How to Clean and Detail a Bicycle

This video will show you how to properly clean and detail a bicycle. This procedure, after you've done it a few times, will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish.

[@ADRNG]

0:27 what you'll need 1:47 mixing the soap water 2:08 the three areas of the bike you don't want to force water into 2:55 rinse off bike 3:24 remove gunk from rear derailleur jockey wheel 4:00 chain 4:37 chain rings 5:03 cassette 5:49 rinse drivetrain 6:39 wash tires/wheels/pedals 7:16 derailleurs 7:34 frame/saddle 8:12 hubs 8:23 rinse off entire bike 8:56 dry 10:20 lube chain 10:52 lube derailleurs 11:07 lube pedals 11:14 alcohol on braking surfaces 11:56 (if mountain bike) stanchion tube/suspension 12:41 alcohol on areas you might have missed/derailleur 12:56 alcohol on jockey wheel This video is really helpful, so I took the time to break it down for more convenient future reference.

[@alysononoahu8702]

Right

[@yasharhosseini8077]

Thanks bro

[@ekemon631]

Thanks, man.

[@ADRNG]

@@ekemon631, no problem, but the real hero is the guy that made this thorough video.

[@sting1111]

I use a leaf blower to dry off the bike.

[@muirgheasa73]

The dirt on my bike is a crucial part of my anti-theft strategy!

[@abu1950]

lol, why can't the bastards work and buy their own bike instead of stealing it

[@s-savage]

@@abu1950 you dont know the wisdom behind charity ?

[@lunamoonlight5102]

Nasir Abukar Yeah, that's might be something that only they know the reason to.

[@sortedtales]

Unfortunately it's often crackheads who steal bikes to sell for 50 bucks and want something inconspicuous so this could backfire.

[@Rj-yr1br]

@@abu1950 I no right 👍

[@video48BG]

If I ever cleaned my bike that well I would just want to mount it on my living room wall and admire it. Great video!

[@lokisfourth]

This was by far one of the best bike cleaning and detailing videos I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

I don't even wash my body this thoroughly.

[@ms.ladybug6186]

TheLAKERSareGodsTeam 😳😳😳🤦🏽‍♀️😂😂😂

[@hamzasalehabuimran5571]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@samajayi6488]

Lol

[@minibikekid1233]

Lol 😂

[@kevinpyne5808]

Great comment!

[@tobiassobottka7409]

I watched the whole session and i want to clean a bike now.

[@ferfernando593]

yeah me too LOL

[@VicenteAntPerez]

Tobias Sobottka u 9iiiiii

[@manuel_mx]

Yo también! hahaha

[@kevinswindle516]

Tobias Sobottka did you clean a dirty bike?

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

I have a dirty bike for you LOL

[@marset.designsplus3813]

Very good instructions 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Just bought a bike at 57 after my last ride at around 12 yrs old. And Yep‼️ Felt like it was yesterday. Except i have a 5 year old Specialized Hardrock and not a Raleigh... lol. Now i can properly clean my bike. ♥️👌🏽🇹🇹

[@notknot08]

I missed having a video like this 10 years ago. Better late than never. Thanks, Clint: the video was thorough and encouraging.

[@JunoMTB]

I'm new to mountain biking and your videos have helped answer many questions. Great videos! Thx

[@nedcramdon1306]

I watched the whole session then realized I don't have a friggin' bike.

[@knethsingha]

hahahahaha me too

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

You could use the same method to clean your dog, cat, and bird.

[@mikeanthony07]

Get One and get some exercise!!!

[@amoslim7262]

Same😂😂

[@Rj-yr1br]

O wow lol

[@waynepark8227]

I am fairly fussy about cleaning my bikes but I still picked up some good tips + products from you, Thanks

[@lisacashulette4177]

This is probably the best bike detailing video I've seen. Thank you!

[@Wxyzie]

Great video, thanks! I'm a bike-maintenance learner and my bike was so clogged up with crud I thought it needed serious help. I just cleaned it off and it's running so much better! Best quick and thorough video I could find, perfect for my needs.

[@Marilynschannel]

I just got a new bike- Liv rogue . I am glad this came up on My feed . Never knew you were suppose to do this

[@parshotamandsonsltd1636]

great video and thank you for articulating everything so clearly and not rushing through the description.

[@michaelh.7040]

Love this Video....but much more, LOVE your bike 😍 beautiful bikes !!!

