30 Minute Bike Wash | How To Clean & Degrease Your Bike

SdĂ­let
VloĆŸit
  • čas pƙidĂĄn 28. 08. 2024
  • This is a thorough bike wash that includes degreasing your drivetrain. It should take around 30 minutes. About once a week or so, your bike will need a thorough clean. By this we mean getting your bike on a stand, degreasing the drivetrain and thoroughly cleaning everything. Si shows you how to get your bike looking pretty much like new again.
    Useful Links:
    Adventure Documentaries, Exclusive Shows & Live Racing on GCN+: gcn.eu/plus
    Download the GCN App for free: gcn.eu/app
    Visit the GCN Shop: gcn.eu/gcnshop
    Join the GCN Club: www.gcnclub.com/
    Did you find this useful? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
    If you liked this video, be sure to give it a thumbs up 👍 and share it with your friends!
    Watch more on GCN...
    đŸ“č ​​How To Service Bearings On Your Bike 👉
    ‱ How To Service Bearing...
    đŸ“č Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcn.eu/editors...
    đŸ“č Or why not check out our Features Playlist 👉 ​​gcn.eu/gcnfeat...
    đŸŽ” Music đŸŽ”
    Tijuana Bibles - Wild River
    #gcn #gcntech #cycling #roadbike #bike #roadcycling #maintenance #howto #diy #bikelife
    Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
    The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling.
    Our videos bring fans compelling daily content including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind the scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more.
    Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and most importantly it’s fuelled by our passionate and enthusiastic fans - everyone who makes up the GCN community. We also bring the latest and greatest tech to your attention, showcase the best places in the world to ride and get exclusive access to events and races.
    Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside Cycling
    Thanks to our sponsors:
    Castelli Clothing: gcn.eu/Castelli
    Giro Helmets: gcn.eu/Giro
    Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
    Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
    Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
    Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
    Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
    Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
    Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
    Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fi...
    Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
    Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBo...
    Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
    Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
    Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleIt...
    SIS: gcn.eu/Science...
    Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
    Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
    Shadow Stand: gcn.eu/ShadowS...
    DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
    Muc-Off: gcn.eu/MucOff
    Watch our sister channels:
    GCN Tech - / gcntech
    GCN Racing - / gcnracing
    Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
    GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
    GCN en Espanol - / gcnenespanol
    GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
    GCN en Francais - / gcnenfrancais
    GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
    GCN Training - / gcntraining
    Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
    GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
    Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn

Komentáƙe • 1,2K

  • @agradman
    @agradman Pƙed 7 lety +2240

    Here's an outline!
    SUPPLIES:
    Bucket
    Soap - You can find "bike soap" (or car soap), but household dish soap is OK
    2x sponges ("clean" & "dirty") -- a "car sponge" works
    Rag (for cleaning between cassette sprockets / removing excess lubricant from chain)
    Stiff-bristled brushes:
    x1 for coating bike with degreaser
    x1 for getting into derailleur & chain rings (thin & narrow)
    Flat head screwdriver
    Degreaser
    Chain lubricant (wet or dry)
    WD-40
    PREP:
    Put chain on big ring
    Put bike on work stand, if available. (If not: when front wheel comes off, rest the bike on the fork blades & brakes, and lean it against a wall. This keeps it cleaner).
    Fill a bucket with soap & HOT water (hot gets rid of grease & oil better.)
    Put some degreaser into, e.g., a half-water bottle (put into bike bottle holder)
    DEGREASE:
    Brush degreaser "liberally" onto chain. (Some say take chain off -- but Simon doesn't think this gets it cleaner, & doesn't like breaking the chain too many times.)
    With flathead screwdriver, get gunk off jockey wheels; add more degreaser to jockey wheels & chain rings.
    CLEAN BIKE W/ GENEROUS SOAP & WATER:
    Using clean sponge: Starting from handlebars, go "backwards & downwards" (i.e. while degreaser is working on the drive train)
    Using dirty, then clean sponge: Drive train (adding degreaser if necessary)
    Using narrow brush: Derailleur & chain rings
    BE SURE ALL DEGREASER IS OFF -- it will defeat any lubricant put on later!
    Remove front wheel, then rear wheel. Using clean sponge: clean hidden parts of fork & brake callipers.
    Tires: outside to in. (Note: dirty side walls make a bike look very dirty.)
    CASSETTE: Brush on more degreaser. Slip edge of a rag between sprockets; wash w/ dirty sponge.
    Put wheels back on
    Rinse bike w/ hose (or w/ fresh bucket & clean sponge).
    For dirty white bar tape, use WD-40 & rag.
    TUNE UP:
    Lubricate chain; wipe off excess w/ rag.
    Spray WD-40 onto derailleurs & brake calipers.
    Check brake pads.
    Check tire for anything sharp wedged in carcass; lever it out w/ flathead; glue big holes shut.

    • @rejuv1nate507
      @rejuv1nate507 Pƙed 7 lety +64

      you need way more recognition thanks

    • @marcopel83
      @marcopel83 Pƙed 6 lety +8

      Great, thanks

    • @thewateringwiz7118
      @thewateringwiz7118 Pƙed 6 lety +11

      Thank you captain ! A much needed summary !

    • @wangmengj
      @wangmengj Pƙed 6 lety +4

      Do you have any recommendations on decreasor?

