Originally Posted by
carpediemracing
This works for me:
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...lustrated.html
I use car wash for the frame since it's designed specifically not to strip wax off of a bike. Personally I find it virtually impossible to wax a frame once it's built into a bike, so I use a car wash that has "wax" in it. (Just so it's clear, car wash with wax is NOT a substitute for waxing your car, but it makes me feel better... I regularly clay and wax my car if that makes any difference to the car-folks out there).
I forgot in my post on cleaning that I regularly pick up one of my detailing sprays to wipe down the frame. It's a standard spray polish for cars (currently I'm using either a Mothers or a Meguires brand polish), sort of a "temporary wax in a bottle" kind of thing.
I've heard but have not confirmed that Simple Green, left on a chain (or at least certain metals) will weaken it.
I also am not a fan of removing the chain. I leave a chain on the bike until it's worn out, less chance for error. The Park/similar chain cleaning tool (box of bristles you run your chain through) works wonders for cleaning a chain but requires lots of cleaner since you have to refill every time you clean.
The best tip for keeping the bike clean - clean it regularly. It's much easier to clean off an almost clean bike than it is a filthy one, especially in the drivetrain area.
cdr
yeah QD(quick detailer will work great)
I boughta bottle of bike lust, but dont care for it. I think some QD+ a good carnuba or syn wax twice a year on a bike is enough if your into waxing bikes. I just spray a squirt of QD and wipe it good, or some of the Eagle one quick wax i had sitting around for a year and never used.
im pretty anal on car waxing though, i do the whole clay thing 3 times a year, before i break out my Porter cable..wash with a good shampoo, dawn afterwards..clay..then prep the pain with a light abrasive polish..usually #21 light cut to get the swirls out of my black car..then will hand buff a good synthetic wax on, let that sit over night then lightly dust in the morning with a cali duster..and apply a coat or 2 of carnuaba as a top coat..car looks brand new. in between every month i hand wax with Mothers carnuba..good stuff.
my buddy uses Zaino, but i tried it..was not that impressed for the amount of work