Cleaning & Bike Care
How do I clean and maintain my bike?
It's very simple... here you will learn how to get a clean bike in just a few steps.
Basically, it doesn't take much and the sooner the bike is cleaned, the easier it is to get rid of the dirt.
For a simple basic cleaning the following is needed:
- water (in a bucket or with a garden hose)
- Sponge for the frame and drive parts
- Bicycle cleaner (e.g. Muc-Off)
- Chain cleaner and bicycle oil
- Lint-free cloth for the chain
- Care spray (e.g. Protect-Spray)
Here you will find the right care product for your bike!
Why you should clean your bike regularly...
There are several reasons to clean your bike regularly:
- Optics (clean, well-maintained bike)
- Unrestricted function of all cables such as gears and brakes
- Life span of the chain is extended
- Timely detection of rough, initial damage to the bicycle frame
- Wear of individual parts is prevented or slowed down by greasing & lubricating
Step-by-step INSTRUCTION
Cleaning & Bike Care - Mountain Bike MTB
- For a better & secure stand use a bike stand or a rear stand. If you don't have an assembly stand/center stand, you can simply put the bike "upside down" (on the saddle and handlebars). To avoid possible damage to the bike, you should place a towel, plastic bag or cardboard box underneath. In addition, possible dirt will be collected.
- Spray your bike with the detergent, let it work for 3-5 minutes and then remove the excess dirt with a soft sponge.
- For cassette, chainrings and front derailleur a little extra time. For the cassette itself, there are special sprocket cleaners (sprocket brush). After that, let everything dry well.
- The wheels are from the inside out to clean ie first the hubs and spokes with a sponge (brush) and then clean the rims. Use the time to check the tires for damage.
- For the bike frame, also use a soft brush or sponge and rinse the bike with water.
Caution: Rinsing with a high-pressure cleaner is not recommended.
- Water applied to the wheel at too high a pressure can get into the sealed bearings of the wheel and cause rust damage.
Only a cleaned chain guarantees smooth riding. Normally, the chain should be cleaned after 250 kilometers. For the cleaning itself, aggressive (acidic) cleaners, rust removers or degreasers should be avoided.
To remove coarse dirt, it is sufficient to lightly moisten a brush with rinse water and brush both sides of the chain.
For heavy dirt, spray the chain with a chain cleaner and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
Use a cloth to remove the dirt from the chain. Then apply the chain oil. To distribute it evenly, turn the crank a few times while pulling the chain through a cloth. Be sure to put a pad under the bike.
Caution:
Do not spray the brake discs, as they may lose their function.
Avoid using chain cleaning equipment or chain baths.
WD40 is not suitable for greasing the chain!
- Last but not least, apply a care spray (Protect Spray) to the surface and other attachments. Wait a short time, dry and polish.
After this cleaning, the wheel shines like new again and is ready for the next use.
E-bike cleaning and care
Depending on the bike type, the bike care changes minimally. It is important to remove the battery BEFORE cleaning. Only then clean the bike thoroughly with a sponge, soft brush and water.
Lubricate the chain, i.e. apply a thin layer of chain oil and shift through all gears once.
Check the frame and wheels for damage.
Allow the e-bike to dry before reinstalling the battery.
Learn more about e-bikes here.