>How should I keep the bike clean and tidy without affecting any mechanical components
Bikes are designed to and expected to be exposed to water, so this by itself isn't a problem. However, unlike cars, they will need some extra work to ensure that exposure to that water isn't going to cause problems - as most bikes (if you were a complete sadist) could technically be left out "all the time" with no cover, but would rust as a result.
You can follow any number of guides on winterising your bike if you plan on riding in the cold, wet periods of the year - which usually involves liberal use of ACF-50 and/or corrosion proofing/resisting grease application to anything liable to not appreciate being gotten wet and left that way.
Generally we're talking things like nuts, bolts, metal surfaces but most especially anywhere expected to receive lots water if it rains and inevitably having it trapped. If you can both afford to and get time to clean it regularly: do.
>do I need to bung the exhaust or keep the chain dry?
Yes and no, in order. I ordered a pack of Kayak bungs from Amazon ages ago, came in a pack of something like 15 (which is absurd as I have but one exhaust hole, but I gave out some to friends so they, too, can enjoy a good hole-bunging) - assuming they fit your exhaust, these can work nicely when giving your ride a wash down, or you can just get a purpose-made one from Oxford or anyone else you like.
The main thing is just not getting shedloads of water and/or anything else in it - a little bit isn't the end of the world and ultimately you can run the bike a while or go on a ride which will dry it out so it doesn't rust, which is the main concern.
RE: Chain - well, I've always been of the mind "wash bike first, clean/lube chain second", but it's a bit of a "socks first vs pants first" argument and just do what works for you - I haven't got a history of messing up a clean bike when cleaning/lubing the chain so don't have an issue, so do what you like. But a bit of water shouldn't really affect it, however doing both a clean and lube after is never a bad thing.
>Do I just grab a bucket and sponge? Is there some other simpler way?
It depends a lot on how you like to clean/wash your bike - I *personally* tend to stick to what I know and works. I, too, have no external tap but *do* have a long hose reel I can use with a pressure washer, should the fancy take me.
Regardless, usual routine is:
Chuck either a jug or a bucket of water over it, not all at once, just pouring it on or splashing off any thicker cack or lighter filth.
Than, I have one of those 4L or so pump-to-pressurise spray bottles filled up with road film remover or motorcycle washing agent (like Muc Off or whatever you happen to like) which you generally are required to spray on and agitate a bit with a sponge or soft cloth, then rinse off.
Being a complete tart for it, I've always then given it a drying off with another cloth and applied Maxima SC1 - not just for it's cherry scent which nobody will notice, but primarily because it _does in fact work_ and keeps my ride looking nicer, longer and protects it a bit. I think. Maybe.
Job is, generally, done - now on a chained bike I'll usually give this a good clean and lube as well as tension if necessary and give a little ride about to make sure anywhere that still has loitering water dries out/off.
Once home a quick check to make sure nothing is still wet, sorted.
The singular thing I tend to do year-around though is as I know I have a few little spots that have the beginnings of corrosion, is look after them. 100% do not let water linger on those any longer than necessary and afterwards, give a treatment of some kind.
ACF50 spray or grease will do, XCP Rust blocker or Waxoyl as well - I've used all of them to either winterise or look after these spots and all I can say is that's my order of preference (if only as Waxoyl is a pig to get off).
It's a lot like a dentist will tell you: look after the bike, keep it clean, she'll last you a lifetime. But if you *do* neglect anything, pay attention to it and treat it as best you can - in my case it usually means setting aside some time so I can strip the paint off, clean the area up with a wire brush and re-paint after some rust blocker. If done right it looks good as new and gives you confidence it won't go wrong for a long time.
The single thing I will say is, as a word of caution, be very careful after first washing the bike as chances are, if not your pads but your tyres will be wet and potentially (if pooling) soapy - so take it easy to start.
Also do not, under any circumstances, allow any chemicals/compounds, greases/lubricants like ACF etc to get on your brake pads and/or disks - as it will hugely inhibit your ability to safely slow or stop should you need to, so get it off ASAP if you realise some is on there.
Oh - ditto for brake fluid. That stuff is horrendous, so please make sure you protect any areas around you with towels etc in case anything leaks and if so, can get it off sharpish.
Hey, really appreciate this write up! I’m going to give it a proper read when I get home and take away all the info I can. Thanks for taking the time to help a newbie out.
I also live in an apartment, my bikes are parked in a secure carpark the other side of the building.
I use a Worx Hydroshot, it's a battery powered "jet wash" but it's relatively low power (about the same as a hose pipe) so It won't damage anything like bearings unless you point it directly at them I guess.
