How do my fellow flat dwellers manage the logistics of washing their bike? Mine is never hugely grubby but does sometimes need a clean (esp. drivetrain). Currently bringing the bike into my bathroom for a shower, but that won't fly once we redecorate. Is there something like a self-service car wash but for bikes?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Bike wash
(15 posts)- Started 10 months ago by fergus
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Posted 10 months ago #
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I got a cheapish battery powered pressure washer off Amazon - big bucket of warm water, and providing I give it a rinse twice over the summer & every month or so over autumn/winter it seems to keep the bike clean enough(though I can't speak to what horrors Hart's uncover and deal with when I take it in for the annual service).
Posted 10 months ago # -
I don't go anywhere near any of my bikes with a pressure washer, I've trashed wheel bearings that way before.
I tend to just use a warm wrung out cloth or (non plastic) baby wipes. I was astounded at how well 2 or 3 baby wipes can clean a muddy bike. Also easy to do spokes etc with baby wipes. :)
Posted 10 months ago # -
Use a damp cotton rag cut from an old T-shirt that can be rinsed out and used a few times over, rather than baby wipes.
Baby wipes are made of fossil fuels. They never degrade (despite the greenwash put on the label). And eventually end up as microplastics in the ocean, regardless of how they are disposed of. Or worse, blocking up the sewage system, leading to overflows and spills
Even "flushable" baby wipes will block up a sewage pipe
Posted 10 months ago # -
"(non plastic)"
If theres no plastic to start with, there's no microplastics to end with. :)
Posted 10 months ago # -
I use old work shirts
Somertimes spray bit of gt85 or wd40
I am garage tho not in flat
Posted 10 months ago # -
@baldcyclist The battery powered ones are nowhere near as powerful as the plugged in versions, they're more like a garden hose with excellent water pressure than a "real" pressure washer - the benefit of them for flat dwellers is they don't need any hookups at all, just a bucket and a full charge.
Posted 10 months ago # -
down the car wash at a petrol station with a pocket full of pound coins. I use the BP on Lothian Rd above Kings theatre or more latterly the Shell on Seafield Rd.
use the big brush on foam setting - can clean every part without fear of damage. To rinse, need to use the pressure, but can stand 3 or 4 metres back and its similar to a garden sprinkler.
This is 6 monthly treat for the commuter bike and MTB when needs.
Posted 10 months ago # -
I built an outside cabinet to hold a small 12v pump and my cleaning supplies hooked up to a water butt. It provides enough pressure to wash off crud but not enough to damage seals.
Posted 10 months ago # -
I keep a large bottle brush in the shed where I lock my bike, and give it a once over after any wet rides--the brush fits in all the nooks and crannies to dislodge dirt and plants.
This is clearly not enough, because this weekend I decided to clean the bike before taking it to be checked over--the rear derailleur wasn't shifting properly.scraped all the solid gunk out of the gears (with the stick bit of teh now trashed bottle brush), washed with a (to be trashed) old microfibre cloth, and reoiled.
It now shifts properly. erm.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Thanks all. I think car wash for the Big Clean is the way to go, and wipes/brushes otherwise.
Posted 10 months ago # -
One of my bikes has an Alfine hub gear and hydraulic disc brakes. I don't wash it. Sometimes I wipe the chain if I remember and can be bothered. Every few years I replace whichever of the sprocket (steel), chain wheel and chain seem to need it, but only when I remember and can be bothered.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Just had my first trip to the jet wash at the Crewe Road Shell. Pretty happy with that - £1 gets you two and a half mins of water, which will be plenty next time now that I've figured out what to do.
Posted 2 months ago # -
Braw! Do ye need a poond coin, or dis it take cairds ?
Posted 2 months ago # -
Just coins sadly.
Posted 2 months ago #
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