    • @rem6711
      @rem6711 Pƙed 5 lety +9

      Isn't wd40 a degreaser

  • @bradkrit
    @bradkrit Pƙed 8 lety +769

    3 hours ago I just wanted to learn how to adjust my front derailleur. Now it's in the best condition since I bought it. Goodbye Sunday! Thank you GCN! Great channel.

  • @quakeru
    @quakeru Pƙed rokem +59

    stuff needed
    0:20 bucket with soapy (kitchen liquid) hot water and sponge
    0:26 degreaser
    0:37 brush
    1:05 flat head screw driver
    1:34 2x sponges
    2:52 stiff-bristled brush
    5:00 rag
    7:17 wet lube
    7:34 WD 40
    check @Andrew Grandman comment for indepth supplies details

  • @msuileuaine
    @msuileuaine Pƙed 5 lety +60

    I want a full hour real-time bike clean, 'slow tv' style. Watching someone else clean is so satisfying and relaxing.

    • @_rcs
      @_rcs Pƙed 2 lety +2

      Look up ASMR.

    • @Methodsaimon
      @Methodsaimon Pƙed měsĂ­cem

      @@_rcs no some people don't need people whispering and sexually touching materials near the microphone just a normal video will do!

  • @RobMacKendrick
    @RobMacKendrick Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Two additional hints: 1. use cotton clothesline to floss out your freewheel, and 2. Shoe Goo is brilliant for tire gashes.
    I once picked up a large bent nail that instantly pierced right through my tire, gouged into my rim, and went ka-bang-ka-bang-ka-bang until I managed to stop. I patched the twice-holed tube, put the holed tire back on over it, and filled the bullet hole with Shoe Goo, just as an experiment to see what would happen till I could get to the bike store.
    Stuff worked so well I didn't bother to replace the tire. In fact I rode on it for two seasons until the tire died of natural causes. Now I always carry a small tube of the Goo on long trips.
    Great video! Thanks!

  • @wantbigbreasts
    @wantbigbreasts Pƙed 4 lety +154

    As a former motorcycle aspiring racer, we never used WD40 for our chains as it is (a) a poor quality lubricant and (b) attracts dirt once applied. It is an excellent cleaning product, in my view, as a degreaser, but the final spray down is a bit odd to me.

    • @ElJaf17
      @ElJaf17 Pƙed 2 lety +14

      When I first started maintaining my own bike some years ago I was advised to use GT85, not WD40, because it doesn't go so hard after application, apparently. I've never risked WD40 since that day and perhaps your words here are a reminder why I should continue :)

    • @konan91
      @konan91 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      I was very into Downhill longboard racing and everybody recommended against using WD-40 for similar reasons. It'll also dry the shit out of whatever you put it on once it's in the sun

    • @TimmyK916
      @TimmyK916 Pƙed 2 lety +5

      WD-40 is just a brand not an individual product. They make a specific chain lube as well.

    • @polakatl
      @polakatl Pƙed rokem +2

      Spot on. WD40 is great to clean and give a bit of rust protection. It is terrible as a long use lubricant. Perhaps that final spray is okay as long as we just use it for the get everywhere you missed aerosol properties of WD40.

  • @bivani
    @bivani Pƙed 3 lety +23

    Aside from that last act of W40 on the components and brakes, I loved the rest of the process...

    • @jakebailey146
      @jakebailey146 Pƙed 2 lety

      Yeah omg, if you did that with a disc brake, I'm pretty sure it would be screeching forever.

    • @kaspervestergaard2383
      @kaspervestergaard2383 Pƙed 7 měsĂ­ci

      Just because disc is a shitty system. @@jakebailey146

  • @MsJessejackson
    @MsJessejackson Pƙed 6 lety +14

    Love your videos. Right to the point, no extraneous information, not a lot of gesturing, pleasant backgrounds, not some cluttered dark basement or garage.

    • @fakeit6339
      @fakeit6339 Pƙed rokem

      no expensive tools or gadgets

  • @antwalsh88
    @antwalsh88 Pƙed 8 lety +42

    This got my bike looking the cleanest it's been since I bought it nearly four years ago! It did take longer than 30 mins though as I had to degrease the chain several times, nail brushes worked a treat! Thanks very much

  • @turtleh
    @turtleh Pƙed 7 lety +6

    I sucked it up, bought degreaser and lube, did it pretty much exactly here, except I didn't have a bike stand. Took me 4 hours because I haven't cleaned my bike since I got it 3 years ago. I'm sure the next time I do it will be much less time. Thank you!

  • @RichChh
    @RichChh Pƙed 9 lety +26

    Hi GCN. Thanks for the video :) My technique is a little different from yours: 1) Piece of an old T-shirt works great instead of a sponge. 2) You can use the brush with degreaser to brush the teeth of the crank to remove gunk. Putting the brush in one spot and rotating the crank backwards is the easiest method for me. 3) After the degreaser has soaked in and done it's job, I use the hose set to a pencil shaped beam to spray out the gunk from the chain, cassette, crank and derailleurs. With the chain, I put the hose in one spot and rotate the crank backwards. WRT the cassette, I try to spray only the teeth and not the cassette body to reduce water entry. Wiping everything down afterwards with the soapy T-shirt shows very little gunk left.

