|   How to clean a full suspension bike after a ride in mud | Remsen
Dec 28, 2003 1:35 PM | | I recently upgraded from an older Trek 4500 (which I never cleaned or fussed over) to a new Jamis Dakar Sport (which I want to maintain, at least to some degree). I just got back from the first real ride and there was a LOT of mud out on the trails. Several pounds of that mud came back with me all over the bike and I was about to just hose it all down but thought that perhaps all those expensive (to me) full suspension parts might not appreciate being hit with water and then left to dry. So I'm looking for some advice on how to properly clean off a full suspension bike...is there anything that shouldn't be hit with a spray of water? Does anything have to be lubed after a washing? Anything else that I should do? I'm starting from a base of zero knowledge, so any help is appreciated. |
| There are really <s>three</s> four answers... | næstep
Dec 28, 2003 3:06 PM | | One, avoid high pressure water on any bearing or bushing. You'll not only push grease out, but you'll push dirt in. A big suds bucket, an assortment of soft car wash type brushes and smaller stiff bristle brushes, and a garden hose running a gentle trickle of water will get you pretty clean with a 10 or 15 minute investment of your time. Be sure to oil your chain, wick water out of bolt heads prone to rusting, and make sure you run stainless steel cables.
Two, expect increased maintenance on a full suspension bike. Constantly be on the lookout for sloppy pivot points and loose bolts, and expect to replace some of them every now and then if you keep up with the dirty rides.
Three, stick with the hardtail for mud rides. Sometimes it's not worth the grief.
næstep
Oh yeah, four: Get a Rohloff Speedhub. It won't take care of muddy pivots, but it simplifies drivetrain maintenance to where you can get the bike back into riding condition in about two or three minutes. Nice! |
| Sometimes I skip the water to begin with | AK Ken
Dec 28, 2003 10:42 PM | | and brush all the dried mud off that I can first.
Happy holidays!
Ken |
| I knew there would be a Speedhub plug for this question...nm | Damion
Dec 29, 2003 3:25 AM | | |
| *blush* :D (nm) | næstep
Dec 29, 2003 8:49 AM | | |
| And you had a pretty good idea who would be making that plug NM | bhutata
Dec 29, 2003 6:29 PM | | |
| Hey Damion, I went by the shop last Friday | AK Ken
Dec 29, 2003 10:33 PM | | and saw Chris, but found out that Cliff quit and went to work for the railroad!
I also hit REI to see Ak Dave, but he wasn't there. Spoke with Adam on the phone, and hit Pat's bikes for the first time.
Then we got the heck outa town cause rush hour in a foot of snow in Anchorage is not my idea of a good time. We parked at Hogg Bros and walked around, and that was definitely a hazard to one's health too!
You guys are tough down there.
Ken |
| Buy a road bike, and ride it instead when it's muddy.....nm | Big Al
Dec 29, 2003 8:02 PM | | |
| Road bikes <i>REALLY</i> pack up in the mud | shiggy©®
Dec 30, 2003 11:25 AM | | No clearance at all. |
| Yes but | tl1
Jan 3, 2004 5:28 PM | | Asphalt and concrete roads generally don't get that muddy! |
| He did not say to ride the road bike on the road! [nm] | shiggy©®
Jan 3, 2004 10:27 PM | | |
| |