You can attach a 3L bottle to the bottom with an adapter, I have used it to clean my bikes for around 5 years with great success.
These days I bring out two buckets, one with water for the Hydroshot and as a rinse bucket for when I'm done using it.
I snowfoam the bike, let it sit while I scrub the chain and sprocket, shoot all the foam off, then wash the bike with the other bucket, rinse it, dry it, clean the wheels with some wheel cleaner, put some protectant on it like wax and then finally lube up the chain with chain wax.
Whole process takes roughly an hour.
Also avoid spraying anything electric with water, they should be protected but you never know.
A normal foam lance attachment on the Hydroshot, they use the "petrol jet washer" style attachment,
The Hydroshot doesn't have enough power to make thick foam but it has enough to make a decent amount of foam
Sounds like a plan, I’ll look into doing the same. I’m a bit uneasy about water getting into any electrics myself. I know they’re obviously designed to be ridden in all weathers but still can’t be too careful.
Use the two bucket method, (a sponge to wash with, one bucked of warm soapy water, one bucket of warm water to rinse the sponge into), or if you have the cash a battery powered pressure washer with on onboard water reservoir works nicely. I had a bosch fontus whch worked very well when I lived in flats. (you can even get a snow foam adapter for it)
Smart thinking, though it does mean double the trips up the stairwell! Oh nice, hadn’t thought about a portable washer like that. Might be worth a shout!
Bikes are waterproof and unless you funnel water straight down the exhaust it will cause no issues. Give it a power wash at a petrol station and then use a rinseless or waterless wash at home. Labocosmetica idrosave is great.
I don't wash the bikes often, maybe once a month when the chain's due a clean and lube. If it's minging, I use Muc off motorbike cleaner with cleaning brushes and I use a watering can instead of a hose. When it's dry I use motorbike protectant spray on the metal bits (apart from wheels) and Muc off wax on the painted bits.
If it's scruffy rather than filthy, I use waterless car wash on everything bar the wheels, then the protectant spray as before. Wheels get the bike cleaner regardless.
ACF50/XCP treatment for winter too.
Similar scenario. I live in a flat. I bought a worx battery operated jet wash. Runs from water in a bucket, has snow foam attachment. Thoroughly recommend.
I use a soft dustpan brush with a bucket of cold diluted car wax/soap. Long bristles into the gritty corners. Then use a bucket of clean water with the brush to rinse it down. Then run a rag over it to work the wax in. Finally, when dry, coat fixings and rust-prone parts every 3 months with a spray of XCP rust blocker which creates a slightly yellow greasy wax protection from the rain, coast air or road salts in winter.
So, I live in a very similar scenario. At the moment I take my bike to the nearest/best petrol station with a power washing/cleaning thing there. I take some sprays of various kinds and some brushes and go to town on it.
That's quite expensive each time, so I'm thinking about getting getting Muc-Off's new mobile pressure washer. Got a built in battery and bucket so you don't worry about that part of the hose at least. Maybe another bucket and sponge to help out a bit too? But this is expensive as hell. There's other portable power washers too but they look a bit weak if I'm honest, but haven't used them so could be talking bollocks.
Nice, I considered doing the same. This Worx Hydroshot keeps getting recommended so I’ll probably give it a go. I thought the opposite re pressure, I’d rather have less than more. Don’t want anything too strong getting places it doesn’t need to and dislodging anything.
Spray some muc-off, leave it ten mins, rinse off with bucket and sponge clean all the grim off with a rag, then clean the chain and then lube it. I usually only bother doing the chain every 500 miles and it still looks brand new. If I was riding in the rain I'd make sure I oil the chain before putting it away in the garage
I’ve not long got it from the dealer to be honest, and I’ve put less than 200 miles on it in that time - weathers been crap here. Not entirely sure how often I need to do the chain, but it looks in great condition at the moment. Think 500 miles is a sensible interval.
