Cleaning, Part 2: Upkeep!

Now that your bike has returned from the “spa”, how much effort will you exert to maintain that fresh condition? No matter how good a make-over contestant looks at the end of the show that make-up job won’t last through the night, the clothes will begin to stink and need a washing, and no matter how much liposuction one might undergo the reality of “I need to commit to a daily exercise routine” will become clear by the last commercial break.

So, how do we avoid another costly visit to the shop for more professional work? Well let me tell you… Splurge on a Pedro’s Super cleaning kit, which includes just about every cleaning tool necessary for restoring your bike to that pristine just-back-from-the-shop condition.

To rinse mud-pack from your bike frame and parts, fill the bucket with warm soapy water and use the large soft brush to loosen caked-on grime; the bottle brush is used to knock dirt loose from tight spots. Fill a second bucket (you must provide this one) with water and, using the large sponge trickle fresh, clean water over the entire bike several times to rinse it – avoid spraying with the hose at the pressure may foul the internally lubed components, such as headset, hubs, and bottom bracket. A faded beach or bathroom towel is perfect for drying it off. Spritz the entire frame with the polish to bring out the luster.

Invest in a chain-cleaning tool, such as the Park cyclone Chain Cleaning Kit. Following the instructions on the packaging install the cleaning devise on the chain near the rear derailleur. Fill the reservoir with degreaser and back pedal, allowing the brushes to massage light grit from the chain’s exterior finish. Pour some clean degreaser into a small container and use gear brush to exfoliate the inner and outer surfaces of the chain rings and cogs. The drive train parts must be bone-dry before applying lube to the chain. If you have an air-compressor at home, use the rushing breeze it expels to whisk degreaser away, or just rub the heck out of it with the towel.

Your chain will need to be lightly lubed every two weeks as well as after every bath. If, in two weeks, the chain does not feel dry to the touch or make a dry, brushing sound when you pedal then it suffers from excessive lubrication. Imagine the oil is $100 a bottle collagen mixture and you must apply it sparingly to each link; once applied, use a clean old t-shirt to massage the excess moisture from the chain.

Although you may wear cycling gloves when you pedal over hill or dale, let’s face facts: grips and bar tape get a little bit sticky (and stinky) during the summer. As a dog owner, I have found a bit of heaven on earth at the health food store - biokleen’s Bac-out kills stains and odors throughout my house and car, and I spray it on the rugs and upholstery, too. This stuff can be used on permanently stinky cycling clothes, saddles, shorts, socks, on shoe liners, and to kill stink from grips and bar tape. And no, I do not get any kick back from these guys – although I should!

I am more than happy to offer specific advise regarding maintenance on your bike, or answer specific questions you might have regarding adjustments so feel free to write. After all, summer just wouldn’t be the same without long days in the saddle, especially a clean one!

Best,
Jenny