  • @johnypiston
    @johnypiston Pƙed 5 lety +20

    Brilliant video except for things and a tip. Firstly, as a car enthusiastic and an owner of two vintage cars, and as someone who cleans said cars himself, I would suggest you stay away from dish washing liquid. That stuff is abrasive and is a degreaser itself. If your bike has clear coat paint, it will strip it right off in time and leave you with a dull looking bike. If you are going to invest in something as expensive as these mid and high end bikes, then you might as well invest in the best cleaning products. This is why I only use car cleaning products - they are designed to protect your paint. Personally I use only Meguiars but there are other brilliant products like Mothers. Also, because of their high quality concentrated nature, you only need to use bits at a time. A single bottle of Shampoo will last you a long time. Its a bit costly but its an investment that protects your other investments. Secondly, ditch the sponge and use Micro Fibre Cloths ...less chance of scratching your bike! And for the tip, go to the auto shop and you will get nice brushes ..originally designed to get between the spokes of car wheels ...they work a treat!

  • @RyanAir-we1gc
    @RyanAir-we1gc Pƙed 5 lety +6

    All of your videos are helping and making me Interested to watch everyday, even in the morning while drinking coffee!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed 5 lety +1

      Thanks Kerr, keep it up!

  • @PantheraTigrisTigris
    @PantheraTigrisTigris Pƙed 2 lety +4

    I don't even have a bike yet, but i'm already motivated to clean it. Thanks! :D

  • @timtrial3971
    @timtrial3971 Pƙed 9 lety +5

    Completely agree about not removing chain. Furthermore, I believe using degreaser washes out the oil in the links and bushings, so I never use it. What I do is use chain oil to clean the chain then wipe most of it off. The dirt comes of with the oil leaving an acceptably clean chain

  • @volkswagendriver9892
    @volkswagendriver9892 Pƙed 8 lety +66

    I used automotive brake cleaner spray on my cassette, it was amazing, the grease and oil came right off the cassette like it was nothing, leaving it spotless and shiny clean I couldnt believe it. $2 at walmart

    • @robm9581
      @robm9581 Pƙed 3 lety +4

      that is what my bike guy said also; havent used it as it snowed last night

  • @kevimca
    @kevimca Pƙed 8 lety +7

    Cheers chaps, just avoided an expensive trip to local bike shop and tons of MucOff goods; used soapy water, degreaser, and wet lube too. Shiny bike now.

  • @JackTheOfficeWorker
    @JackTheOfficeWorker Pƙed 2 dny

    New condition is better than Run down conditions. Keep up the great work :3

  • @nicholasgraham89
    @nicholasgraham89 Pƙed 8 lety +17

    I'm pretty new to this, but I've found that using 550 cord/para cord works really well on the cassette and other tight spots.

  • @trishburgio4015
    @trishburgio4015 Pƙed 10 lety +1

    "Scrubbling Bubbles" works on white bar tape & hoods. I use it all the time.
    Good vid! Thnx Simon.

  • @clray1
    @clray1 Pƙed 9 lety +7

    This video is strangely soothing

  • @NemanjaRanic
    @NemanjaRanic Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Best tips as usual, only one who actually did the cleaning hands on instead of bunch of expensive gadgets and machines. Take off the wheels and clean that properly. Thank you Sir! 🙌

  • @WallaceDeGrammit
    @WallaceDeGrammit Pƙed 8 lety +13

    Dude that view is majestic!

  • @iluecha
    @iluecha Pƙed 3 lety +2

    After riding my roadbike (roadbikes in general) for over 3 years now I am finally starting to pay more attention and invest some time to properly set up and clean my bike(s) :-)
    What I love about the video: the dirty white handlebar tape!!! :D ...I am not the only one...

  • @jimboyle1967
    @jimboyle1967 Pƙed 8 lety +13

    Simon, I didn't think I would ever come across anyone who was more anally-retentive about bike cleanliness as as I am, but in watching this video I just have. Don't worry, that's a good thing! Personally, I lick the degreaser off my rear dérailleur for maximum cleanliness. Actually I don't, but it's maybe worth a try. Great video.

  • @elaboussimourad7245
    @elaboussimourad7245 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Years struggling with different bike cleaning products and brushes.. just tried your way, the best result! Thank you so much😀

  • @jonboyer966
    @jonboyer966 Pƙed 5 lety +377

    I can't get over how tiny his T-shirt is.

  • @Abnsdllnnlosnfd
    @Abnsdllnnlosnfd Pƙed 8 lety +299

    Fill your tub with degreaser, put the bike and then, wait for about 5 minutes. Then, throw it into a lake!

  • @Jgregt
    @Jgregt Pƙed 2 lety +3

    You should try the two-bucket method. One for hot soapy water, the other for rinsing your sponge or rag. Otherwise, you are wringing out your dirty sponge in your soapy water and then washing your bike with water that gets dirtier and dirtier as you go.

  • @sacco6274
    @sacco6274 Pƙed 3 lety

    A timeless Video in my opinion. I just purchased my first expensive bike ...and this is great for reference

  • @cctvelo4598
    @cctvelo4598 Pƙed 9 lety +4

    There are some really useful tips in this video but I wouldn't spray the brake clipers for fear of contaminating the rims and tyres, I normally apply some oil to a cloth and wipe the calipers. I also use a hosed spray to very gently oil the pivots.

