The Mechanic Diaries

I cringe everytime I see or hear of this. From the many bicycles I’ve encountered with creaking parts, and water pools pouring from the bottom bracket I kindly ask you to not do this. All though it’s faster, easier, and seems to clean hard caked on dirt, it’s not best for your bike.

What happens is the pressure pushes all the grease from where it should be, replaces it with water, causes rust and damage to your beloved bicycle. The best way to clean your bike is good old fashioned bucket and brushes. I use a sponge, and an old toothbrush (for hard caked on areas). It does take more work, but it leaves grease where it should be, also it allows you to get up close and personal with your bike to see new scratches, if there are cracks, and inspect the general condition of components.

The slow old fashion way is honestly the best way. Not even a garden hose attached to your house is safe, it too is pressure enough to push grease. Think if it can push hard dried mud around, it can push loose gooshy grease right out from where it should be.

Thanks for reading this tech tip. Remember to love your bike, go ride it hard, and treat it too a nice cleanse afterwards. If you do it will reward you for years of valliant service and a smile on your face.