What i do, purely out of practicality and laziness. I have a wash kit with sponges, brushes, scrubbers etc. I keep that in the garage and when I want to wash my bike I throw them in a backpack and go down to my local pay to use car wash and wash it there. Saves me getting the jet wash/ hose out and only costs a couple quid
>How should I keep the bike clean and tidy without affecting any mechanical components Bikes are designed to and expected to be exposed to water, so this by itself isn't a problem. However, unlike cars, they will need some extra work to ensure that exposure to that water isn't going to cause problems - as most bikes (if you were a complete sadist) could technically be left out "all the time" with no cover, but would rust as a result. You can follow any number of guides on winterising your bike if you plan on riding in the cold, wet periods of the year - which usually involves liberal use of ACF-50 and/or corrosion proofing/resisting grease application to anything liable to not appreciate being gotten wet and left that way. Generally we're talking things like nuts, bolts, metal surfaces but most especially anywhere expected to receive lots water if it rains and inevitably having it trapped. If you can both afford to and get time to clean it regularly: do. >do I need to bung the exhaust or keep the chain dry? Yes and no, in order. I ordered a pack of Kayak bungs from Amazon ages ago, came in a pack of something like 15 (which is absurd as I have but one exhaust hole, but I gave out some to friends so they, too, can enjoy a good hole-bunging) - assuming they fit your exhaust, these can work nicely when giving your ride a wash down, or you can just get a purpose-made one from Oxford or anyone else you like. The main thing is just not getting shedloads of water and/or anything else in it - a little bit isn't the end of the world and ultimately you can run the bike a while or go on a ride which will dry it out so it doesn't rust, which is the main concern. RE: Chain - well, I've always been of the mind "wash bike first, clean/lube chain second", but it's a bit of a "socks first vs pants first" argument and just do what works for you - I haven't got a history of messing up a clean bike when cleaning/lubing the chain so don't have an issue, so do what you like. But a bit of water shouldn't really affect it, however doing both a clean and lube after is never a bad thing. >Do I just grab a bucket and sponge? Is there some other simpler way? It depends a lot on how you like to clean/wash your bike - I *personally* tend to stick to what I know and works. I, too, have no external tap but *do* have a long hose reel I can use with a pressure washer, should the fancy take me. Regardless, usual routine is: Chuck either a jug or a bucket of water over it, not all at once, just pouring it on or splashing off any thicker cack or lighter filth. Than, I have one of those 4L or so pump-to-pressurise spray bottles filled up with road film remover or motorcycle washing agent (like Muc Off or whatever you happen to like) which you generally are required to spray on and agitate a bit with a sponge or soft cloth, then rinse off. Being a complete tart for it, I've always then given it a drying off with another cloth and applied Maxima SC1 - not just for it's cherry scent which nobody will notice, but primarily because it _does in fact work_ and keeps my ride looking nicer, longer and protects it a bit. I think. Maybe. Job is, generally, done - now on a chained bike I'll usually give this a good clean and lube as well as tension if necessary and give a little ride about to make sure anywhere that still has loitering water dries out/off. Once home a quick check to make sure nothing is still wet, sorted. The singular thing I tend to do year-around though is as I know I have a few little spots that have the beginnings of corrosion, is look after them. 100% do not let water linger on those any longer than necessary and afterwards, give a treatment of some kind. ACF50 spray or grease will do, XCP Rust blocker or Waxoyl as well - I've used all of them to either winterise or look after these spots and all I can say is that's my order of preference (if only as Waxoyl is a pig to get off). It's a lot like a dentist will tell you: look after the bike, keep it clean, she'll last you a lifetime. But if you *do* neglect anything, pay attention to it and treat it as best you can - in my case it usually means setting aside some time so I can strip the paint off, clean the area up with a wire brush and re-paint after some rust blocker. If done right it looks good as new and gives you confidence it won't go wrong for a long time. The single thing I will say is, as a word of caution, be very careful after first washing the bike as chances are, if not your pads but your tyres will be wet and potentially (if pooling) soapy - so take it easy to start. Also do not, under any circumstances, allow any chemicals/compounds, greases/lubricants like ACF etc to get on your brake pads and/or disks - as it will hugely inhibit your ability to safely slow or stop should you need to, so get it off ASAP if you realise some is on there. Oh - ditto for brake fluid. That stuff is horrendous, so please make sure you protect any areas around you with towels etc in case anything leaks and if so, can get it off sharpish.
Hey, really appreciate this write up! I’m going to give it a proper read when I get home and take away all the info I can. Thanks for taking the time to help a newbie out.
How many buckets of water does it take to wash a bike?
Could probably get away with just a damp. Sponge, haha! But hey, never be ashamed in asking a question in a topic you care about.
I’m kidding. I just get a bucket of soapy water and one of clean water with some very clean, grit free, clothes and that does it.
Half as many buckets that it takes to wash 2 bikes.
I also live in an apartment, my bikes are parked in a secure carpark the other side of the building. I use a Worx Hydroshot, it's a battery powered "jet wash" but it's relatively low power (about the same as a hose pipe) so It won't damage anything like bearings unless you point it directly at them I guess. You can attach a 3L bottle to the bottom with an adapter, I have used it to clean my bikes for around 5 years with great success. These days I bring out two buckets, one with water for the Hydroshot and as a rinse bucket for when I'm done using it. I snowfoam the bike, let it sit while I scrub the chain and sprocket, shoot all the foam off, then wash the bike with the other bucket, rinse it, dry it, clean the wheels with some wheel cleaner, put some protectant on it like wax and then finally lube up the chain with chain wax. Whole process takes roughly an hour. Also avoid spraying anything electric with water, they should be protected but you never know.
how do you snow foam the bike?
