Cleaning tools

newrider

newrider

New Member
This may have been discussed before but I could not find anything from a search of the site so I will ask the question. Do they cleaning tools/brushes work? I have seen these from Park Tool and Pedros among others. I am wondering if a basic brush would work just as well. Anyone have any experience? Also, from a search of the web people use everything from bike specif cleaners to basic household cleaners. Are there any differences? I would hate to use a basic soap and find out it is damaging the bike. I made the mistake of adding a bit of wd-40 to my pedals and the LBS told me never to do this as it basically has a less than desired long range effect.
I was cleaning my bike this weekend and there were areas I could not reach. Also, the cassette had a bunch of junk on it that I could not get off. I have seen tools for this as well. Again, thoughts? Thanks.
 
I'm interested in what he told you about WD-40? I spray my gears and derailiers with it when there wet.:hmmm:
 
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While WD-40 states that it is a lubricant it is a solvent. Spraying you chain or anything else with WD-40 leaves it without any lubrication which is bad and can lead to corrosion and wear.
 
Only the chain really needs lube. Resist the urge to just spray lube all over the cassette (gears on your rear wheel).

A nice soft brush and some soap and water will work fine to clean your bike. Just don't spray water with your garden hose. Rinse it lightly. The less water you use the better.
 
New Rider here is what I use but its not the ONLY way

For the frame and wheels I use Pedros Bike Lust and a dry cloth. I like it because it cleans really well and has a silicone in it that helps later to keep dust off.

For the cassette I will remove the rear wheel and spray the cassette down with Finish Line spray degreaser it does a good "quick" job but make sure you let it dry before you put the wheel back on as it could degrease your chain. If its not too bad I just use an old toothbrush to clean the cassette out.

There isn't a real good way to clean the cranks without removal.

In the small areas I picked up a set of detail brushes from Pepboys for like $5 that work good stiff bristle is important.
 
My cleaning tools are a round horse hair brush, wire brush and a dull steak knife. I only use Pedros Chain Wax so there is no need for any degreasers. While spinning the works, use the knife on the chainrings and cassette, wire brush all sides of the chain and the soft brush on the frame.
 
trailhead said:
My cleaning tools are a round horse hair brush, wire brush and a dull steak knife. I only use Pedros Chain Wax so there is no need for any degreasers. While spinning the works, use the knife on the chainrings and cassette, wire brush all sides of the chain and the soft brush on the frame.
Click to expand...

A steak knife? That's pretty hard core :hmmm:
 
Let me add another question. What do you do when the bike is really muddy? Do you pull things off (derailleurs, brakes, cranks) to really clean them well?
 
I went to Walmart and Sports Authority to get the following two bicycle cleaning tools

Cassette Gunk Cleaner :: >>>> http://www.bikepro.com/products/freewheels/fw_jpg/d1_park_gsc_1.jpg

Chain Cleaner :: >>>> http://501main.com/images/library/large/fin_grunge_brush_07_m.jpg

The Chain Cleaner came with the Cleaning solvent, made by White Lightning and purchased at Sports Authority for $15.99.

The Cassette Gunk Cleaner came with the Ribbed sickle and the brush, also made by White Lightning and purchased at WalMart for $4.99.

I use the cleaning solvent or simple Green to clean just the cogs and the solvent to clean the chains. Then the chain dries overnight and then a chain lube finishes everything off.

Honestly, the bicycle looked much better when I washed it myself than I got it back from Efingers after a tune up.
 
I'm a huge fan of the Park Brush Kit.

park-bcb-4-brush-kit.jpg


Along with some bike wash.
717795.jpg
 
Lot of good info here - thanks to everyone who replied. I guess I have a few runs to make.
Not to get off topic here either - but Mean Irish Guy - is that you taking a spill OTHB? That look pretty painful
 
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