Top Ten Products to clean your bike

Keeping your bike clean is an important part of maintenance that can help extend the life of your components and keep your bike running smoothly. Here are ten products that can help you get your bike looking and functioning like new:

1.     Bucket: A bucket can be used to mix cleaning solutions and to soak parts like the chain and cassette. Fill it with water and bike wash or degreaser, and use a brush to scrub parts as needed. Any good-sized bucket found in the car section of the local wally world will do.

2.     Bike stand: A bike stand can make it easier to clean your bike by holding it in a stable position and allowing you to access all parts of the bike. Use a stand to secure your bike while cleaning and performing maintenance. You can get a decent bike stand on amazon for as little as $55 we really like the Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bicycle Repair Stand because of its stability, hold, and portability. If you really want to make an investment in a bike stand check out Tilt Industries balance trainer which doubles as a great bike stand.

3.     Bike-specific degreaser: A bike-specific degreaser is a powerful cleaning solution that can help you remove grime and built-up oil from your bike's drivetrain. To use a degreaser, apply it to the chain, cassette, and chainrings, then scrub the parts with a brush. Rinse with water to remove the degreaser and dry the parts thoroughly. Examples of good bike degreasers are: Finish Line Speed Bike Degreaser and Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner

4.     Chain cleaning tool: A chain cleaning tool can help you get your chain looking like new by scrubbing away dirt and debris. Simply fill the tool with degreaser, clamp it onto the chain, and turn the pedals to move the chain through the tool. We use the Muc-Off X-3 Dirty Chain Machine and the Park Tool CG-2.4 is good as well.

5.     Bike brush set: A set of bike brushes can help you get into hard-to-reach areas of your bike, like between the cassette and derailleur. Use a variety of brushes to scrub away dirt and grime from different parts of your bike. This is a very important set of tools to keep your bikes in optimal working condition. You can buy them as sets such as the Muc-Off 5-Piece Brush set or the Park Tool bike Cleaning Brush Kit.

6.     Microfiber towels: Microfiber towels are soft and absorbent, making them ideal for wiping down your bike's frame, wheels, and components without leaving scratches. Use them to dry your bike after washing or to apply protective wax or polish. Once again your local auto parts store or big box store will have good options for these.

7.     Bike wash: A bike wash is a gentle cleaning solution that is formulated to remove dirt and grime from your bike's frame, wheels, and components without damaging the finish. Apply it to your bike with a brush or sponge, scrub as needed, and rinse with water. We use Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike wash or Pedros Green Fizz.

8.     Water bottle: A water bottle or hose can be used to rinse your bike clean after washing and to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Use a nozzle attachment to control the water pressure and avoid damaging sensitive components. You can use a pressure washer but just make sure that you don’t apply too close (or too high of pressure) to components with bearings or suspension.

9.     Chain lube: After cleaning your bike, it's important to re-lube your chain to keep it running smoothly and prevent rust and wear. Apply a drop of chain lube to each link, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. We like Finish line lubes and generally, you will want dry lube for dry conditions and wet lube for (you guessed it) wet conditions.

10.  Protective wax or polish: Applying a protective wax or polish after cleaning can help to protect your bike's paint and finish from scratches and damage. Apply the wax or polish with a clean cloth, then buff it off to a shine. Muc-Off Bike Protect is our go-to polish.

By using these ten products, you can keep your bike looking and functioning like new for years to come. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help you get the most out of your investment and ensure that your bike is always ready to ride. If you don’t have time to wash your bike schedule an appointment with our mobile bike team, we take the hassle out of keeping your bike moving like new by coming to YOU.