Originally Posted by
surgeonstone
Depends on the forecast. If it's going to be days of slush and snow I just let it get covered with crap. I do wipe down and lube the chain several times a week. I wipe/clean it with wd40 then when dried lube it with ice wax. When I clean the whole bike I use warm water and soap and quickly wash it down with a brush, rinse and blow dry with my leaf blower. Takes maybe 10-15 minutes. Nothing fancy in the winter but it gets a complete overhaul and cleaning in spring.
I disagree with thulsadoom. Salt will wreck havoc on an uncared for bike. When cleaned and lubed in a timely fashion it does great in anything. The proof? My backup bike I have had for 36 years of riding in all conditions and is steel and in perfect condition. My main bike and now exclusive ride for the past 8 years is still in pristine condition with original components. Care for it and it will last.