I've been putting off a thorough bike wash and chain clean. They are tasks I've never done nor even thought about in all my life but as I'm more invested and interested in cycling now, I've learned they are simple to do and very important. While a quick wipe-down of the bike after a ride is often all that's really necessary, it's a great idea to do a proper wash every few weeks (or more if riding in wet or muddy conditions). A chain wash can usually be done a couple times a season under normal riding situations or whenever there is a build-up of dirt, grit, and lube.
It really is very helpful to have a repair stand or some way of lifting the bike. At first we bought an inexpensive work stand which just gets that back wheel off the ground by suspending the frame. It works perfectly well for washing the bike but of course, doesn't lift up the front wheel and doing any repair work requires getting down to the bike's level.
We then decided to invest in a modest, basic Park Tool stand for home use and it is so nice to have! It keeps the bike at arm/waist level, rotates and pivots to allow access to any part of the bike you are working on, and is stable and secure. It makes washing and maintaining the bike so easy and comfortable. It does fold down for storage but we'll leave it upright and fully assembled until the winter. It is not recommended to turn the bike over on the saddle and handlebars since it can put stress on the shifters and could allow soap, degreaser, and/or water to get into the areas with bearings.
I followed the process from both the GCN video and the Park Tool video below. They are basically demonstrating the same steps but I got tips from each of them and I always think it's a good idea to learn from multiple sources. Degreaser, hot soapy water, and some sponges and brushes make the job pretty easy. I did use a chain cleaning tool and while it's a bit messy, wow - does it ever do a great job! My chain was absolutely sparkling when I was finished and it just seems like it will function better after a good scrubbing and degreasing. No more 'chain tattoos' on the lower leg!
Cleaning my bike was actually an enjoyable experience on a sunny Sunday afternoon and I'm sure I will be much faster next time. I know it isn't rocket science but there were definitely some dos and don'ts to adhere to in order to do it properly. The use of (natural, environmentally safe) degreaser and some good brushes make easier work of it and the chain tool and repair stand are worthwhile investments if you ride often, have several bikes in the garage for the family, or want to make bike maintenance easier and more comfortable.
Check out these videos for detailed steps and some great tips...
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