  • @curbyourshi1056
    @curbyourshi1056 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    This is exactly the video I need to clean my manky old bike that's getting fixed. Thank you.

  • @jodoolaege5348
    @jodoolaege5348 Pƙed 3 lety +4

    Top Tip : when you clean your back wheel, cassette : lean away from the hub so no degreaser can get into the hub .... for the rest, I work the same way and works fine !

  • @nolagatto2136
    @nolagatto2136 Pƙed rokem

    This is honestly one of the best channels on CZcams! These vids are invaluable :)

  • @dec392
    @dec392 Pƙed 7 lety +39

    love cleaning my bike i dunno why its just chilling

    • @SettleNow
      @SettleNow Pƙed 3 lety +2

      If you can't get enough of cleaning your own bike, for a quarter I can let you wash mine. And this month only, pay just one dollar and get to do 6 cleanings!

  • @ielizabethm2
    @ielizabethm2 Pƙed 2 lety

    During this very informative video, I was also astounded by how naturally cool your voice sounds.

  • @1658iain
    @1658iain Pƙed 7 lety +16

    I would council against washing up liquid - it has a very high salt content which will aid rusting process! I suggest car shampoo which has a wax content which will help protect the paintwork whilst getting rid of road dirt and grease.

    • @cedhen1
      @cedhen1 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Nah don't use car shampoo, as you correctly said it's got wax and leaves a light film on what you wash. No good if you're cleaning a bike with disc brakes! Use bike specific stuff.

  • @christian9192
    @christian9192 Pƙed 7 lety

    I have now watched all cleaningvideos so many times, they are by far the best videos. I mean my bike is clean and I know exactly how to do it, I just love clean bikes!

  • @laurenceh6827
    @laurenceh6827 Pƙed 6 lety +8

    I clean my car quite regularly and have a lot of decent products for doing so. I was watching this video and trying to see if I'd need any specialist products for a bike. I was quite enjoying the video right up to the point where you sprayed WD40 on the brakes...

    • @ADCFproductions
      @ADCFproductions Pƙed 3 lety

      Si really loves to go flying out of his bike when he brakes lmao

  • @brianmerryman6743
    @brianmerryman6743 Pƙed 8 lety +1

    GCN,I have tip for you on cleaning white bar tape. If it is still good, you can uses wesley's white wall tire cleaner and a scrub brush. It works great. It makes it like brand new, pearl white again. just rinse. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

  • @andrewbaines1536
    @andrewbaines1536 Pƙed 4 lety +61

    Great vid, you missed a belt loop, in your jeans.đŸ€Ł

  • @bluej511
    @bluej511 Pƙed 10 lety +1

    Might i add that its also a very good idea to wax your bike regularly. Most bike paints have a clearcoat over em so its safe to wax. Makes getting grease and dirt off the paint a lot easier.

  • @trendinggames4572
    @trendinggames4572 Pƙed 6 lety +14

    You must spray the bike down first, or you scratch and grind the dirt into the paint. Good vid overall

  • @accg1991
    @accg1991 Pƙed 10 lety +2

    If anyone is wondering. The degreaser is made by Juice Lubes, and the brushes are made by Finish Line. The brush set is fantastic by the way!

  • @benjocaz45
    @benjocaz45 Pƙed 9 lety +23

    you could use one of those magic erasers on the bar tape, they work pretty well for everything else!

    • @LZWEHDKE
      @LZWEHDKE Pƙed 4 lety

      No! Those magic erasers are abrasive and will strip the surfaces of paint, coatings, polymer components, and other items.

    • @peaktreyface2224
      @peaktreyface2224 Pƙed 4 lety +10

      MXFLD “On the bar tape” would be the key words you seemed to miss.

  • @makarov1441
    @makarov1441 Pƙed 10 lety +1

    To clean bar tape: take a scoup of washing powder and stir it into a cup or two of hot water. I use a scourer to give it a bit of a scrub brings it up almost like new

  • @RixterNow
    @RixterNow Pƙed 10 lety +15

    Great video. I'm really worried though about so liberally painting on the degreaser, what about some if that leaking into the hub and bottom bracket and even into the jockey wheel bearings? Or is that needless paranoia?

  • @maximilian3004
    @maximilian3004 Pƙed 9 lety +1

    I've found Clorox disinfecting wipes do a fantastic job of cleaning up grimy bar tape, and can restore your white bar tape to almost new condition. This doesn't appear to rot out the bar tape either--you'll still get your 8-12 months' use out of a roll.

  • @Pete63
    @Pete63 Pƙed 10 lety +454

    Nice, the handlebars & brakes are covered in WD40...

    • @mafaka819
      @mafaka819 Pƙed 5 lety +18

      i know right lol

    • @Neadlemeyer
      @Neadlemeyer Pƙed 4 lety +12

      Peter Bartley LOL. Yes I was thinking the same - all over the pads and rim

    • @iann23
      @iann23 Pƙed 4 lety +86

      @@Neadlemeyer WD40 makes you go faster! Who needs brakes?

    • @kcc4904
      @kcc4904 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      You forgot the tire shine!

    • @jamalishak9025
      @jamalishak9025 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      @@iann23 😅😅😁

  • @armcomdes
    @armcomdes Pƙed 10 lety +2

    Great videos. I followed the steps completely, and for the most part they were spot on. I did try the brush to the chain with degreaser, but decided to use my PT Chain Cleaner (with spinning brushes and foam squeegie), it does a more thorough job.

