How To Clean Your Bike | GCN Tech's Perfect Bike Wash

A clean bike is a fast bike. This is a well known fact, and washing your bike is the perfect opportunity to check it over for any mechanical problems, carry out some essential maintenance and make your road bike look like new.
Subscribe: gcntech.co/subs...
The GCN Shop: gcntech.co/eR
GCN Tech Uploader: gcntech.co/upload
If you've got any tips for getting a sparkly clean bike, share them in the comments below 👇
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link - gcntech.co/eQ
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹Bike Frame Polishing | gcntech.co/pol...
Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
All but Me (Instrumental Version) - OTE
Painting (Instrumental Version) - Velee
You And Me Now (Instrumental Version) - Velee
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech goes deeper into the bikes, kit and technology stories that matter.
GCN Tech is utterly obsessed with seeking out and showcasing the best in bikes, tech, products and upgrades. Everywhere. Every week. From news and rumours, first ride exclusives, how-tos, the weekly GCN Tech Show, pro bikes, set-up tips and more, we geek out over the tiny details that can make the big differences to you.
With years of racing and industry expertise, we also bring you instructive maintenance videos to hone your mechanical skills, as well as behind the scenes factory tours and in-depth analysis of kit chosen by the pro peloton to keep your finger on the pulse of cycling’s latest technological innovations.
Engage with us every week on the channel and across social media - we’re here to answer every question you’ve got on cycling tech.
Suscribirse a GCN en Español: gcn.eu/Suscribirse
Facebook - gcntech.co/gcnt...
Instagram - gcntech.co/gcnt...
Twitter - gcntech.co/gcnt...

[@julesgdb]

Hi Jon, just a little hack to get your wheel of more easily. Change the rear gear to the smallest sprocket and in the front also change to the small chainring. This gives you the most chain length so you’ll get the wheel out without any problems. Furthermore when you put the wheel back in just put the chain on the smallest sprocket and you’re in the right gear so the chain doesn’t skip unnecessary over several sprockets. It really works just try it! Cheers 🤓

[@stuartdryer1352]

For some reason I just watched the 57th GCN how to clean your bike video. Interestingly each one uses slightly different stuff.

[@BorisJohnsonMayor]

How many bike wash videos are you going to make haha. I'll still watch them all either way...

[@michaellee1663]

How would Teresa May go about cleaning a bike Boris? 🤔

[@simonguard5087]

If you keep watching GCN no wonder Brexit still isn't anywhere near sorted.

[@BorisJohnsonMayor]

@@simonguard5087 It's not my responsibility for sorting out Brexit. That's down to the old hag called Theresa...

[@treyquattro]

"Fuck bike washing!" - Boris Johnson

[@steve.b.23]

@@treyquattro Makes a change from him fucking someone else's missus.

[@mikeeccles5264]

I really like the emphasis on using a biodegradable degreaser neatly contrasting with 20 for £1 disposable single use wash-up scrubbing sponges. Just thought I would mention it.

[@Ttangko_]

Saving earth with useless cleaning products! Use Warm water the end

[@flor.e.cultura]

Suggestion: Why dont you guys make a video about bike wash??

[@Aditya-fv9xv]

This is BY FAR, the most relaxing video that i can find on the internet. Nothing quite like cleaning your bike after a Sunday ride with a mug full of coffee to sip away at. Besides, nobody does it better than Jon

[@JonCannings]

Fanx

[@davej3736]

YUP!....a nice mug of beer...er coffee...nah...ice...cold...beer with condensation running down the sides :-)

[@rthavi4166]

This is the best channel on KZbin. I just watched someone clean a bike and was like 'Huh yeah I should do that' the whole time.

[@RomansFiveDotEight]

If you use wax on your paint, definitely use the car wash soap! Dish soap will strip wax off of the bike. Another huge reason to use car wash soap is that it contains lubricants which will help prevent any dirt or grime grinding across your paint wearing it down.

[@smithysmith7042]

As for drying, I use the same method that I use on the motorbike. Leaf blower. 30 seconds and jobs done

[@denisdrc5836]

Jon, you will not be disappointed.. my bike is shiny clean after the winter... thanks to a winter bike

[@JonCannings]

Good man

[@JamieRossUK]

A great alternative to a hosepipe is a hand pumped pressure washer, I picked up a cheap 5 litre one for about 15 quid and it’s great for getting into all the little crevices

[@furyl1_neverz91]

It's just so satisfying to watch a bike wash video

[@jerrygundecker743]

So many things I can do toward bike maintenance now, that I would not have touched before I started watching all of you. These videos make life a lot easier. Thank you for the work you folks put into these episodes. It's appreciated.

