, no I don't get sores and I don't get sick.
I never wash gloves. My favorite full fingered pair is neoprene and leather. I've had them about 5 years which makes it by far the most durable gloves I've ever owned and don't even know how many miles are on them. Amazingly, they're still holding up.
Morning temps have been hovering around 40 and one day we had rain. I couldn't help but notice that aside from feeling cruddy, they reeked even while I was riding. That was too much even for me. I decided to wash them.
I filled the sink, added Woolite, and converted the water to sludge in no time. I drained and refilled the sink at least 5 times before the water wasn't pretty sickening and 10 times before I decided I was rinsing clear enough. I had to clean the sink between each filling and there's still crud.
But I'll be damned if the gloves aren't much lighter in terms of weight and color. And they didn't fall apart. They're hanging in the laundry room right now. Should be good for another few years...
BTW, I have to keep stuff I don't wash in the garage rather than the house. Also, in case you're wondering, no I don't get sores and I don't get sick.
I never wash gloves. My favorite full fingered pair is neoprene and leather. I've had them about 5 years which makes it by far the most durable gloves I've ever owned and don't even know how many miles are on them. Amazingly, they're still holding up.
Morning temps have been hovering around 40 and one day we had rain. I couldn't help but notice that aside from feeling cruddy, they reeked even while I was riding. That was too much even for me. I decided to wash them.
I filled the sink, added Woolite, and converted the water to sludge in no time. I drained and refilled the sink at least 5 times before the water wasn't pretty sickening and 10 times before I decided I was rinsing clear enough. I had to clean the sink between each filling and there's still crud.
But I'll be damned if the gloves aren't much lighter in terms of weight and color. And they didn't fall apart. They're hanging in the laundry room right now. Should be good for another few years...
#3
STICK IT IN YOU
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 401
Bikes: Giant XTC 2, Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So we can safely assume that the tux you are wearing in your profile pic is clean....right?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gainesville/Tampa, FL
Posts: 2,343
Bikes: Trek 1000, two mtbs and working on a fixie for commuting.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My Specialized BG gloves get crusty and stiff after a handful of rides, but I also use them as my workout gloves. And I neglect my Camelbak for my trail riding until I notice little brown/green spots in the drinking tube or get stomach cramps.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: A Coffin Called Earth. or Toronto, ON
Posts: 12,257
Bikes: Bianchi, Miyata, Dahon, Rossin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
well, you don't get ocp points for this one.
my water bottle is in constant use everyday, so there's not much point washing them.
my water bottle is in constant use everyday, so there's not much point washing them.
__________________
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
#6
mamafitz
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Near Hershey...TMI...not in Central PA ;)
Posts: 1,878
Bikes: Serotta CDA, Cannondale R800, mid-80's Bianchi hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
<<reminder to me: teach 12-year-old son how to do laundry this weekend...before it's too late>>
Assume you really like nothing but solo rides, right?
Beth
Assume you really like nothing but solo rides, right?
Beth
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
So how long exactly does it take for your bottles to get slimy?
I usually go 2-3 days before washing. That includes using the hammer gel/powerade mix.
I usually go 2-3 days before washing. That includes using the hammer gel/powerade mix.
#8
Don't mince words
>shudders in revulsion<
So, I guess you think sweat, snot, and exfoliated skin cells = preservative.
So, I guess you think sweat, snot, and exfoliated skin cells = preservative.
#9
Portland Fred
Thread Starter
Correct. I will do group rides on occasion, but I consider that being with humans, so I wear clean kit for that.
Months (I don't know exactly how many -- probably about 4). However, I only put water in them. If I let them dry out rather than letting them sit around with water in them, I'll bet they'd never need washing.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 421
Bikes: Cervelo P2K, Cannondale R1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am totally the opposite, and probably am borderline ocp. My friends call me a germophobe, but I won't go into my food and cleanliness routines.
I have never (in ten years) worn the same cycling clothes more than once w/o washing. I wash my bottles, gloves, helmet and bike after every ride. That pretty much covers it.
#12
Go as fast as you can
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Marcos
Posts: 733
Bikes: Ritte Bosberg with SRAM Red and Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL's
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Let us all remember that the OP is prone to defending and riding recumbents...that should explain some of the cleanliness issues
#13
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
But I will add .......... all it took was one trip to a fast food place I usually enjoy on the day before leaving on a camping trip, and I was crouched over the outhouse hole at the campground violently losing everything ... absolutely everything ... all night long.
So, you might want to watch what you injest.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#14
Don't mince words
What makes you assume he's single?
I am totally the opposite, and probably am borderline ocp. My friends call me a germophobe, but I won't go into my food and cleanliness routines.
I have never (in ten years) worn the same cycling clothes more than once w/o washing. I wash my bottles, gloves, helmet and bike after every ride. That pretty much covers it.
I am totally the opposite, and probably am borderline ocp. My friends call me a germophobe, but I won't go into my food and cleanliness routines.
I have never (in ten years) worn the same cycling clothes more than once w/o washing. I wash my bottles, gloves, helmet and bike after every ride. That pretty much covers it.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gainesville/Tampa, FL
Posts: 2,343
Bikes: Trek 1000, two mtbs and working on a fixie for commuting.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I find that some cheap Wal-mart foam-like gloves ("Copper Canyon Cycling") are the best for maintaining non-crustiness.