    • @Orcanislupus
      @Orcanislupus Pƙed 2 lety +1

      I love white bar tape. I use simple green and a small sponge or rag that I can wrap around the bars in my hand. It's pretty much the same approach you take with your chain. As for the tires I use a safety pin and pluck out any unwanted pieces of glass and debris.

  • @domenicoflorianrescigno4377
    @domenicoflorianrescigno4377 Pƙed 10 lety +3

    Very nice video!! By the way I think there are 2 things you could have done better, correct me if I'm wrong.
    1) Use Cif for the handle bar tape, it works great
    2) Why don't You spray the wd 40 on the mechs and calipers before you install the wheels? I think any oil on tyres or braking surfaces could be bad for your safety

    • @rikkiola
      @rikkiola Pƙed 10 lety +2

      Agree on point 2 (not tried point 1! :) )

  • @hanskwan4645
    @hanskwan4645 Pƙed 8 lety

    Is just an enjoyment to watch you clean up the bike

  • @abdullahsekai4279
    @abdullahsekai4279 Pƙed 8 lety +803

    Was a really good vid till you sprayed WD40 on the brakes.

    • @thorbenisback4735
      @thorbenisback4735 Pƙed 8 lety +27

      Josh Winn as long as it doesnt touch the Actual rubber or the rim (sorry dont know the exact word for it, i'm German) it won't be a problem, but helps with an easier Breaking.. I do the same, but wash over the breaking component afterwards

    • @Antiwasserstoff
      @Antiwasserstoff Pƙed 7 lety +23

      Shimano sells its Wetlube in a Spraycan, i'd recommend using that instead of Wd-40 to gain an actual lubing effect without harming components

    • @TomCoppell
      @TomCoppell Pƙed 7 lety +45

      There is absolutely no issues with spraying WD40 on the brake calliper as well as any moving mechanical component such as the front and rear derailleur. WD40 is the best multi purpose spray lube on the market always has been always will be. If it works great on door hinges it works fine on bikes.

    • @PlaidHiker
      @PlaidHiker Pƙed 7 lety +60

      TomCoppell the good old 40 has to be used right. It is a degreaser, not a lubricant. To get grease off of parts to clean them is alright, as long as after you clean it you put the lubricants needed back on after washing out all the 40, otherwise it impedes the lubricants ability to stick and perform nominal. It does lubricate a little, not nearly as well as the normal stuff. For parts that move that also don't need grease or traditional lubricants, 40 works well. Since it can be used as a lubricant. you should keep it away from any breaking surfaces at all cost. This includes brake pads, and rim with rim brakes, and brake pads again, and the rotor with dick breaks. Never use 40 as a lubricant on the chain, derailleur cassette, chain rings, or anything drivetrain. yes it get rid of the rat noises but ultimately breaks down your drivetrain significantly.

    • @kristiankyllingmark4552
      @kristiankyllingmark4552 Pƙed 7 lety +1

      and when he cut of some peces of the tire and the breaks

  • @depfeffel6455
    @depfeffel6455 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Enjoyed that video, thanks. With some car detailing experience I'm going to be two bucket method, snow foam pre wash, Bilt Hamber Surfex HD for degreaser, might even wax the frame for aerodynamic / I like to caress my bike purposes 😂. Nice to see what I can get wet and soapy and what not to. Thanks

  • @B1uenose2009
    @B1uenose2009 Pƙed 9 lety +5

    Thanks for the great videos. Your presenting, editing and production values are fantastic. One question: towards the end, why does Si spray WD40 on the deraileurs and brake calipers? I thought WD40 was a lubrican, therefore not good for brake surfaces?

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed 9 lety +1

      B1uenose2009 You certainly don't want to try to get WD40 on brake surfaces, although it actually doesn't seem to matter too much if you do. Brake calipers can seize up though so it's a good idea to look after the pivots on them, and WD40 does that job nicely.

    • @B1uenose2009
      @B1uenose2009 Pƙed 9 lety +1

      Global Cycling Network cheers that's really helpful. Thanks for the reply!

  • @deuxbits
    @deuxbits Pƙed rokem

    Generally speaking excellent. A few things I learned. 1) Get your hot soapy water and sponges together before you hit the degreaser because you're going to get that black gunk on you and one's Significant Other might not like you coming inside for those bits with grease monkey hands.... 2) WTF are you doing spraying WD -40 on the brake calipers?! With the wheel in place! Whoa Whoa Whoa! IMHO that is the most insane thing ever. Oil on the pads, oil on the tire? No, just NO. A drop or two of Tri-Flow in the joints is my jam. (But for all I know you did this just to get a reaction - it worked)

  • @sankakarunaratne5810
    @sankakarunaratne5810 Pƙed rokem +3

    Wd 40 is a very thin penetration liquid. It can be used as a degreaser. Not sure as a lubricant

    • @Pound-sand-fuqer
      @Pound-sand-fuqer Pƙed rokem +2

      Agreed, and I also question spraying it on breaks where it could get on the pads

    • @rodrigogarcia2622
      @rodrigogarcia2622 Pƙed rokem

      Good idea thank you đŸ™đŸœ

  • @sushi2slushy
    @sushi2slushy Pƙed 6 lety

    this guy is a bike king

  • @benpit2762
    @benpit2762 Pƙed 4 lety +9

    Hi guys! One of the things we don’t mention is once you’re done with washing your bike, all the tools that were used to degrease your chain including brushes go into a bucket of water... next day it still feels sticky so I am wondering what’s the quick way to remove this stubborn grease? Thanks

    • @hansmemling2311
      @hansmemling2311 Pƙed 8 měsĂ­ci

      Perhaps use the degreaser? Let me know if that helps. I know people use white spirit to take paint off brushes.

