Cleaning Your Mountain Bike

There often comes a time when your mountain bike gets all dirty and stuck with mud and what-not and the only way to get it in shape again is by thoroughly cleaning it. Mountain bikes are built to last for a long time. But a huge factor that could determine a bike's lifespan is how it is being cared for. Cleaning is an important aspect of mountain bike maintenance and therefore should be done right.

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When do you clean your mountain bike? Frequency depends on where and how often do you go for a ride. If you like to ride on muddy tracks then your bike may need instantaneous cleaning as mud and grasses tend to stick hard to the drivetrain over time. If however your mountain bike doesn't get that dirty on each ride, you can just wipe the dust and dirt off with a piece of cloth and a thorough cleaning once every month should be enough.


Things you will need:

• Cleaning brush (or an old toothbrush)

• Degreasing agent

• Water hose

• Soap

• Rag and cloth

• Chain lubricant

How to clean your mountain bike:

• Position your bike in a way that it will be convenient for you to clean it. Use a bike repair stand if you have one, or alternatively, position your mountain bike upside down.

• Remove the wheels and clean them separately. Use the rag with soapy water to clean the axle, rim and the spokes. Rinse with water and wipe them dry with a piece of cloth.

• Clean the chain wheel, chain, pedals, and other parts of the drivetrain with a brush soaked in soapy water. If the chains are extremely dirty, you may need to remove it and clean it separately. When done, apply the degreasing agent to the drivetrain.

• Using a rag and soapy water, wash the frame, seat post, underside of the saddle, and the handlebars and wipe them dry with a piece of cloth after rinsing.

• When all dry, attach the wheels, lubricate the mountain bike's drivetrain and your done.

Now you're mountain bike is all set for another fun ride.