How to wash a bicycle?

The most affordable and to date demanded vehicle is a bicycle. In order for a two-wheeler to serve for a long time and not create problems, it is necessary not only to treat it with care, but also to take good care of the iron horse, and therefore, after dusty tracks with mud and puddles, one must know how to wash a bicycle. If you do it systematically and correctly, then you will not only return a two-wheeled friend an unsurpassed shine, but also save the details that are not damaged.

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How to wash a bicycle?

Before you wash the bike, arm yourself with a set of all necessary tools and tools. Use the following tools and tools for washing the bike:

1. Sponge or sponge( use an old washcloth).
2. A regular rag or piece of old sheet.
3. Brush with plastic bristles.
4. Bottles for washing bottles or an old toothbrush for washing hard-to-reach places.
5. Dishwashing liquid or auto shampoo.

Important! For those who do not just sometimes like to ride on such an ecological miracle device, but use it as the main transport, the rational decision will be the purchase of special equipment. The price of it may seem quite high for some, but washing the bike will happen as quickly and conveniently as possible. So you do not have to adjust morally to the tedious procedure and you will be able to perform it more often, keeping the serviceable condition of all the details longer.

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Several ways to wash the bike

Even such a simple at first glance work how to wash a bicycle, you can perform in several ways. We have selected the most convenient and low-cost options for you so that you can choose the best for yourself.

Method 1

If you are the lucky owner of your own home, then the problem, than washing the bike, is solved by itself. We recommend using a high-pressure washer as follows:

1. Set the smallest pressure and move a short distance.
2. Remove dirt from the edge of the jet.
3. Treat the bike with a special shampoo and repeat the procedure.
4. After the main dirt has been knocked down, pour a bucket of water and wash the bike clean.

Important! The basic rule to follow if you do this is not to direct a straight stream of water to the steering wheel, wheel hubs, shock absorbers and the carriage assembly. It is possible to adjust the hand pump for this method.

Method 2

If you are not the owner of the house, it is better to wash the bike on the shore of any water body:

1. Take rags, a bucket to get water, get to the place and lay out everything you need.
2. Put the bike on one side, rinse it, then wash the other side.
3. In hard-to-reach places, pour a little more water to make the dirt soak and wash itself.
4. If your bike has been exposed to rain, then put it on the saddle and the steering wheel and wash the frame below.
5. Clean the chain with a well dampened cloth.
6. After washing, wipe the bike with a dry cotton cloth to avoid any stains and droplets.

Important! Minus this method - you have to wait for a couple of hours, so that the bike is dry, because after washing it is necessary to lubricate it.

Method 3

Most often you have to wash the bike at home in the apartment. If at you such situation, take to itself a note the following references and a washing of a bicycle will not give you special efforts:

1. Choose the right place - preferably where the linoleum lies - in the kitchen or in the corridor. Either wash in the bathroom, straight from the shower.
2. Pre-remove the wheels, as some pollution just water can not be washed.
3. Asterisks are best washed thoroughly and with the use of dishwashing detergents, using scouring pads and brushes for hard-to-reach places.
4. Those places on the bicycle, with which water is contraindicated( wheel bushings, bearings), wipe with a damp cloth.
5. Chain from the bicycle, first wash with a soap solution, and then rinse out of the shower with warm water all the foam from a two-wheeled friend.
6. Allow the bike to dry and apply grease.

Important! Make sure that water does not flow into the frame inside, otherwise corrosion can not be avoided.

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Detailed instructions for cleaning the bike

If you firstly wash the bicycle by hand, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions. Using it, washing the bike you can perform not only quickly, but also qualitatively:

1. Dilute the detergent so that there is enough foam. Usually a small bucket uses a half-cap. Stir thoroughly.
2. Sponge or brush a lot with soaked dirt. Especially under the carriage, where are the thickest layers.
3. Blot the entire bike, but do not rub it.

Important! Make sure that the water does not get stuck in the mechanisms.

1. Always moisten the brush or sponge and discard dirt. Use plenty of water.
2. When washing wheels, pay special attention to the rims. Wash the switch rollers, connecting rods and other important elements well.
3. Chain should be removed and washed separately. Use gasoline at the same time. Clean the rollers conveniently with a toothbrush.

Important! After flushing off dirt and old grease, do not forget to re-grease the chain.

1. For details on which there was no dirt, wipe with a damp sponge or cloth.
2. Rinse the soap solution and wipe the bike dry with a soft cloth.

Important! After the washing of the bike is completely finished, make a small trick - apply auto-polish to give the "bike" a magnificent look and shine. This tool will make invisible scratches and hide minor defects. The color of the bike will become more saturated. If spots of rust appear on individual elements, use the aerosol preparation VD-40 for their removal.

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How to lubricate the chain?

The bicycle not only needs to be kept clean, but also lubricated in a timely manner. Frequent lubrication is required only by the chain, the remaining elements are treated on an annual basis.

Important! Experts recommend to lubricate the iron "horse" once a week and every time after the rain.

Method number 1

1. Collect the oil in a conventional disposable syringe.
2. Drip one small droplet on each chain link( or after 1).
3. Scroll the pedals a few times. The oil is evenly distributed to all links.
4. After 5-10 minutes with a dry cloth, remove any residual oil.

Method number 2

1. Turn the bicycle over.
2. Put 1 ml of oil into the syringe.
3. Slowly rotate the pedals, while directly driving the drive chain, squeeze the droplets of oil from the syringe.
4. Remove residual oil from the outside of the chain, otherwise they will attract dust and dirt.

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Useful advices:

• It is not recommended to wash the bike under the open sun, otherwise there will be ugly stains, in addition, drops of water will create the effect of small lenses, which can lead to damage to the coating.
• When cleaning all parts, eliminate the undesirable effects of temperature changes. Do not use hot water for equipment that has been before in the cold.
• If you skated in the snow, then it is necessary to clean it from a two-wheeled helper immediately so that moisture does not get into the bearings. Use a brush to do this.
• If you do not triple bike trips often, it is enough to wash the bike once every 2-3 months or 2-3 times per season.
• After a rain wash two-wheeled at once, while the dirt has not dried up, differently then it will make more difficultly.
• Wash the iron "horse" from the wheels and rims, as they are the dirtiest.
• Sprockets are best washed with gasoline, using a brush or a special brush.

Keep your bike clean by using our tips in practice, and the iron "horse" will serve you faithfully for many years. Successful bike races!