  • @toddbraddock236
    @toddbraddock236 Pƙed rokem

    Great video.....I plan on cleaning my bike for the first time!!!!

  • @roybatty-
    @roybatty- Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Kerosene is a powerful de-greaser and it is very cheap.

  • @OscarCassetti
    @OscarCassetti Pƙed 10 lety

    I used to use just washing up and something similar to WD40. Then 3 years I got for free a small set of brushes, citrus degreaser for the bike and ptfe. I noticed that:
    1) The chain was way smoother even on entry level Shimano Sora
    2) The chain started wearing out way less.
    3) Cables stayed nice, flexible and shiny for longer.
    4) STI levers were smoothers.
    5) Disks and disk pads stopped making massive noises.
    Since then I bought a bigger kit to wash the bike and I use only ptfe and lithium grease specific for the bike. The cost per year is roughly 60 to 80 euro and I wash my two bikes either every 100 Km or after any rainy / muddy ride.
    Unless you live somewhere that is very sunny and warm I'd suggest to dry the bike throughly, especially around the fork, seat tube and axles. If you have access to a air compressor that is by far the best way.

  • @Patrick-li8nh
    @Patrick-li8nh Pƙed rokem +5

    My man putting WD40 on the breaks 💀

  • @juanboada1954
    @juanboada1954 Pƙed 10 lety

    You guys are something else! This is the best channel ever!

  • @teabowl7981
    @teabowl7981 Pƙed 5 lety +24

    Im learning so much about bicycles without even owning one lol :(((

    • @janantoni3
      @janantoni3 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Gani ako pud. Lol

    • @teabowl7981
      @teabowl7981 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      @@janantoni3 update! Naa nakoy bike lmaooo it's been 3mos since Ive had my own bike :D

  • @zesty4011
    @zesty4011 Pƙed 10 lety +1

    I love this channel even though I mountain bike there are some stuff in common! You guys are comedians, rock on!!!!!

  • @villikuha7387
    @villikuha7387 Pƙed 8 lety +424

    It would add credibility if the bike was dirty to begin with.

    • @karrikarthik6936
      @karrikarthik6936 Pƙed 6 lety +1

      Exactly!

    • @aldifeti5631
      @aldifeti5631 Pƙed 5 lety

      Here you can see a dirty bike getting washed
      czcams.com/video/w6YOQRTIwj4/video.html

    • @stevendip5318
      @stevendip5318 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      It goes both ways though. His bike is so clean because he does this frequently

    • @kirakaffee9976
      @kirakaffee9976 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      @@stevendip5318 and this is why he's finished in 30min too

    • @1041ghost
      @1041ghost Pƙed 2 lety

      It takes the same amount of time to clean a "clean" bike and a dirty one... As long as both are properly maintained.
      I wash my MTB every week. It doesn't go onto trails often these days. But when it does, it will get caked on with everything nature throws at it. That doesn't change at all the time it takes to clean it. Because it's regularly clean, nothing on it gets baked on and stuck.
      Now if you're talking about some incredibly dirty bike that hasn't been washed for years... That's not cleaning, that's restoring. You cannot clean those bikes. The frame alone will have embedded dirt that can't be washed off. You'll have to use claybars and even machine polish it out. Each piece needs a thorough check and replaced/repaired. I've done this multiple times because I detail my own cars and friends'/families' as a hobby (btw the same rule apply to cars) so when I got into cycling, some friends and families were encouraged to get back into it. But their bikes have been sitting idle for years. So I took them in one by one to be restored back to looking new. Yes, one bike takes a shit load of products, tools and about several hours to do. That's not cleaning.

  • @leqin
    @leqin Pƙed 10 lety +1

    Quick tip - been doing the glue on tyre nicks and cuts for a while now, but I recently happened on what I think is a far better solution in Gorilla Glue 'Super Glue' which is like other super glue's but its got rubber incorporated in it and going by my experience it makes a far better longer lasting repair... oh and you get 2 tubes for the price of one

  • @abedfo88
    @abedfo88 Pƙed 10 lety +18

    Can't believe you turned your back on fellow WD40 disciples Simon! :)

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed 10 lety +6

      Don't worry Andrew Bedford - the 5 minute clean is his regular.

  • @xposingbullshit2472
    @xposingbullshit2472 Pƙed 5 lety

    Man, this is an excellent video. I have a road bike that needs proper cleaning. Degreaser, sponges, brush - tra la la la la!

  • @pilotmaster132
    @pilotmaster132 Pƙed 9 lety +11

    what about the water, how do you dry it off, i'm afraid i might make the bearings in the hub rust or the gears oh and forgot chain? How do you dry the water out correctly I don't want to make my bike rust. Also if i use a hose to wash the soap out, how to i water it so it doesn't get to the bearings and gears(or chain)?

