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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 was skeptical to begin with (big project costing a lot of money) but all fears were allayed
once I started to converse with James and the team. Along with the fact that it wasn't my project to begin with, I had picked it up from someone else who had left the school and had all the quotes.
I found the service offered by The Bike Storage Company professional, accommodating and delivered to timescale. The guys in the office were responsive to emails and actually answered questions regarding the installation and the engineers that came to put up the bike shelter actually took on board site specifics in terms of the student start and finish times and also cordoned off the works to ensure safety. Really great service offered and I'd be happy to come back and get any other projects done in the future which I think the school is planning to do. We've also seen a massive increase in student's that ride to school as well which is great!
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I worked with The Bike Storage Company recently and couldn't recommend them enough. They're hi ghly efficient and a dream to work with - I would 100% work with them again. ...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
Found The Bike Storage Co. to be very helpful with any enquires I had, they had good product d etails and were very responsive. ...read moreread less