[@solarisfire]

"Budget Conscious" - Cleans Dura-Ace components.... 😂😂😂

[@luckyluca1979]

yeah with super cheap pedals haha

[@CarlForde]

and the "budget" Park Tool stand

[@simedinson984]

Yea the stand is sort of my problem when cleaning cant really remove my wheels

[@jonnythelegs2597]

Budget conscious Di2! Just imagine how much he's saved on gear cables over the last year or so, it's the groupset that just keeps giving.

[@TheMonstermandude]

I really enjoy how this video doesn’t use branded bike cleaning supplies and is all stuff you can get from a DIY or auto store. Great knowing we can get a sparkling clean with commonplace items.

[@Edwin-fw4rh]

i have seen this kind of video in gcn channel a lot,but i keep.up watching it again and again

[@ZOB4]

If you don't have a hose, a garden sprayer which you can pump up to pressurize is much nicer than trying to use a watering can.

[@llandor]

A tip if you don't have a hose: Buy a cheap pressure sprayer (normally sold at garden stores for spraying pesticides and whatnot) and fill it with warm(ish) water and soap, it works brilliantly

[@Plekteret04]

The only video I've see about propper bike wash. The result will bee as a new bike. Really great! Few will take the bike apart to get it so clean as this.

[@jelleyoni]

Good to know I’am not the only one who gets quite excited when washing his bike. Thanks for the clean spirit tip, still a bit sceptic to damage my paintwork. #lifeasabikegeek #gcntech

[@grahamaustin9085]

I love bike cleaning videos - they start with a clean bike and then clean it some more.

[@1975DAW]

Great item to have in our weekender horse trailer!

[@lewiiis]

Can you guys do a do a similar video for people who are living the "flat/apartment life"? i.e. no outdoor space, and tips for cleaning bike indoors in the shower/bath?!

[@lewiiis]

Also, best way to get rid of the aftermath before your mrs gets home...

[@babygerald4645]

I throw an old towel or two down under the bike when cleaning in my apartment. I use wax on my chain so I don't use degreaser, just soapy water and then re-wax it after I'm done. Also heard of folks who take their bike into the bathtub-- not my cup of tea, but definitely an option.

[@TJ-iq8nw]

just go to a car wash or anywhere you can find a water hose. Trust me, you'll spend just as much time cleaning your bathroom (if not more) as you'll spend cleaning your bike...

[@lewiiis]

@@babygerald4645 Never thought of using wax for the chain, that would certainly be a load cleaner - how often do you have to reapply it?

[@babygerald4645]

@lewiiis The old-fashioned way to wax a chain is explained in a GCN video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6etaJR3irx1sJo I am lazy, though, and use a product called White Lighning Clean Ride which is a wax-based drip lube. Instead of having to drop the chain in hot wax and then remove it, it applies from a dropper bottle. Like any wax, though, you want your chain and drivetrain to be super clean before use. After applying, I re-lube every ride or two, depending on mileage. Check their site for more info: www.whitelightningco.com/

[@jacktolbert6323]

Bought my first disc brake bike not long ago. Would love to see an addendum to this for cleaning the fiddly bits on those.

[@MK2108]

I'm exited to experience what has changed in bike washing, compared to the other 10 Videos over the last 4 years, GCN made.

[@kevin2671]

Another option if you don't have a hose is just using your water bottle. Camelbak bottles spray pretty good. Need another bucket or jug of water on hand to refill. Works for me.

[@Bitmongol]

It amazes me that no bike cleaning video mentions a pressure garden spray. I live in an apartment building and it's my only option. It's ideal if you can't run hose and they are dirt cheap :-D

[@45Camster]

Good video Jon, though I was a bit worried when you mentioned the scourer sponge!!! In the car world the reason you shouldn't use dishwashing soap is because it's a degreaser and will strip any protective wax from your paint leaving it unprotected. If your bike frame doesn't have a similar paint protection on it then you could use dishwashing soap and that would also help to remove any greasy residue on the frame. Personally, afterwards, I would treat the bike frame like a car's paint finish and put a very quick/thin layer of wax on it as it will protect the finish and prevent any dirt sticking to it. Dirt will rinse off easier next time, and if using a wax then I agree that using car shampoo is a good idea.

