While we’d like to tell you we always take time after each ride to wipe down and clean our bikes before putting them away, the truth is …. we don’t. (Try not to be too shocked). That said, it’s always incredibly satisfying when we can take the time to give our bikes a little love – and more fun than other chores we have around the house.
Here is how Kristin recently cleaned our gravel bikes in preparation for a few big rides. Call this a “level 2” cleaning – more than a quick wipe down but no parts were removed.
Products used:
Both bikes were covered with a good amount of dried mud
Another look at before.
The undercarriage's of both bikes were particularly crusty.
We used the hose to throughly soak the bike and knock off most of the dirt and mud
Making rainbows
Letting Muc-Off's pink bike cloeaner do most of the work. Spray liberally and let sit for a bit.
Using a damp (wet) cloth to clean the nooks and crannies
The pulleys are notorious for collecting a lot of gunk.
Did we mention lots of gunk?
There are lots of ways to remove the gunk - Kristin likes an old toothbrush.
Tackling the gunk on the front ring.
Use that same cloth to clean the chain.
Don't forget the "back" side of the chain
A big difference for not a lot of effort.
Applying wet lube (because it won't stop raining).
Using a sample of Muc-Off's drive train cleaner to tackle Steve's rear cassette.
Let it soak then used Muc-Off's claw brush to clean it while on the bike.
After hand drying we let the bike stand in the sun for the remaining moisture to evaporate.
Some of the tools used.