I have never cleaned mine and I've had them since I first start biking in the 5th grade. I've used them for cycling (until I upgraded to better stuff), lifting, fishing (once because one of the poles had no grips), tennis (as an experiment), and have loaned it out to friends to bike with that don't have gloves.
10 years or so later, the grippy pads are gone, the stretchy spandex in between the fingers are almost all gone, there are some holes in the seams, but they still work and most of all, NOT crusty.
Though the water that comes out when I make a fist after a rainy session is less than pleasant.
And they've lasted beyond two pairs of Valeo weight loves (a pair/<year) and two pairs of Specialized BGs (a pair/1.5 years).
I have never cleaned mine and I've had them since I first start biking in the 5th grade. I've used them for cycling (until I upgraded to better stuff), lifting, fishing (once because one of the poles had no grips), tennis (as an experiment), and have loaned it out to friends to bike with that don't have gloves.
10 years or so later, the grippy pads are gone, the stretchy spandex in between the fingers are almost all gone, there are some holes in the seams, but they still work and most of all, NOT crusty.
Though the water that comes out when I make a fist after a rainy session is less than pleasant.
And they've lasted beyond two pairs of Valeo weight loves (a pair/<year) and two pairs of Specialized BGs (a pair/1.5 years).
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gainesville/Tampa, FL
Posts: 2,343
Bikes: Trek 1000, two mtbs and working on a fixie for commuting.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 1,371
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Of course you don't. Sores have more to do with poor bicycle fit than cleanliness. I've gone as many as 5 days in the same shorts (without washing them, and without showers) on tours and have been fine.
But I will add .......... all it took was one trip to a fast food place I usually enjoy on the day before leaving on a camping trip, and I was crouched over the outhouse hole at the campground violently losing everything ... absolutely everything ... all night long.
So, you might want to watch what you injest.
But I will add .......... all it took was one trip to a fast food place I usually enjoy on the day before leaving on a camping trip, and I was crouched over the outhouse hole at the campground violently losing everything ... absolutely everything ... all night long.
So, you might want to watch what you injest.
#18
What is this demonry?!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Central IL
Posts: 1,097
Bikes: KHS Aero Comp.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
that is such epic fail. Clothes that I sweat in are usually cleaned quite regularly, indoor clothes are cleaned less because they are only worn indoors. Cycling clothes are cleaned after every ride, no matter how much I sweat. Last thing I need is for my chamois to turn a bacteria farm for scientists to farm from. Oh and the other thing that gets washed on a monthly basis or so are my helmet straps, mainly because they are such hell to get out and put back in and have to adjust every time, I've only washed them once though, they don't seem to get to sweaty it's the pads i wash every week.
#19
?
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,775
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As an OCD clean freak, I can't say I'm in disgust. I don't wear gloves in the summer, but I do own 5 pairs of winter gloves, yes, I wash my gloves after every two rides.
Bottles, I have to wash them, after every ride. I used to be paranoid about drinking only filtered water (which leads to carrying a hydration pack on longer rides), now I don't care anymore, I drink tap water.
I know what you mean about converting the water into sludge, it is ungodly.
Bottles, I have to wash them, after every ride. I used to be paranoid about drinking only filtered water (which leads to carrying a hydration pack on longer rides), now I don't care anymore, I drink tap water.
I know what you mean about converting the water into sludge, it is ungodly.
#20
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Just wait till I find the words to describe the lightening bolt/fireball that descended in the middle of that night (just when I was about to make another dash to the outhouse)!!
Whenever I get a sudden jolt of adrenalin, my forearms go numb ... and my forearms were numb for about two hours after that.
We suspect it struck about 20 metres from the tent.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#21
Portland Fred
Thread Starter
Ironically, one of my bents -- the highracer in my profile pic -- is my hot rod. I keep that bike clean and never ride that looking like a slob. I have even been known to make sure that my socks and jersey don't clash horribly with the bike....
My touring bike is my workhorse utility ride and my racer is my workhorse riding bike, so they see rougher use and a yuckier cyclist. But then again, the racing bike is a Fuji, so it would be pointless to even try to be OCP on that.
#23
Has coddling tendencies.
Me? I don't like wearing stinky or dirty things of any sort. One ride = one wash. Gloves get it about once every two weeks. Here in SoCal it's easy to wash an item or two by hand, then hang it outside for drying in the sun.
#24
Portland Fred
Thread Starter
#25
202 lbs climber
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 199
Bikes: 09 Cervelo S3 Rings, Jamis Xenith Comp 2007, Jamis Xenith SL 08 (wrecked), generic hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like your approach!
However, I had a pair of PI gloves that fell apart after only two months. Seams came loose and the gloves disintegrated pretty quickly. They became pads held together by strings. I never washed them.
My current gloves however have held up nicely since March, but I put them in the washer every third/fourth ride. Somehow it seems that helps on durability (PI Attack).
As for clothing, I wash all my cycling clothes after every ride. I even wash the helmet pads - and the straps, but only when they become rigid and white :-)
However, I had a pair of PI gloves that fell apart after only two months. Seams came loose and the gloves disintegrated pretty quickly. They became pads held together by strings. I never washed them.
My current gloves however have held up nicely since March, but I put them in the washer every third/fourth ride. Somehow it seems that helps on durability (PI Attack).
As for clothing, I wash all my cycling clothes after every ride. I even wash the helmet pads - and the straps, but only when they become rigid and white :-)