  • @JPR-6101
    @JPR-6101 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci

    Yeah this video help. Most of the stuff i dont have like the tools to remove the chain and what not. Rest of the things i can do. So im gonna give it a try that helps.

  • @fogg0
    @fogg0 Pƙed 9 lety +12

    I was expecting to see an aquarium... Stayed out of curiosity.

  • @blahblah5750
    @blahblah5750 Pƙed 10 lety +1

    New to road cycling I've found this channel amazing. Thanks :)

  • @BrumCraft
    @BrumCraft Pƙed 6 lety +3

    Legend has it that when Simon's rear wheel starts spinning it never stops

  • @somethought
    @somethought Pƙed 5 lety

    Very thorough. Best part of the vid: 6:57.
    You’re actually cleaning your bike...I need to step up my game đŸ™ŒđŸ»

  • @largo303
    @largo303 Pƙed 9 lety +46

    I live in an apartment building in the city with no backyard. How do I clean my bike here? I can't soup it thouroughly let alone rinse it with water afterward.

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed 9 lety +33

      largo303 local car wash maybe? (not a drive-through one!).

    • @largo303
      @largo303 Pƙed 9 lety +5

      Good idea. I'll try it and see how people react :-)

    • @virremannen11
      @virremannen11 Pƙed 9 lety +28

      largo303 you could always use your shower, just make sure to clean up properly afterwards.

    • @Polioooo0
      @Polioooo0 Pƙed 9 lety +27

      Hasse Hardcore I used to wash my bicycle in the shower too. I take my wheels and chain off. Wash the chain in the sink. Give the wheels and cassette a good low pressure wash in the tub. Then put my frame in there with low pressure water and just wash with soap. It works, if anyone is wondering. I did this on a regular basis so scrubbing grease off the floor was not an issue.

    • @jbaba7316
      @jbaba7316 Pƙed 9 lety +103

      largo303 JUST put it in the washing machine mate

  • @massspike
    @massspike Pƙed 10 lety

    A relatively cheap alternative to washing up liquid is car washing soap -- safer for metal, plastic and CF. You can also find soaps that wax as well which helps keep the frame cleaner.

  • @bestofafd-lugenpresse7936
    @bestofafd-lugenpresse7936 Pƙed 8 lety +65

    7:40 - did he just spray wd-40 on the brakes? As far as I know, you can't brake with lubricated brakes? o.O

    • @davee6878
      @davee6878 Pƙed 5 lety +7

      I think he lubricated the brake calipers, NOT the brake pads.

    • @Jxrd99
      @Jxrd99 Pƙed 5 lety +27

      Dave E No, he just sprayed the entire thing lmfao.

    • @alfredestrada62
      @alfredestrada62 Pƙed 4 lety

      Yes i had the same observation

    • @disgruntledtoons
      @disgruntledtoons Pƙed 4 lety +5

      Sure, it stops them from squealing.

    • @clexa-the1002
      @clexa-the1002 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      @@disgruntledtoons lmaooo

  • @willekenspeter
    @willekenspeter Pƙed 10 lety

    I found that spraying the white bar tape with degreaser does clean it quite effectively. Especially when it got dirty with grease after replacing a tire.

  • @AlexGreenwoodUkulele
    @AlexGreenwoodUkulele Pƙed 9 lety +3

    I still personally find it better to use the chain lube on the pivot points on deraileurs/calipers/levers/pedals. Also, I service my hubs every three months, just because I had a road bike that lasted six months before the hubs got rusted shitless x3 Great video, have recommended to at least eleven people to watch your channel, and keep making more! Also, do a video of lubes/degreasers/greases to steer away from and ones to use, in terms of performance, quality and longevity. I really, really want to know what you think of certain lubes! I just got some TF2 Lithium grease and want to know if that's decent?

  • @MattePurple1
    @MattePurple1 Pƙed 6 lety

    Q-tips for the jockey wheels work great. I flatten the tips with pliers and use them to get stubborn gunk in the cassette too.

  • @mattbellamymate
    @mattbellamymate Pƙed 8 lety +4

    Every bike cleaning vid I've watched has said something to the effect of "Don't get water in/on the bearings when you're rinsing off", but being a noob, I've really no clue where these preicous bearings are/what the big issue is. Can someone advise? Cheers.

    • @ABS32
      @ABS32 Pƙed 8 lety +1

      There are bearings in the fork where it pivots, the wheel hubs, and the derailleurs. If water gets into them, it can force out the grease that's in there, which is a problem because they need that grease to rotate smoothly.

    • @oskarthor5707
      @oskarthor5707 Pƙed 8 lety +4

      Don't worry and just don't use a pressure washer, water stream from a hose cannot press out bearing grease

  • @RB-87
    @RB-87 Pƙed 10 lety

    Always enjoy GCN videos, thank you.

  • @SquaredSheep
    @SquaredSheep Pƙed 8 lety +50

    why would you put wd40 on the brakes?

