Bike washing
 

What do you guys and gals use to wash your bikes with?

In the winter, I rinse off the mud and crud from the bottom bracket area with water sprayed from my water bottle. Now that it’s not so muddy, I usually just clean the dust and splatter with a brush which is actually a broom head. Bear in mind I’m lazy.

Otto

Do you have any idea how many threads/posts there are on this exact subject?

Lemon Pledge for the frame.
A degreaser for the drivetrain parts.
Lotsa rags.

Yes but I was to lazy to read them

But not “to” lazy to start a new thread and read the responses?

I gotta say, most of the threads on the topic are rubbish, and I’ve seen a lot of them over the course of my +12 years on BF. I say this because it was only this year that I saw someone suggest using a $10 garden sprayer. I think it was an off-hand remark in a tubeless tire thread, not even a cleaning thread, but lemme tell you, it was a tip that changed my bike life for the better. How, you may be wondering? Well, for starters, the long, narrow wand makes getting around the bike a snap, and directs the spray precisely, perfecting for cleaning inside the gear cluster and around the bottom bracket, for example. Hand pressurized, it’s strong enough to knock of crusty mud without worry of blasting dirty spray all over the place; it’s awesome to use hot water in it, too. It’s very efficient in terms of water use; I can clean a bike thoroughly in the garage in winter without soaking everything and creating a sheet of ice down the driveway. Really, there’s so much to like about the method, that I recommend everyone tey it, even if you think you’ve got it all figured out. I thought I did; I’ve been cleaning bikes year round for more than 30 years, still the sprayer was a revelation. I use about a half gallon of hot water with some automotive wash soap, then refill with plain water for a quick rimse. It’s quick, easy, and effective. Okay...and it’s fun, too.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-Ga...HDXA/307766754

I'm too lazy to repost:
Bike Forums - View Single Post - Is there a quick, easy way to wash a bike??

Lean bike against car. Garden hose and car wash stuff. Wash both.

to clarify: in winter, wash neither.

He either talks too fast or I can't get the names of items he uses? Lube/solvent? That triangular brush?

Garden hose and a brass jet nozzle. This gets most of the dirt off the bike. Old T-Shirt and windex if I want the bike to be really clean for something like a vintage bike meetup. Wait for stuff to dry, apply lube to chain and derailleurs, and the call it done.

I've always used Bike Brite on my motorcycles and have been using it on my bikes too. Wet the bike down real well, spray on the Bike Brite liberally, wait 5-10 min and then hose it all off real good. Good stuff that doesn't leave spots either.

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Brite-MC...s%2C188&sr=8-2

Boeshield
Dawn
bucket
hot water
You'll have to listen/rewind for the brand name of the brush. Other brushes will work but the brand he references won't stay clean when you clean the chain or cogs. I ordered one many years ago from the Home Depot web site.

Different question--something to to make it shine?
 

I'm going to be selling four bikes. I got them nice and clean, but is there a way to put a shine on them to make them pretty for sale? This is a serious question. I know it will attract smart-aXXes, being one myself, but I really would appreciate any ideas.

How dirty do you get your bike? If you are doing real mountain biking off the paved road or cyclocross, then I guess pretty dirty.

But for the road, even dirty roads with a little mud on them these work well for me. And I can sit in the comfort of my airconditioned home watching TV while I do it. Or am I supposed to be messing with my phone instead of TV?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f6af6c7993.jpg

Nice idea! An upgrade from using my water bottle. Fewer trips to the sink to refill if it’s really messy. Mine have been used for Roundup so probably better to get a new one.

Otto

Yeah, having a pressure washer that’s so easy and portable is really perfect for road bike cleaning. A really mud-caked MTB might be a challenge...

synopsis
 

To save you the effort, the net-net of the numerous threads and posts on this topic is:
slosh it down liberally with muriatic acid leave to soak overnight, then wipe down with fine sandpaper in the morning.

Thought you'd like it.

This changed everything for me.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...62f04c32e.jpeg

Liquid Gold spray shines up everything nicely. Then buff it out.

whats wrong with winter washing?

some spray furniture polish, like Pledge, works a treat and will put paint and polished aluminum on bling.