CarLo

My last bike, I returned it because it started to rust. How do i wash it without rusting?

ILikeRedBikes

Dont shoot water at it, Grab some wet rag and clean it, then lube the parts that need so.

norco_rider77

and dry it off, even if its not after washing

CarLo

o haha, thats why it started to rust. thanks for the tip!

junkyard

Is that oatmeal in your signature, Pete?

Aaron_F

Use a damp cloth to wipe down everything, then immediately dry it. Make sure you re-lube the chain when you're all done.

Two things to never use on your bike: compressed water (for cleaning) & compressed air (inflating tires).

Aaron_F

Compressed water will find its way into bearings and compressed air can blow your tubes.

EthanYQX

I fill my tubes with compressed air, and wash my bike with a hose. Hasn't been bothered yet.

The Figment

Water does not compress...you mean hi-pressure,lol

EthanYQX

Pressurized, yes.

mcoine

Amazing. This forum just gets better and better.

AnonyMust

what's the best type of lube and for what part? Should i dry off my chain when it get wet, and can i use wd 40 on it?

AlucardZero

Don't EVER use WD-40 to LUBE a chain.

ed 

First you gotta sneak up on the little bugga...then you throw something into the thicket across the way to distract it...then you gotta commit to jumping on it and tying it up with some zip ties like they do the Perp's on TV...the rest requires a little gentle soapy rub-rub and a spritz of warm water...don't forget to buff and dry the wet spot.

deraltekluge

I was always told to never use a gas station's air supply to fill a bike tire, because they tend to have inaccurate gauges and to be very high pressure and capacity. They're OK with large car and truck tires, but can rapidly overfill and blow out bike tires. I really don't know if that's true in general, but I did manage to explode a bike tire once upon a time when I ignored that advice.

jrdn.wallace

whats wrong with wd-40?

deraltekluge

Haven't you heard? All you need to get along in the world is WD-40 and duct tape:

If it's supposed to move, but doesn't, use WD-40

If it's not supposed to move, but does, use duct tape

RIC0

Nothing, I use it all the time and have for years. Spray the chain down with it, wipe it clean and go out and ride. You don't need chain specific lube, just keep your chain clean is the main thing.

probable556

Spray with hose. Maybe wipe down with rag. Re-lube chain and mechanical pivot points.

Don't worry, your bike is tougher than you think. It'll be OK.

Aaron_F

WD-40 isn't the best idea. Try Pedro's Ice Wax.

Shiva

LOL I use compressed air to dry my bike. Well to dry all the hex heads, get all the water out of em so they don't rust like they did on my last bike. I'll have to wait and see if it works.

ILikeRedBikes

I have when the hex heads rust and then they get pulverized when you try to adjust something.

hennyh

WD-40 is a penetrant designed to displace water. It's a solvent with very little lubricating qualities. The solvent in WD-40 will wash away existing lubricant.

For stuck mechanisms it's good because the combination of solvent and lubricant will help get stuck parts moving until you can lubricate them properly. As a lubricant on moving parts it's a terrible choice.

crushkilldstroy

That's a common misconception. "Sealed" bearings don't keep water out, they keep air out. The proper term is cartridge bearings, even though manufacturers don't even call them that.

click the link for more info.


EDIT! To actually answer your question, I go this route, which is similar to Pete's.

1. Knock big chunks off.
2. Rag or brush.
3. Hose.
4. Lube.

I never really worry about getting my bikes super clean, but I'm definitely meticulous when it comes to grease/lube.

Oleanshoebox

dribble an organic bodily fluid on it.