Free UK Delivery
*on orders over £250
Site surveys
10 year guarantee
Installation service
*on orders over £250
Have you been on your wheels more this Cycle September? Some of the team here at the Bike Storage Company have been getting a few more miles under our belt this month. Inevitably, with more riding comes more dirt, and soon you’ll find yourself facing a bike wash to keep your cycle looking good, running smoothly and functioning safely.
For a pristine and well-functioning bicycle, follow this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Cleaning the Drivetrain
To begin, rinse your bike with a hose to remove large dirt or mud accumulations. Start by cleaning the drivetrain – chain, chainset, cassette, and derailleurs. Apply degreaser to the chain and scrub with a stiff brush. Pass the chain through a rag to remove loosened dirt. Clean the chainset and cassette with degreaser and a firm brush, paying attention to tight spaces.
This part can often be the dirtiest and easily spray onto the bike frame, so that’s why we clean it first.
Step 2: Cleaning the Rest of the Bike
Once the drivetrain is clean, move to the rest of the bike. Use diluted cleaner or bike wash on a soft-bristled brush. Begin at the handlebar and work back and down to avoid dirty water drips. Focus on hard-to-reach areas: under the saddle, seatstays, chainstays, fork legs, bottom bracket, and undersides. Removing the wheels may make accessing these parts a little easier and you can also then clean wheels and brake pads whilst they’re off the frame. Clear any grit from the brake pads and clean the calipers, then give the drivetrain a quick wash again. Finally, spray everything off with clean water.
Step 3: Drying and Lubrication
Dry the bike, ideally by leaving in the sun if you’re like us, or use clean rags. Apply a ‘protect and shine’ product. Use a water-displacing spray (like GT85 or WD40) on water-prone spots to prevent rust. Make sure to avoid getting of these fluids on any braking surfaces. You can then use a specialised bike lube or grease to pivot points and moving parts. Apply lube to the chain’s rollers, pins, and inner faceplates – pedalling can help to move the chain past the lube. Remove any excess with a rag or microfibre cloth. You can change gears to make sure everything is operating smoothly.
Step 4: Final Check and Enjoy the Ride
Ensure brake cables are reattached, brake surfaces are clean, controls work, and all bolts and quick releases are secure.
Now, take pride in your clean bike and enjoy your ride!
Looking for a way to keep bikes clean as part of your end of journey facilities? Our Bike Wash Station features a power washer for deeper cleaning and variety of brushes to integrate washing right into the commuting journey – keeping cycles at their freshest and safest all year round.
I purchased a semi-vertical bike rack for the 4 family bicycles. I was able to order a rack f or exactly the number I needed so it fits perfectly in to a space in my garden. The sections arrived well packaged and on time. Building it just required a couple of basic tools and a picture from the website - it took me less than an hour. It is very sturdy, meets my needs, is space saving and allows all the bikes to be easily accessible. I would definitely recommend The Bike Storage Company. ...read moreread less
I had a problem with my order, but it was sorted out very quickly and fairly. The bike rack is really good quality as are the included bolts. ...read moreread less
Ordered galvanised Sheffield bike stand, arrived promptly and well packaged. Great customer se rvice from the team! ...read moreread less
