It’s that time of year—we’re back on our bikes, riding through puddles instead of around them. (Right, rule-abiding trail goers?)
We can all agree that there are few things better than those first tacky loops of the season. But with spring showers can come grit and grime building up on our frames and those particularly fragile, integral components of our bikes: like our drivetrain and suspension.
At the end of a wet ride, you may find yourself wondering how to best wash your mountain bike. We caught up with Sports Garage team members Brad and Fred to find out what the most common bike washing mistakes are—and in doing so, how to do it right! The good news is that with proper care, you can keep your two-wheeled investment functioning like new for many miles and puddles to come.
1. Not washing (or overwashing)
Follow the Goldilocks principle and try to find the right amount of balance when it comes to washing your mountain (or gravel) bike. If your bike is just dusty, you can wipe for stanchions on the fork and shock with a soft towel and knock the dirt off the chain with a stiff brush. A little bit of lube, and you’re good to keep going. If the bike is legitimately muddy, it’s time to wash it!
2. Using high water pressure.
When you overdo the water pressure on your bike’s components, it pushes water into the bearings and past suspension seals. While there is some room for interpretation here as to what defines high pressure, we can try to apply common sense. Obviously, a pressure washer is too much. Chances are, so is the highest setting output on your hose. Instead, opt for a lower setting and apply a little elbow grease. Some brushes and a sponge will do the trick for those harder-to-reach, sensitive areas.
3. Using harsh chemicals.
You don’t need anything fancy to wash your bike, and many people forgo soap entirely. But if you want a little extra oomph, Dawn dish soap is perfect and has some extra degreasing powers. Whatever you do, don’t apply harsh chemicals like Simple Green.
4. Not drying the bike after you wash it.
Everyone knows that if you let your car drip dry, it’s going to look almost as dirty as when you started. The same goes for your bike, in addition to the fact that you won’t want water to sit in the bearings post-scrub. To remedy this, after you’re done washing, pedal your bike around to dry the chain and shed any water remaining in the bearings. Use a microfiber towel to get rid of pesky water marks. And after it’s dry, lube the chain (and only the chain).
5. Hanging your bike after washing it.
If you hang your bike up vertically after giving it a good rinse, water may settle in the headset and bottom bracket, ruining the bearings. Let your ride hang out—rubber side down—for a while before returning it to its dedicated throne, the centerpiece of your gear garage.
Want More?
For more recommendations on how to navigate trails when they’re muddy, be sure to review this handy guide from our friends at Boulder Mountainbike Alliance. And if your bike needs a little more than a wash, take a look at our guide to bike service and why it matters.