Washing My Bike

[RookieRider]

Can you wash a bike the same way you wash a car? Will the soap or pressure of a hose hurt any of the internals or anything like that? I need to wash my bike pretty bad but i just didn't know if i could use soap and a hose like i do on my truck.

[slowbird]

When I look around my bike I see alot of wires and **** that my 22 year old Bike might have some exposed electronics....so I don't try it with mine.

I'm sure with most bikes it's fine. They have to make them able to ride in pouring rain....no?

[GiddyupDesi]

Can you wash a bike the same way you wash a car? Will the soap or pressure of a hose hurt any of the internals or anything like that? I need to wash my bike pretty bad but i just didn't know if i could use soap and a hose like i do on my truck.

clean and lubricate the chain after washing

biks are lkinda deisnged to be driven in the rain, most of them r.

[bic]

wet, wash with soapy water, rinse. Dry. Do not use a pressure washer. Don't force water where it doesn't need to be.

[DaFrEnCh-TiCkLeR]

wet, wash with soapy water, rinse. Dry. Do not use a pressure washer. Don't force water where it doesn't need to be.

I second this

Pressure washers do more damage then good. Good ol fashion soap and bucket.

[RookieRider]

Awesome, thanks guys. Suggestions on chain lubricants?

[Nemy]

Alot of people were and still are recommending the Dupont teflon lubricant, but apparantly it's only sold at Lowes. And my trek from Markham to Sauga ended up with an empty shelf

Ended up trying the PJ1 stuff from Canadian tire (http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...romSearch=true) and I've had no problems... it also dries clear and there's no mess when I let it dry a bit before I ride off... Give it a go, if you can't make it to a Lowes

[Socialism]

Coupla notes:

- Protect your plastics, don't use anything with ammonia in it
- Careful with heavy duty cleaners; some can do bad things to enamel

I picked up "Maxima" Chain Lube from Cycleworld Superstore (on Sheppard East, by Brimley); pretty good stuff.

[HonestDave]

If you do end up using a pressure washer avoid the centre of the wheels and any other parts where there might be bearings.
If the water is forced into the bearings they will wear very quickly, had a friend who jet washed his bike alot and ended up doing this on a regular basis.
Bearings are cheap, the labour to put them in your bike is not!

[redsuspenders]

Presoak with Castrol Super Clean all over- (chain, wheels, plastics.)
Pressure wash,
Repeat where needed.
Dry bike with compressed air,
lube chain.

Simple and safe! Some will say all the wrong steps, but I work with 100's of pieces of small equipment, and never had issues with this method on them or the bikes.

[lil red bird]

garden hose and S100. that said if you know what you are doing with a high pressure washer ei using it daily at work then maybe you could use it on your bike. Best to use an auto motive car wash soap and warm water and scrub it clean then rinse with a garden hose.
But what do i know i have been washing my bike this way since 2002

[matt491]

Old thread, I know, but I didn't want to create a new one.

I need to wash my bike soon. So regular soap you would use on your car. Wet, wash with soap and rinse. Dry with compressed air or towel dry.

My main question is what about the seat? Should I take it off? It can handle water, but should I not use soap on it?

Thanks

[frekeyguy]

Old thread, I know, but I didn't want to create a new one.

I need to wash my bike soon. So regular soap you would use on your car. Wet, wash with soap and rinse. Dry with compressed air or towel dry.

My main question is what about the seat? Should I take it off? It can handle water, but should I not use soap on it?

Thanks

your seat acts as a weatherproof. It keeps water out of your electronics that are stuffed under your seat

The seat can take the abuse of water, cold..., they'r vinyl...so its all good. If your really concerned about the water drying it out, you might want to use some vinly protect/wipe over the winter.

[dirtbag]

Alot of people have missed the obvious answer here. Wait til you get caught out in the rain. Anything the rain won't wash off probably won't hurt, at least it hasn't for me.

The latest ride - One and half summers, 15,000kms no washing, no worries.

[ace6061]

+1
Just wanted to ask!
Don't any of you guys ride in the rain?
Bikes can get wet.

PS
Just don't get the flux-capacitor wet and you will be fine! LOL

[Aekon]

theres also waterless washing agents that are available now. theyr made for cars i guess, but i dont see any reason they wouldnt work on a bike. no hose needed! i think you just apply and wipe off.

for quick cleanup you could probably just mist on some quick detailer, and wipe with a microfiber cloth. i do this with my car pretty often since i park in an underground garage and have no access to a hose.

also, theres this stuff called Plexus made by 3M and its very good for cleaning plastics, like fairings or windshields. removes minor scratches. nice stuff.

[matt491]

Okay, but no one confirmed my suspicion that I can use any regular soaps meant for cars on my bike.

Are there specific parts I SHOULDN'T wash? Is there something specific I SHOULD? Anything I SHOULDN'T use?

[lil red bird]

Use a car wash soap not detergent as the latter can remove wax. Do not take your seat off to wash the bike.

[ingearauto]

Two summers ago i washed my bike then took it on the highway i was ridding then i heard a loud pop then the bike ran like a piece of *hit babied it home all the way the idle was kinda choppy brought it home thinking what did i do to the bike that can make this happen .... then i remember i washed my bike that day so i let it sit in the sun for a couple of days after that ran fine. I think when washing your bike should be careful i think there are little electrical things that are exposed to water would make your bike malfunction in my case i think i got some water in the spark plug or something. I would recommend if you have individual air filters that are exposed wrap them up with some plastic wrap before cleaning and then take it off when done. if spraying bike with a hose i would recommend spraying in a downwards motion.

[fastar1]

Okay, but no one confirmed my suspicion that I can use any regular soaps meant for cars on my bike.

Are there specific parts I SHOULDN'T wash? Is there something specific I SHOULD? Anything I SHOULDN'T use?

Try not to get water down the tailpipe I guess, and don't wash the chain of course. In fact make sure to lube the chain after you wash (as well as after riding through the rain).