[@michaelbaldwin7869]

Brilliantly detailed, a very thorough and logical process thanks for the excellent explanations! Cheers

[@BruceHartleys]

great video! I just gave my hybrid its first thorough cleaning. I take pretty decent care of my bike, but this took it to the next level. THANKS for sharing.

[@bugeyesprite119]

Love all your videos. Very informative and helpful. Thanks, Clint!

[@gskibum]

"If you're riding in dry conditions I would say between 20-25 hours of riding." Oops. I messed up that part royally. ;-) Your video has great timing for me. Yesterday I finally got my garage super organized and dialed in. You inspired me buy a bike work stand and some floor mats and start to regularly give the bikes some TLC.

[@Cousin.]

Oops?? Yeah, well, mine would be more like ("I would say between 200-250 hours..." or more = O LOL)

[@beenaffiliated1007]

watched this after cleaning my bike... And now i know my bike is still dirty...

[@ms.ladybug6186]

been affiliated 🤣🤣🤣

[@beenaffiliated1007]

@@ms.ladybug6186 🤣being honest

[@mulldezee4034]

🤣🤣

[@tuyomswakitanduay]

Same dude

[@kmody]

Same here

[@westinnewman3572]

Thanks for the post- super detailed information. You’ve got this down to an art. - Westin

[@dianedumas8924]

That’s the most profound cleaning of a bike, i’ve ever seen. You are my idol!

[@novadhd]

His derailleurs cost more than my bike. Good video.

[@robbydridesemtb4428]

Nice vid Clint. One of the few things I do differently is I use an old med bristle tooth brush on the derailleur pulleys.

[@miketomkins5171]

I really need to clean my bike and this has been really helpful and common sense and not aimed at buying the most expensive tool or piece of equipment that most cycling videos err towards. Thank you!

[@777tacoma]

Loved this video, thanks Clint for your clear description of every step... awesome job

[@jonathan___4684]

A few issues, you sprayed degreaser on you cogs and you could visibly see it contaminated your disk brake (you did clean the rotor with alcohol but some could have gone onto the pads themselves) and secondly after you lubed your chain, instead of using some of that lube or general purpose bicycle lube on the derailer and jockey you used gt85. You should also wipe any excess lube off your chain so it doesn't pick up unwanted muc. Other then that, great tutorial dude

[@axxxxman]

Great video only thing I do different is I clean/wash the Frame first, this way I am using the cleanest water/soap. it is more for my own piece of mind.

[@HawkGuy82]

Peace**?

[@karamarie6781]

Excellent information! Thank you! I just bought my first Surly and now I am not afraid to clean it!

[@yakmaharg]

Brilliant... best 'how to clean your bike' video out there. Really appreciate the time you took to put this out there.

[@kiacarter93]

Just washed my bike today and boy! Did it need it lol Loved how he kept mentioning “ with your clean, toilet bow brush” 😂😂

[@carlbrowitt6221]

Buy a toilet brush and a sink brush just for your bike

[@carlbrowitt6221]

Buy a toilet brush and a sink brush just for your bike

[@ms.ladybug6186]

kiacarter93 yes that was hilarious.. he’s like, don’t be nasty and go in get the one out your bathroom nasty ppl!... it’s sad he even has to tell some ppl this!!..🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🤣🤣🤣

[@allanmoral3867]

As I watch how you clean your bike, I can almost hear its continuous "ooohs" while you're hosing it down, soaping and brushing it up and it gave a long "aaahhh" when it came to the point of you giving it lots of lubing! Good job. Excellent video!

[@MegaLJ3]

Thanx a million. You've eased my mind about how to keep my bike clean.

[@Queko2cute]

Thank you for the most invaluable tutorial on how to detail my bicycle.

[@PrinceBarin77]

Really helpful, thanks. Those of us that clean bikes can learn a lot from those that detail cars. Per some comments here, I’d suggest also: - remove brake pads before cleaning to avoid contamination - use a quality car soap instead if dish-soap (since dish soap offer contains salt) - clean top down and consider two buckets to avoid wiping dirt and grease from one place to another - no metal tools (e.g. screwdrivers) - lots of brushes and cloths instead please :) - consider paint protection (wax, film etc)

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

"- remove brake pads before cleaning to avoid contamination" As long as you remember to replace them; otherwise you're screwed.

[@annoyingrequirement]

Thanks for this video, appreciate the details and the experience your shared, I will try similar steps the next time I wash! Ride ON!!

[@RandyDensmore]

This was such a good video about how to do a GOOD job cleaning a bike in a very reasonable amount of time. It shows there is no substitute for having the right stuff (chain cleaner saves a lot of time, and the NEW toilet brush is a brilliant idea I had not seen or thought of. Now it will be impossible for me to not go get one today.) I can definitely do a better, more thorough job now in slightly less time than I was taking before. Thank you, sir!

