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Have you been on your wheels more this Cycle September? Some of the team here at the Bike Storage Company have been getting a few more miles under our belt this month. Inevitably, with more riding comes more dirt, and soon you’ll find yourself facing a bike wash to keep your cycle looking good, running smoothly and functioning safely.
For a pristine and well-functioning bicycle, follow this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Cleaning the Drivetrain
To begin, rinse your bike with a hose to remove large dirt or mud accumulations. Start by cleaning the drivetrain – chain, chainset, cassette, and derailleurs. Apply degreaser to the chain and scrub with a stiff brush. Pass the chain through a rag to remove loosened dirt. Clean the chainset and cassette with degreaser and a firm brush, paying attention to tight spaces.
This part can often be the dirtiest and easily spray onto the bike frame, so that’s why we clean it first.
Step 2: Cleaning the Rest of the Bike
Once the drivetrain is clean, move to the rest of the bike. Use diluted cleaner or bike wash on a soft-bristled brush. Begin at the handlebar and work back and down to avoid dirty water drips. Focus on hard-to-reach areas: under the saddle, seatstays, chainstays, fork legs, bottom bracket, and undersides. Removing the wheels may make accessing these parts a little easier and you can also then clean wheels and brake pads whilst they’re off the frame. Clear any grit from the brake pads and clean the calipers, then give the drivetrain a quick wash again. Finally, spray everything off with clean water.
Step 3: Drying and Lubrication
Dry the bike, ideally by leaving in the sun if you’re like us, or use clean rags. Apply a ‘protect and shine’ product. Use a water-displacing spray (like GT85 or WD40) on water-prone spots to prevent rust. Make sure to avoid getting of these fluids on any braking surfaces. You can then use a specialised bike lube or grease to pivot points and moving parts. Apply lube to the chain’s rollers, pins, and inner faceplates – pedalling can help to move the chain past the lube. Remove any excess with a rag or microfibre cloth. You can change gears to make sure everything is operating smoothly.
Step 4: Final Check and Enjoy the Ride
Ensure brake cables are reattached, brake surfaces are clean, controls work, and all bolts and quick releases are secure.
Now, take pride in your clean bike and enjoy your ride!
Looking for a way to keep bikes clean as part of your end of journey facilities? Our Bike Wash Station features a power washer for deeper cleaning and variety of brushes to integrate washing right into the commuting journey – keeping cycles at their freshest and safest all year round.
Fantastic service! James was extremely helpful in helping me find the right rack for my family ’s bikes. Quick delivery and installation - Highly recommend! ...read moreread less
Emailed one evening for some details, got a response first thing the following morning. Placed my order for a semi-vertical rack which turned up well within the expected delivery times. Putting it together was easier than I expected it to be. Very impressed with the company and the rack. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. ...read moreread less
Great service. I ordered a 4 bike stand and it was delivered 2 days later, even during the loc kdown. The stand is well made and very robust. Thanks. ...read moreread less
The bike rack arrived promptly and was what I expected. Certainly more expensive than the chea p racks that came up on a search on Amazon, but then you get what you pay for and this was the right quality for me. So I'm glad I used these guys and didn't try to go for a cheap one. ...read moreread less