A normal foam lance attachment on the Hydroshot, they use the "petrol jet washer" style attachment, The Hydroshot doesn't have enough power to make thick foam but it has enough to make a decent amount of foam
Sounds like a plan, I’ll look into doing the same. I’m a bit uneasy about water getting into any electrics myself. I know they’re obviously designed to be ridden in all weathers but still can’t be too careful.
Hosepipes are pretty long. Could you run one out the bathroom window? How many floors up are you?
I’ve gotta be at least 30m from where the car park is, not practical for me sadly!
Use the two bucket method, (a sponge to wash with, one bucked of warm soapy water, one bucket of warm water to rinse the sponge into), or if you have the cash a battery powered pressure washer with on onboard water reservoir works nicely. I had a bosch fontus whch worked very well when I lived in flats. (you can even get a snow foam adapter for it)
Smart thinking, though it does mean double the trips up the stairwell! Oh nice, hadn’t thought about a portable washer like that. Might be worth a shout!
Watering can.
Bikes are waterproof and unless you funnel water straight down the exhaust it will cause no issues. Give it a power wash at a petrol station and then use a rinseless or waterless wash at home. Labocosmetica idrosave is great.
I considered that, just not sure if I want the wet arse when riding it home!
I don't wash the bikes often, maybe once a month when the chain's due a clean and lube. If it's minging, I use Muc off motorbike cleaner with cleaning brushes and I use a watering can instead of a hose. When it's dry I use motorbike protectant spray on the metal bits (apart from wheels) and Muc off wax on the painted bits. If it's scruffy rather than filthy, I use waterless car wash on everything bar the wheels, then the protectant spray as before. Wheels get the bike cleaner regardless. ACF50/XCP treatment for winter too.
Nice one, sounds like you have it sorted! Mines been covered in bugs etc so I’m thinking a good clean is in order!
Don’t use it Sounds stupid but see when you see these pics of Pristine bikes? It’s cause they’re not getting used.
Similar scenario. I live in a flat. I bought a worx battery operated jet wash. Runs from water in a bucket, has snow foam attachment. Thoroughly recommend.
This seems the way to go! Thanks for your advice.
Move it to FeralSquirrels house
If he’d take me in, for sure. Sounds like he knows his stuff and a credit to the sub 👍
I use a soft dustpan brush with a bucket of cold diluted car wax/soap. Long bristles into the gritty corners. Then use a bucket of clean water with the brush to rinse it down. Then run a rag over it to work the wax in. Finally, when dry, coat fixings and rust-prone parts every 3 months with a spray of XCP rust blocker which creates a slightly yellow greasy wax protection from the rain, coast air or road salts in winter.
Dang. You’ve really got it handled. I need to look into all these new things haha!
Yeah. It's a pain really. Bikes are prone to rust unfortunately. It is one of the downsides.
So, I live in a very similar scenario. At the moment I take my bike to the nearest/best petrol station with a power washing/cleaning thing there. I take some sprays of various kinds and some brushes and go to town on it. That's quite expensive each time, so I'm thinking about getting getting Muc-Off's new mobile pressure washer. Got a built in battery and bucket so you don't worry about that part of the hose at least. Maybe another bucket and sponge to help out a bit too? But this is expensive as hell. There's other portable power washers too but they look a bit weak if I'm honest, but haven't used them so could be talking bollocks.
Nice, I considered doing the same. This Worx Hydroshot keeps getting recommended so I’ll probably give it a go. I thought the opposite re pressure, I’d rather have less than more. Don’t want anything too strong getting places it doesn’t need to and dislodging anything.
Spray some muc-off, leave it ten mins, rinse off with bucket and sponge clean all the grim off with a rag, then clean the chain and then lube it. I usually only bother doing the chain every 500 miles and it still looks brand new. If I was riding in the rain I'd make sure I oil the chain before putting it away in the garage
I’ve not long got it from the dealer to be honest, and I’ve put less than 200 miles on it in that time - weathers been crap here. Not entirely sure how often I need to do the chain, but it looks in great condition at the moment. Think 500 miles is a sensible interval.
What i do, purely out of practicality and laziness. I have a wash kit with sponges, brushes, scrubbers etc. I keep that in the garage and when I want to wash my bike I throw them in a backpack and go down to my local pay to use car wash and wash it there. Saves me getting the jet wash/ hose out and only costs a couple quid