[@lunamoonlight5102]

I just got a bike a few days ago and was wondering how to clean it, so I searched up the word and found this. Thank you! I will use this when I clean my bike.

[@S1MPLECAVEMAN]

After watching the thorough job he did on his bike, I basically just spit on my bike in comparison.

[@alysononoahu8702]

I got wd40 and a rag

[@martinsutoob]

Ahhh.... So that's a NEW toilet brush is it. So that's where I've been going wrong.

[@endeshawtena5770]

Very detailed, clear language to understand, well organized, clear sound to hear, no background noise, fablious job. I'll detail my bike to run smooth and cleaned. Thanks and keep up sharing skills.

[@joshollar8242]

Great and helpful video. As a new to road riding guy, I have had so many questions answered through KZbin. Thanks for the help!

[@diccram]

I have found when I wash my car the best way to dry it is to use a leaf blower. Sounds crazy but it actually works.

[@sallyeannedalton4540]

I use that too. Peddle bike and motor bike

[@Bad888Max]

I don't have a bike but this was cool to watch

[@saadlaouaouda2071]

Bad Max thanks

[@veloce3368]

Great video Clint I do most of what you demonstrated on my mountain bike. Did not know about the headset water risk Thanks!

[@baldurk.1667]

Right what I was looking for. No high tech, just cleaning the bike. My favourite is definitely the toilet brush - wonderful idea! Thank you.

[@rudyhayashi7546]

your video is amazing, simple, and detail. thx for the informations

[@sergeikotsan1666]

good video! I recommend using rubber gloves to avoid chemicals on your hands.

[@LeandroLionMan]

Great video! Just got my first "nice" bike and will be taking great care of it! Thanks for your help!✌️

[@SantiagoTM1]

Thank you Mr. Gibbs. Today, I actually learned something. I was blown away with the rubbing alcohol. Now, gonna go outside & clean my Mountain Bike.

[@NewEnglandDirtRoadie]

if your frame has a glossy clear coat that is looking kind of dull, and no longer shiny, you can put a dab of tooth paste on a damp micro fiber cloth and polish the shine back

[@lovecats6856]

I have a HardRock Specialized from the 80's which has been hanging in my garage for 25 years. Guess I'd better clean it and go for a ride

[@adventurelandsphotography6074]

Love your honest and clear passion !

[@dezstepz2427]

Great video!!! Well presented and easy to follow instructions. Looking forward to cleaning my bike.

[@TheRavensOmen]

I tried doing this with a Walmart bike and now it needs rust remover.

[@lawrenceramos3399]

TheRavensOmen pp

[@lawrenceramos3399]

TheRavensOmen uipop

[@stefansavage9391]

Karma police have spoken again.

[@lunamoonlight5102]

Walmart: *very well then.*

[@Khyree_Holmes]

I have a Walmart Cruiser and I keep my Bike outside in the dirt (locked up) and its just now starting to surface rust (not bad for a $150 Bike) I put 100's of Miles on it so far with in the 1 year I had it, I ride her EVERYWERE! I Lube it and Wash it... not all the time.

[@superjhoncarl1561]

I watched the whole session, now i want to clean my bike like how he exactly clean his bike

[@randomguy31]

thank you! been looking all over for an instructional cleaning video that isn't trying to sell me over-priced "bike speciality" cleaning products.

[@AdKe1955]

Great to watch and very clear, well done Clint!

[@douglasrothbaler8072]

Great vid. I however use a leaf blower which delivers high volume at low pressures, vs. an air compressor which delivers low volume at high pressure. Keeps from driving any residual water, solvents and detergents into my critical bearing areas.

[@chuckielucky4547]

I watched the whole session and I want a bike now.

[@carlbrowitt6221]

My advice would be,,get one, I did,after many years of being unfit and unhealthy I spent the last of my money on a kona process 153, and now I'm getting fit again, ripping up the trails and smallish jumps,so, what you waiting for???

[@Aplexity]

Thank you! Finally a complete start to finish video :)

[@stephenspring4308]

Awesome video all those extras you never think about when your washing your bike. Thanks!!

[@fatehazim]

i wanna start a bicycle detailing business now

[@alysononoahu8702]

Great idea

[@jorgeduarte882]

Lol

[@MelbourneFisho]

One thing I think deserves a mention is that I think its a good idea to cover your rotors and calipers when decreasing the drivetrain. You don't want any degreaser getting onto your pads especially

[@Jasonr606]

www.eatmydirt.eu

[@leeschmitz993]

You mean "biogradeable degreaser"?

