TLC that Bicycles Deserve
November 05, 2021

A general question asked regularly is, how often should you give your bicycles a good scrubbing? Regular maintenance may mean monthly for road bikes, every 20 rides for mountain and cross bikes, or really, depending on the usage. The more you go on muddy and dusty roads, the more frequently you should clean your bikes as the parts will begin to deteriorate when exposed to these conditions.
Most specks of dirt come off by carefully wiping using a damp or dry rag. Other parts, however, require scrubbing and brushing. Also, be careful when washing with water. Using a high-pressure hose can damage other sensitive components of the bike.
Aside from the thorough cleaning, give your bikes proper lubrication. The moving parts of the bikes may wear out quickly due to friction, so lubricating them well is crucial for good performance. Additionally, it prevents rust and corrosion from building up and freezing up. However, as a general rule, wipe off excess lube. Over-lubricating may damage the components of the bike as it attracts dirt and abrasive particles.
