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Hosing down the bike after riding... good or bad idea???

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#42 ·
I used to give it a thorough cleaning after every ride, but I'm riding more and more, and find myself cleaning it less! I'm on rigid a single speed so there's not much to worry about--usually I can just brush it off with a soft brush. I do of course get the hose out(on gentle setting) if it's muddy or really dusty, and then dry with a clean rag and let finish drying in the sun. Clean and lube chain as needed. One thing I do after every ride though is clean my brake rotors with a little rubbing alcohol--while they might still work fine with some grime on them, I find they will make noise which drives me nuts-I like to start every ride with clean rotors.
 
#43 · (Edited)
Again, I think this discussion (aspect) also depends on the trails you ride ^^ if your trails are generally dry you won't clean a hell of a lot (at least I don't when away on holiday... trails are rocky/sandy/dusty) on my home trails w/ the Spring rains abounding the trails are slop. After my last ride I couldn't see my bike!! It was that caked in mud. I prefer drier trails....

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'Yes! I'm an opinionated Mofo... Next question'.
 
#44 ·
I bought a garden nozzle that has a Mist setting on it ($9 at Lowes). It has about the same pressure as a ordinary spray bottle, but it’s constant, so your hand doesn’t feel like the back end of an internet porn marathon. It has the pressure to knock off all but the toughest clay/mud, but not enough to do any damage. To ge it really sparkling, I’ll hit it with a towel afterwards. Been doing it for a few months now, and haven’t had any issues. I am super careful about over “watering” my bike because of a bad creak experience with press fit B.B. My current bike is a SC, so threaded BB, but I’m still wary of it.
 
#45 ·
I only wash my bike when really dirty. I'm convinced that too much washing causes the bike to creak, washing out the grease in various locations, and also rusts the chain. I use an air compressor blow nozzle to blow the dust off the shocks, pedals, brakes, chain, etc.
 
#46 ·
RonMexico said:
I bought a garden nozzle that has a Mist setting on it ($9 at Lowes). It has about the same pressure as a ordinary spray bottle, but it's constant, so your hand doesn't feel like the back end of an internet porn marathon. It has the pressure to knock off all but the toughest clay/mud, but not enough to do any damage. To ge it really sparkling, I'll hit it with a towel afterwards. Been doing it for a few months now, and haven't had any issues. I am super careful about over "watering" my bike because of a bad creak experience with press fit B.B. My current bike is a SC, so threaded BB, but I'm still wary of it.
Click to expand...
This is confusing on whether it's a bike you're really talking about.
 
#50 ·
A low pressure mist and a wipe down. Then lube the chain and go have a beer. Been doing it like this for 20 some years without issue. Why would anyone use a high pressure spray anywhere near suspension / pivots and drivetrain is beyond me. Common sense people, it’s not a bad thing to be born with.
 
#56 ·
I live in Central Florida and sometimes things get a bit muddy with all the rain we get over the summer.

I like a clean bike. I'll wipe it down after each use and wash it every 2-3 rides, unless it's super muddy then it gets washed ASAP.

I use my garden hose set to "shower", some dish soap and a few different PT brushes. After I wash it, I give it a bounce or two to get whatever water off that I can, then take my electric blower and give it a quick once over. Finish it up with a wipe down of some Honda motorcycle polish. It's a 30min process at most. Another 20mins if I clean the chain thoroughly.

Considering it cost as much as it did, I want to keep it clean and performing well.
 
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#57 ·
chadbrochills said:
I like a clean bike. I'll wipe it down after each use and wash it every 2-3 rides, unless it's super muddy then it gets washed ASAP.

I use my garden hose set to "shower", some dish soap and a few different PT brushes. After I wash it, I give it a bounce or two to get whatever water off that I can, then take my electric blower and give it a quick once over.
Considering it cost as much as it did, I want to keep it clean and performing well.
Click to expand...
Pretty much my regimen... Only addition is i don't use dish soap, but Finish Line Super Bike Wash for me
 
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