[@zigbug1314]

@@leeschmitz993 it makes no difference how environmentally friendly the degreaser is 😂

[@malatheefabdul5913]

You have made it so simple to follow and execute. A big thank you.

[@malatheefabdul5913]

A warm thank you to whom so ever liked my comment, but would feel glad if you identify yourself. Regards Latheef, Latheefs gym, Secunderabad, India.

[@johnr909]

Your vids on bike cleaning were my first mtb vids. Took me into the worlds of Seth’s bike hacks, Nate Hills, GMBN, etc. Still a sub and no looking back now.

[@joeyallen]

Because this is the internet, it seems there is no correct way to clean a bike. So here's a generic comment that people can mentally fill in as they read it: You should never use *{product}* to clean a *{part}* , you should really use *{product}* for that. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw you use *{cleaning tool and/or product}* on your *{part}* ! The correct way to do that is to use *{basically same cleaning tool and/or product that costs 2-3x as much}* to clean the *{part}* by *{random technique}* .

[@MelbourneFisho]

Joseph Allen nailed it 😂

[@seattlegrrlie]

Exactly. I'm completely mortified by the use of a hose. Yet, I think i'm realizing there are other methods of bike cleaning. Apparently, there is a weird set of people who use water.

[@Snowboard4466]

If you get caught in rain the bike gets wet .. Water does not hurt a bike. Unless you only ride around in the house. Then you should not use water.@@seattlegrrlie

[@seattlegrrlie]

First off a light rain is not a hose pushing water pressure into places water doesn't belong. Second, I don't make a habit of riding in a downpour. Third, water does hurt your bike. Wipe your bike off. You do not need water to get it clean

[@Ronno4691]

Genius! Kudos, etc.

[@timmcdroid8069]

Meguiars high gloss car wax and tire shine MTB looks better than new although tire shine caused my rear tyre to slide 2 inches when I braked hard heh although straighten out tubeles install.. Tim McDroid

[@WayneWBishop]

Tim McDroid Wow, fantastic tip!

[@keithreilly9777]

Meguires gold class car wax and polish brings my bike out nicely. Works on the car too 😁

[@trienta5259]

Thank you so much for the tips how to clean the bike. It is a great help!

[@mrseaturtle8915]

Thank you for this! Nice demo

[@Jaso0n1986]

A leaf blower works best for drying!

[@ghpatriot]

Yep, it's all I use.

[@Y0UM4DBR0]

THIS IS TRUE. i've done it and its awesome.

[@catg9196]

Jason Burkey hey I never thought of that! And I just washed my bike today! Dam

[@suppycat]

its not better than sun light ☀

[@davejamieson426]

I just did this today and thought I was a genius for inventing it lol

[@jimmythefish]

Wouldn't the air compressor jet force water the same as spraying water? I'd be tempted to not use high pressure anything, air or water. But, maybe it's not enough to worry about. Personally I like to take my wheels off when cleaning, it makes access to the inner frame easier and I can stay away from getting degreaser on my brake pads. I've been thinking of getting a chain keeper/dummy hub for the rear to hold the chain in place while I do this.

[@chrlmn7372]

Big THANK to you Clint for this again an excellent instructional video! Your bike is shiny clean and perfect for your next ride! I like your CX bike it has all the nice details I think is needed for a great ride! Wishing you happy ride and much joy with your CX! (I have found Giant bikes to be really valuable for the money paid! Now owning two Giant! Thank you Clint you made me convinced! Best Regards from Sweden and me Charl to you sir!

[@TroppoAlto]

Very informative, straight forward, and enjoyable to watch. I'm going to try out your process. Thank you.

[@richwebcontent2671]

After watching the video, I discovered that owning a bike can be more expensive than a car.

[@johnh8705]

If you're spending $3k plus on a bike, I'm certain you want to take care of it. I spent $600 on a bike and the salesman told me it was "entry-level." When I see a cheap bike next to an expensive one, I can't tell the difference. It's not like seeing a Rolls-Royce next to a Chevy.

[@BuscandoSanaDoctrina]

Brake cleaner

[@jpkominski]

Just bought a beaten up Trek off someone, and now I want to clean the heck out of it. Great vid! Streamlined and no nonsense!

