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Quick Inside Bike Wash for Winter, Part 1

So, what to do? Well, over the next two weeks, we’ll give you two options. First, this week, is method shared by reader fixieguy. Then, next week, I’ll share my own indoor cleaning technique. Of course, we welcome all reader feedback, so feel free to post your own, as well.

fixieguy posted an option on the Comments page:

Once a week is plenty for a road bike exclusive of bad weather riding. For chain cleaning, use a synthetic lube, which are cleaners as well as lubricants. Before lubing, put some lube on an old toothbrush and run the toothbrush along the top, bottom and sides of the chain while turning the pedal backwards to loosen up the dirt. Then, with a clean rag, thoroughly wipe off the chain to the point where it does feel dry. Then re-lube the chain.

To clean the toothbrush, swish it about in some mineral spirits and then dry it with a rag.  To clean a cassette, remove the wheel and put some mineral spirits on a rag and run it back and forth though each of the spaces between the sprockets.  To clean the chain rings, drop the chain off the small ring and then, using the old toothbrush and some mineral spirits, brush off each of thesides of the rings and then wipe them off with a clean rag. 

For the frame, etc., kitchen/bath wipes do work pretty well but offer limited convenience at a high price. Any spray cleaner and a rag will work just as well.  Start at the top and work your way down, paying particular attention to the undersides of the downtube, bottom bracket, and chainstays. Don’t forget to wipe off your spokes and hubs.

(Check back next week for my technique. — John Marsh)


If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.

—John Marsh & The RBR Team

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