How to clean bike parts? Yes, A big part of cycling is maintaining your bike. Keeping your bike well looked after means it will not only last longer but will perform much better. A big part of that is keeping your bike clean.
We get asked some amazing questions here at buycycle, but one that comes up often is “How to clean bike parts.” In this article, we will answer that question for you and tell you much more about top maintenance tips and where to buy components.
Why is it important to clean bike parts?
It’s vital to keep bike parts clean for so many reasons. Here’s why you are going to want to invest your time and money into cleaning.
Longevity
Bike parts are not designed to be ridden dirty 100% of the time. When clean, they last so much longer. A good example is a chain. When a chain is clean, it will last much longer due to the dirt not getting into the links and stretching it out.
Performance
Clean parts perform better. There’s no denying that a well-maintained bike will work much smoother. You can save some serious wattage using clean components compared to dirty components.
Looks
There’s a lot to be said for having a nice looking bike. When you visit a cafe and your trusty steed is sparkling, it’s much easier to be proud of it and enjoy riding it much more.
Safety
Finally, we have safety. It’s vital to safety to have all bike parts working properly, and when they are dirty, this isn’t always going to happen. Contaminated brakes will stop you slower, dirty grips can be slippery, and mud-covered lights are not visible.
Alice Huot
Do different bike parts need cleaning in different ways?
Before we start speaking about how to clean bike parts, it is important to understand that different parts require different cleaning processes. For example you cannot clean brakes in the same way as you clean a frame.
How to clean bike parts
Now for the exciting part, let us start telling you how to clean bike parts. This is what we recommend having.
- Bike wash
- Brushes and cloths
- Degreaser
- Chain cleaner
- Disc brake cleaner
- Basic tools
- Bike stand (Optional)
We also recommend going with the order that we list here, as it keeps it all well organized. Here’s what you need to know.
How to clean the drivetrain
The drivetrain is the chain, cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs when it comes to cleaning.
- 1. Prepare the bike:If you have a bike stand, use it to lift and stabilize your bike. This makes cleaning easier and more efficient.
- 2. Degrease the drivetrain:Spray the chain, cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs with a degreaser.Use a brush to scrub away grime and dirt.
- 3. Rinse and repeat:Spray the drivetrain with water to wash off the degreaser and loosened dirt.Repeat the degreasing and scrubbing process until the drivetrain is shiny and free of grime.
- 4. Protect the brake discs:Use a brake disc guard to prevent oil and grime from getting onto the discs or brakes, which could lead to contamination.
- 5. Clean the chain:Use a chain cleaner tool to remove all dirt from the chain.A small screwdriver can be handy to scrape dirt off the jockey wheels and cassette.
- 6. Check for wear:Once cleaning is complete, inspect the drivetrain for any signs of wear or damage to ensure it's in good condition.
Cleaning the frame and forks
Next, let's focus on cleaning the frame and forks. Follow these steps for a thorough clean:
- Remove the wheels:
• Take the wheels off the bike to get better access to all parts of the frame and forks. - Rinse the frame and forks:
• Rinse the entire frame and forks with water to remove loose dirt. - Clean with bike wash:
• Use a bike-specific wash and a soft cloth (one that won't scratch the surface) to clean the frame and forks.
• Make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies, including areas around the bottom bracket and inside the forks. - Focus on hard-to-reach areas:
• With the wheels removed, get into those hard-to-reach places that are often missed during regular cleaning. - Clean the fork stanchions:
• Pay special attention to the fork stanchions (the smooth shafts that slide into the forks) to ensure they are clean. - Inspect for damage:
• After cleaning, thoroughly inspect the frame and forks for any damage or cracks to ensure they are safe for use.
Wheels and tires
When it comes to wheels and tires, you can clean them either on or off the bike. Since they are already off the bike, it’s a good idea to start there. Start by getting a wheel brush and cleaning any mud or dirt off the tires using the bike wash.
When that is done, move on to the spokes, rim, and hub. The cassette should be clean from the degrease session we did earlier. If you need to spray some degreaser and clean the cassette further, you can do so here. Repeat the process on the second wheel.
Cleaning your brakes: Rim and disc brakes
In this part, we will discuss rim and disc brakes, including rotors and calipers. When it comes to cleaning any brakes, we use disc brake cleaner instead of general bike cleaner or lubricant.
- Rim brakes:
• Clean the caliper: Rim brakes are fairly easy to clean. Wipe the inside of the caliper, ensuring it's free of grime and mud.
• Check the brake pads: After cleaning, inspect the pads for wear to see if they need replacing.
• Inspect the wheel rims: Also, check the rims of the wheels to make sure they are clean and not too worn out. - Disc brakes:
• Clean the rotors: Spray the rotors with disc brake cleaner and wipe them down thoroughly.
• Check the pads for contamination:- If the pads are smooth and shiny, they need replacing.
- If they are gritty and dark, they are in their proper condition.
By following these steps, you can ensure your brakes are clean and in good working order.
Alice Huot
How to clean bike parts off the bike
For the most amazing finish and cleanest bike parts, taking them off the bike altogether is a great option. Not only does it give you much better access, but it teaches you how to work on bikes easily.
Bucket and water
You can first use a bucket and water. Cleaning the bike components with a bike wash or degreaser with a toothbrush will give a good clean and help get all that hard-to-reach dirt hidden and out of the way.
Ultrasonic cleaner
Another option when it comes to how to clean bike components is using an ultrasonic cleaner. This is a small unit which uses high frequency sound waves to create bubbles in water. They are incredible for getting into very hard places to reach and give the best cleaning possible.
Top maintenance tips
Keep it lubricated - Keeping moving parts lubricated makes them last longer, perform better, and look nicer. Products like dry lube even keep it clean.
Pick your conditions - Riding in good conditions will keep parts cleaner and help them last much longer. Wet, muddy winder trails will require more maintenance.
Make a habit - Try and make a habit of washing your bike after every ride. It not only keeps your bike very clean but means the bike is ready to go for the next ride immediately.
Cleaning questions
At buycycle, we often get asked amazing questions, especially about how to clean bike components. Next, we are going to answer the most common for you.
How to clean rusty bike parts?
Rust can be challenging to deal with. One of the best solutions is to use vinegar and scrunched-up tin foil to scrape it off. It works well, but you must clean the bike after protecting the area.
How to clean metal bike parts?
You clean metal bike parts the same as any other. If you find any scratches on steel, you should get it protected before it rusts. This could be by using paint or lacquer.
How to clean old bike parts?
When it comes to cleaning old bike parts, it’s good to ensure all grease is off to start with, then any rust or corrosion, and finally, when clean, protect it with something if it isn’t already, such as paint or a lacquer.
How to clean chrome bike parts?
When it comes to cleaning chrome, you follow the process of a standard clean, and then you go through and polish the surface with a rag and chrome cleaner. You can even add wax later for extra shine.
Where can I find the best bike components?
If you didn’t know already, buycycle is now dealing in second-hand components. This means if you want a new groupset, you can buy a preloved one from the website. The same goes for much more, such as wheels and other components too.