[@user-bv3lr3en2q]

second time i'm watching this clint, and again, 14 minutes flew by 😊

[@janetsers4895]

if you clean my bike, I'll give you anything you want. See you at the bike shop

[@springstern]

We don't have Simple Green available in Ukraine, so I used WD-40, but it is a bit expensive. I bought a kerosene in DIY store and will try to degrease the chain with it. Any suggestions what else I could use?

[@ClintGibbs]

Kerosene is definitely a good degreaser for a chain and drivetrain. And it has some lubrication components to it so it doesn't dry out your chain. Use regular dish soap on the bike, diluted in water of course. I don't like WD-40 for a lubricant. Try this find something like Tri-flow or a bike specific chain lube.

[@springstern]

Clint Gibbs, I tried kerosene today on a very gunky drive train and it did the magic. The drive train got very clean. I also used dishwashing soap to finish the job and relubed the chain with bike chain lube. When I took the bike back inside, my wife complained that it stinks with kerosene, so I had to move it to the balcony. Thanks for your video, actually I think I discovered your channel through it.

[@TheGazza636]

petrol

[@springstern]

I also tried mineral spirit and it did fairly good job, however after I switched to shimano wet lube and finish line Teflon dry, I have noticed that I don't get a sticky gunk on my chain, so dishwashing soap should do the job. My conclusion, if your chain gets too dirty and you can't wash it off with dish soap, maybe get a better lube.

[@oysterbread3367]

kerosene is the best, and wont expand o-rings

[@TrailFeatures]

Great video, Clint! Bike looks great!

[@mikecruise9310]

Very nice job this is the first time for me I seen stuff like this I will clean all my bikes thanks

[@oansiddiqui175]

I dont even clean myself that much

[@iskiiwizz536]

😂

[@reeform2125]

13:09 - Everytime!!

[@Axelonius]

So thorough! The rotor cleaning was news to me. Cheers!

[@josefinigo7100]

Excellent video, instructions, precautions & pronunciation.

[@vn3801]

use car shampoo over dish washing liquid

[@RyanAir-we1gc]

Cameron Parrett That’s what i do

[@ScoutJoe]

just make sure it doesn't have wax

[@DerFilmgucker]

Also car wax or detailer. Huge difference.

[@FlowFinderUSA]

don't get the lube on your brakes! i've already contaminated mine and had to replace.

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

Good to know.

[@lunamoonlight5102]

Yeah, I've heard this from several websites and im starting to think that this is the right thing to do. If there is extra lube then we need to get it off so it won't get all over the brake and stuff.

[@NatalieYOT]

Make sure it's a "brand new toilet bowl brush" in case it was not clear enough haha, thanks Clint Gibbs, nice video!

[@romyhistorillo9757]

I guess my 2-year-old bike would be screaming for a bath. Hahaha Since I bought my bike, it didn't have a cleaning, specifically in the part where the cassette cogs and chain located. hahaha I am planning to buy cleaning stuff and lubricant for the chain for it to experience cleanliness. hahaha Thanks for the valuable content Clint. :)

[@richardmourdock2719]

I'm betting this guys spice shelf is organized alphabetically and by color...….

[@rolandojrocumen7609]

14:15 tissue fibers went thru the jockey wheels...

[@ladomag]

Pure love for your bike, well done!!

[@SandraAnnEvans]

AWESOME VIDEO! IN SNYC WITH YOUR ACTIONS, TOTALLY CLEAR DIRECTIONS AND NO UNNECESSARY GABBING . . . THANK YOU!

[@TheCrashingDad]

Hey Clint... most of your videos are pretty long... what is your "average view duration" ? and how do you retain a viewer for longer than 3 minutes?.... looking at my analytics, I'm thinking I need to keep every video at 3 minutes.. :(

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Since I watch most of his videos all the way through, my best suggestion would be to aggressively edit out all the dead spots, and any time you repeat yourself. Clint is really good at that. This 14 minute video was probably 20 minutes without fine editing, and been harder to watch for sure.

[@bjsorensen]

That's why I watch most videos at 2x playback speed. Too many channels, like articles, spend a lot of time with superfluous or unnecessary content before getting to the meat of the topic.

[@tanmay5855]

Who all heard GTA 5

[@dannitron1934]

Me lol but i really think he was talking about the bike lmao!😂😂😂

[@jasbo7288]

Really found cleaning bikes a real pain but now me and my son have really nice mountain bikes we now enjoy doing bike cleaning detail..great video nice one!!!

[@jamespopp6324]

great video. So thorough and detailed. thank you

[@martyweeks7594]

Safety note: wear safety glasses when blowing off chain, cassette, etc! Great video otherwise!