The Gleaming Machine
by David Dutchison,
the Minute Mechanic
If there is one aspect of bicycle maintenance that anyone can do, and everyone avoids, it's cleaning. Done right, it's a fifteen minute job, although - depending on how long you've been avoiding it - the first time may take quite a bit longer. I'll assume you've been putting it off for a while.
Though no specialized tools are required, one is particularly recommended: the simple yet brilliant Park cleaning brush (the clean-handed staff at your local shop may tell you that XYZ's brush is just as good, but the dirty-handed staff know the difference). You'll also need a bucket, a soft bristled scrub-brush, a rag or two, and a plastic bag to cover your saddle. Chain-oil, WD-40, and a light lube of your preference (like Tri-flow or Super-lube) will be needed after. As for the cleaner, I recommend the exact same dish detergent you presently use. Since we'll be spraying water around, pick an appropriate location and dress accordingly. Rubber gloves are optional.
The dirtiest place on any bike is the drive-train (that is, the chain, and everything it touches). If yours is caked with thick black gobs of gunk, you've got a nasty job ahead of you. Take heart in knowing that proper chain-lubrication (to be explained in a moment) will prevent this from happening again.
Before tackling the chain, it¹s best to clean the derailleurs. Shift both onto their biggest cogs (this makes it easier to get inside their mechanisms). Use the pick end of that ultra-cool Park brush to remove the larger chunks of gunk, then apply lots of WD-40 to the bristles and - starting with the front derailleur - scrub like mad.
The handle of the incredible Park brush is designed for digging out crud from between the cogs and chain rings, and that¹s the next step. Then use the brush end with more WD-40 to give all the teeth a good cleaning. Finally, the chain. Grab the bottom section right by the rear derailleur, and scrub hard from all sides until it¹s as clean as it¹s going to get. Wipe that section dry, pull the next dirty section into position, and repeat until the whole thing's done.
Now for the rest. Remove all accessories, and if you feel confident about releasing the brakes away from the wheels, do so. Spray everything down with a garden hose or big spray bottle. The trick is to use a mist, not a direct stream. You don't want to force water into the bearings; just get everything nice and wet.
Now take that fabulous Park brush, soak it, load it with lots of detergent, and scrub everything - wheels, tires, chain, gears, handlebars - everywhere.. The areas around the wheels are where most of the dirt accumulates. Get the whole bike foamy, and use the rags on any really tough spots. When done, rinse off the bike with another misting spray, and let it dry. The whole process is no worse for your bike than a good ride in the rain. As soon as it's dry, re-lubricate.
Start with the light oil and use a single drop on each of the ³pivot points² of the brake levers, shift levers, and derailleurs. Apply one drop, move the part in question around a bit, then wipe off any excess. Oil is a dirt magnet.
Since cleaning the drive-train may be an experience you¹re not keen to repeat, the trick to keeping it (and every part of your bike that¹s near it) clean is to use a little oil, often. Set your bike up someplace where you can spin the pedals backwards freely, and while doing so, apply a thin stream of oil onto the top side of the bottom section of chain. Give the pedals two to three spins backwards, and that¹s enough. The final step (which most folks overlook) is to take a reasonably clean rag and thoroughly wipe off whatever's left over. Doing it this way leaves lots of oil inside the chain, but only a very thin film on the outside; enough to protect it from rusting, but not enough to attract dirt. The chain should feel almost dry. Repeat after any major encounter with water (or every other week, otherwise), and you'll find you have very little to do next time you have to clean your bike.
reprinted from MOMENTUM: the magazine
for self-propelled people, August/September 2002
WEB: http://www.momentumplanet.ca