    • @15aac
      @15aac Pƙed 8 lety +4

      You shouldn't ever do that

    • @chriswitek9455
      @chriswitek9455 Pƙed 8 lety +15

      calipers not the pads. keeps em moving easily

    • @Kyle-gu2kq
      @Kyle-gu2kq Pƙed 8 lety +5

      wd40 collects dust i would never use it for any type of lube i know this from learning the hard way

    • @Paul_owie
      @Paul_owie Pƙed 7 lety +1

      Chris Witek
      Why not use a drop of oil/lube💡

    • @saraqostahterra4548
      @saraqostahterra4548 Pƙed 6 lety

      bigballer
      You have 800.000 subscribers, but whenever i visit your channel, it says you have no content... How is that?

  • @teamces
    @teamces Pƙed 7 lety +1

    To the issue with the bar tape ,try using Multi-Purpose Goop hand cleaner. Works like a charm.

  • @harrycarvey3309
    @harrycarvey3309 Pƙed 10 lety +5

    what degreaser do you recommend will any do or can some damage my bike

  • @doug6281
    @doug6281 Pƙed 4 lety

    I didn’t realise I do pretty much the same as seen here on my bike. Good video.

  • @TajulIslam-ei7gd
    @TajulIslam-ei7gd Pƙed 5 lety +5

    0:32 👀 2000 IQ

  • @heliocosta7079
    @heliocosta7079 Pƙed 9 lety

    I used baby wipes instead of old shirt to remove any remaining grease in the cassete. I don't know what kind of magic has in its composition, but it cleans like a charm!

  • @MicroageHD
    @MicroageHD Pƙed 9 lety +7

    "im gonna paint some moron" :D

  • @ceili
    @ceili Pƙed rokem

    I've watched a ton of bike cleaning videos and they always start with a bike that really isn't that dirty. I like to see someone tackle a properly filthy bike, with layers of thick grime like mine.

  • @Chad-ie4wl
    @Chad-ie4wl Pƙed 7 lety +24

    I saw calvin kleins lol

  • @harrybramwell3887
    @harrybramwell3887 Pƙed 8 lety +1

    Baby wipes for white bar tape. Seems to work every time and gets them looking fresh.

  • @RENSPUR
    @RENSPUR Pƙed 8 lety +23

    Really good except for the WD-40 advice. If your bike has ALUMINUM parts the WD-40 will cause the ALUMINUM to oxidize. Oxidize is just a fancy word for RUST. Aluminum rust will not look like Iron rust. However moving ALUMINUM parts can and will FREEZE UP. Basically WD-40 displaces water and can soak into IRON BASED metals. It is not really a lubricant as most people tend to believe. I know I believed that for a very long time. If you use WD-40 on your ALUMINIUM parts, for cleaning, be sure to thoroughly remove it by cleaning and then lightly lubricate with a quality lubricant. WD-40 isn't actually a true lubricant. WD stands for "water displacing" and its main use is as a solvent or rust dissolver.The lubricant-like properties of WD-40 come not from the substance itself, but from dissolving components. And the effect doesn't last.WD-40 can be a good substance to start with - it can help clean up rust or other grime. But depending on what you're working with, you should probably follow up WD-40 with use of a true lubricant such as one based on silicone, grease, Teflon, or graphite. WD-40 can wash dirt into a bike chain, ruining the chain and taking out the gears along with it. Stay away, cyclists.

    • @DeStraatz
      @DeStraatz Pƙed 8 lety +2

      +Glenn Fannin aluminium corrodes, not rusts. Aluminium is also not ferric unless it is in an alu-iron alloy. But graphite or teflon lubricants are advised

    • @RxMTB
      @RxMTB Pƙed 8 lety +8

      Aluminum can react with oxygen, which is known as oxidizing. aka Aluminum oxide. Much in the same way as iron oxidizes, aka ferric oxide. "Rust" is just a nickname of oxidation almost to the point where it is synonymous so technically he is not wrong in saying that. But neither are you as oxidation is a corrosion mechanism, just usually referred to as oxidation when oxygen is involved.

    • @GnanaPrakash86AP
      @GnanaPrakash86AP Pƙed 6 lety

      Actually oxidation doesn't need to directly involve oxygen but you're right. Metal oxides are just called rust since it's easier to understand in common language.

    • @davidcorner2062
      @davidcorner2062 Pƙed 3 lety

      Glenn Fann

  • @Shr3dward
    @Shr3dward Pƙed 9 lety +2

    I just use engine degreaser from my local hardware store on my chain and casette etc, it works exactly the same and is much cheaper than the special bike degreasers. Only about a fiver for 500ml.
    Also it's easy to get your greasy components really shiny by just spraying degreaser on them like a mad man until they are dripping with degreaser. It takes off most of the grease and you don't even need to use a cloth, just rinse it off.

  • @Luis-jf3hv
    @Luis-jf3hv Pƙed 4 lety +3

    I've never seen a video with such a little dislikes for this many views

  • @Mulberry2000
    @Mulberry2000 Pƙed 7 lety

    Yes this is the best bike channel

  • @jamiemackereth2616
    @jamiemackereth2616 Pƙed 8 lety +6

    GT 85 with Teflon is the answer keep wd 40 away from your bike

    • @martynjones4219
      @martynjones4219 Pƙed 8 lety +2

      +Jamie Mackereth Totally agree. It should be noted that both are a degreasant so should be used carefully, check the manufacturers web sites, they will therefore remove grease from derailiers and chains.

  • @2120musiclover
    @2120musiclover Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Ive just found your channel earlier and pretty much have been binging most of the day. Lol