We advised in a previous post that your bike must be spotless before a race (This contributor would go so far as to say your bike must be spotless before you even register for the race......but is compromising somewhat in order to be inclusive of those dreadful people who have dirty bikes......). But how do you get your cross bike clean, particularly after a dirty race? These steps will help you towards getting that bike back to race cleanliness in no time! (But seriously, they will help you clean your bike).
Step 1: Hose bike down at moderate water pressure before applying any cleaning products (ideally put your bike in a stand with wheels off (see below), but this is not necessary. This will remove any thick dirt/mud, grass etc. without you clogging up sponges with crap. Take care around bearings (see note below). Step 2: Apply degreaser to chain/cassette. Wash down frame and wheels with warm soapy water. Pay attention to small crevasses (brakes, jockey wheels,between frame and cranks, under fork), and make sure there isn't a build of of dirt anywhere. This sponging down also has the added benefit of being able to check the frame, brake pad wear, bottom bracket and headset bearing smoothness etc.. Thus you spot potential problems before they become actual problems. Step 3: Hose down bike and leave to dry upright (so water drains, especially away from bearings). Wipe down chain and cassette and re- lube moving parts. Spray with bike polish (this is optional but not for this contributor). Check gears, and then leave in bike house/garage until your next spin. Following these 3 steps will keep your bike race clean and running smoother for longer. NOTE (s): Clean your bike as soon as possible after a race or a training session (that is if it is dirty). This allows you not only to have an awesome looking bike but also to spot problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown in your next race. As we have mentioned before; A problem on Monday can be solved by race day. Clean your bike at home. Do not be tempted by that pond in the middle of the park that you were just turning into mud. If you have a bit of a drive home (and you have washed your bike in a pond, or have powerwashed it in the nearest garage) then lying your wet bike sideways in your car is a great way to kill wheel and bottom bracket bearings. Unless your bike is upright on a rack, then protect your car from bike dirt, instead of cleaning your bike on the spot. (This was learned the hard way by a cpuple of us in our first season of CX and many bearings were killed. This was not only a pain, but an expense) Check bearings and re-grease regularly if riding conditions have been poor. While 'cross can be hard on bearings, if they are kept greased, they will last as long as if you were riding on the road. This will not only save you money on new bearings, it will also prevent you turning up at race where your wheels won't turn.
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St.Finbarrs Cycling ClubEst. 1938 Archives
October 2017
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