Make it sparkle
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Make it sparkle
I thought this would be the most appropriate place to post this question, but let me know if I should put it elsewhere.
My bike doesn't really get too dirty from my rides, but I do treat to a wash every now and then with soap and water. But I've been wanting to really make it sparkle lately (and I'm not talking about glitter). I want to make it look as new as possible, maybe use some polish and other potions and some of the cleaning stuff for the tires.
What would you guys recommend? Microfiber is probably a good idea for the frame, but what about other parts of the bike? What should I use for the rims, or the little plastic parts on the brake cables and or on the cones of the bike to get them really clean? What experience do you guys have?
Thanks. Happy Riding!
My bike doesn't really get too dirty from my rides, but I do treat to a wash every now and then with soap and water. But I've been wanting to really make it sparkle lately (and I'm not talking about glitter). I want to make it look as new as possible, maybe use some polish and other potions and some of the cleaning stuff for the tires.
What would you guys recommend? Microfiber is probably a good idea for the frame, but what about other parts of the bike? What should I use for the rims, or the little plastic parts on the brake cables and or on the cones of the bike to get them really clean? What experience do you guys have?
Thanks. Happy Riding!
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
I usually just use car wash soap and give everything a good scrubbing with a towel. If something is really dirty/rusty I'll give it a rub with some fine steel wool.
#3
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
i use bike cleaner that i have mixed from concentrate 10 parts water and 1 part cleaner. I have waxed one bike before. I should probably do that to my commuter as well.
I dry with a microfiber clothe everything.
I dry with a microfiber clothe everything.
#4
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,542
Likes: 4,321
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Any decent car cleaner/wax. If it's really bad Meguir's Scratch X Rims would depend on what finish is on them - paint, anodized, polished all would have a different methods to get looking their best.
https://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...troduction.htm
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...khatful+polish
https://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...troduction.htm
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...khatful+polish
Last edited by dedhed; 10-04-12 at 03:02 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: 05 Trek 5200, 07 Trek 520, 99 GT Karakoram, 08 Surly 1X1
I'm skeptical of various cleaning products - soap is soap right?
But I've found this stuff to really make a good clean up and shine.
https://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-4...FYYWMgodHCAAFQ
But I've found this stuff to really make a good clean up and shine.
https://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-4...FYYWMgodHCAAFQ
#6
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
I would never wash cones (I'm assuming you mean axle/hub cones) - you don't want soap and water getting in your bearing grease.
#7
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Thanks for all your responses guys. There's some good stuff in here. Maybe I'll be able to try some of this stuff this weekend. Oh, and cooker, no I wouldn't wash the cones either. I'm talking about the plastic coverings that help keep dirt out of them. I was wondering if there some kind of potion I could use to make those and other plastics/rubber on the bike look like new.
Anyway, thanks again guys.
Anyway, thanks again guys.
#8
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 7
From: SE Michigan
Bikes: Serotta CRL, Litespeed Blue Ridge, Bacchetta Ti Aero, Cannondale delta V, 67 Schwinn Sting Ray stick shift.
Pledge furniture spray wax is great for painted frames. A little scotch-bright & simple green for the Ti frame.






