|   Bike Cleaning-Muddy NE Trails | Christina34
Mar 28, 2003 4:54 AM | | Any recommendations/do's & don'ts for cleaning the bike after riding these muddy New England trails? I'd like to keep it running smooth but of course not do any long-term damage.
Thanks for your help. |
| Long term damage | El Kabong
Mar 28, 2003 8:53 AM | | Christina, you're doing "long term damage" to the trails by riding them at this point. A few trails are dried out, but most are still very soft and wet and you really shouldn't be riding them. The traditional start to the spring season here in NE is April 15, although it can be later if it's a wet April. The damage you do by riding now will be used as an excuse to close trails to mountain bike. Do everyone a favor and hold off riding for a bit -- I know it's hard!
That being said, just clean your bike with a gentle spray from a garden hose, and avoid shooting a high pressure stream into anything that is greased.
El K. |
| My suggestion(s)... | ®andyA
Mar 28, 2003 9:48 AM | | ... are similar to El Kabong.
1. Gentle spray from a garden hose:
Specifically I target the chainrings, cassette, Ft & Rr Derailleurs. I use a soft brush and a general purpose degreaser (Zap Citrus Degreaser from Home Depot does the trick for me) and do some brushing when things are gunked up. And avoid high pressure water.
2. Regular chain cleaning:
What I use is what I call the "chain cleaner in a gatorade bottle" method. I fill an empty gatorade bottle with ½-water, ½-degreaser. Remove my chain and place it in the mix. Swish it around for about 10 minutes. Let it soak for a couple hours. Swish it around again for a few minutes. Remove the chain, rinse, wipe it down, and let air dry overnight. Re-lube and re-install the chain. (Note: I learned this from another post sometime ago whereby they suggested a coke bottle)
3. Cables & Housing:
Make sure to also inspect the cables and housing, especially where there's lots of mud buildup. Clean off any buildup, wipe down the cables, clear any obstructions in the cable entry/exit holes of the housing, and add a few drops of lube in those areas.
4. Brakes:
Make sure to inspect your brakes too. Clear any buildup in the pads and clean or wipe down the sidewalls of your rims (or discs - if you have disc brakes).
I think that covers the (cleaning) basics.
Hope that helps,
Randy |
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