[@harrylook7810]

there's a key difference b/w dedicated car wash and dish soap: the former won't strip wax, while the latter will. sometimes you want one; sometimes the other.

[@XxXnonameAsDXxX]

Its interesting the most bike cleaning videos don't really give a damn about the type of the soap/wax/finish

[@danmiller583]

The best thing about that dummy hub is that you can still change gear meaning you can brush in and around your rear derailleur even better. Nothing beats Muc off miracle shine to give the frame that “like new” look

[@doctorpc1531]

AAAHAHAHA, came back to the channel after a winter's break and within 15s I am reminded of the ever-so-GCN "Let's face it"

[@willek1335]

I just finished washing my chain and cassette for the first time ever. FeelsGoodMan. :D

[@exotic80]

5:55 when for dirty water you can also just use the 2 bucket method, 1 bucket of soapy and 1 bucket that you use to clean off the sponge, so that the soapy doesn't get too dirty

[@Daluke61]

Can't believe I watched the whole thing. Not disappointed.. thumbs up.

[@th_js]

I definitely know how to wash my bikes, but I still watch these, great video Jon!

[@th_js]

@Rostok Rangers Airsoft Haha, is that bad? :O

[@jpoodle]

I use degreaser, old toothbrush, hose with adjustable pressure, and paper towels. Bike looks like new too! nice video. I'm gonna start doing the lube in the cables from now on!

[@sund0se]

Proud of using environmental friendly clean spirit but get rid of the little sponge after every wash - nice logic :D Still cool video!

[@jroobz]

Nice tag heuer f1! Ideal beater watch for this job

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

I LOVE Bike Wash videos. I feel so Clean and Fresh after watching them. Keep em' coming!!!

[@beatsandboots]

I love his cleaning/maintenance/repeair expertise!

[@gcntech]

Cheers Ivan!

[@costasmandylor1565]

I liked this vid. Glad it's wasn't one of those bullsh*t videos that say you can wash your bike in 5 minutes. I've been riding for 19 years, I've never washed my bike in 5 minutes!

[@MrShamed69]

It takes me about 10 minutes just to get the Nike stand and cleaning stuff out the shed before vice even started cleaning!

[@Juan0003]

A dummy hub... quite fitting for Dan's favourite gadget!

[@oposssss1]

Love the watering can as a alternative of hose

[@dean3845]

Amen, finally someone agrees on car wash!! Dish soap strips the paint and all dull.. doesn't clean that much better, I keep it off my paint

[@thebluejersey4030]

Good tip about the rear dummy hub, nice work!

[@pabloscope]

Thanks Jon. Winter is coming soon to the southern hemisphere, but my chain needed it.

[@TheGinGuy]

For those who live in an apartment like myself: using a piece of plastic/linoleum to protect the floor, a regular spray bottle, and wet wipes will do as good of a job as in the video. It does take a bit more time though.

[@dfermette]

Never forget that Shimano's official recommendation for cleaning your chain is warm water and dishwashing soap.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

it works. dry it and lube afterwards- if you think that that is wrong then dont ride in the rain, snow, slush or drip sweat on it. a bike is made for one thing: hammering.

[@compassionsix]

I judge others cleaning abilities solely on the rear cassette. Sparkling clean cassette and you know the rest is clean!

[@9034833838]

eh man some of us are new to the game and not really familiar with how to open the rear casette and wash it clean. Cut us some lack we try our best.

[@compassionsix]

Now is the time to embrace it!

[@davestambaugh7282]

I had such a hard time getting the dirt off of my new carbon fiber bike. The key to the whole thing is that weather the substrate is fiber glass or carbon the top surface is polyester jell coat. I got some of the stuff for boats at the auto pares store. It is amazing how good it works. Just wipe it on and wipe it off. It takes off the grease and everything including dried up dead bugs, you name it.And it leaves some wax behind.

[@patrickhickey5453]

Little hack instead of a hose pipe is using a large bidon. Granted it takes a couple refills but you can control the force and does the job well for me.

[@lionelphua7818]

This might only work on a bike with a gloss finish, but A light coat of GT85 (or similar Teflon-containing spray) on the frame makes road grime a little easier to wash away after a wet ride.

[@wizardzx2]

Got to be careful not to get it on the brakes or the times though

[@marthaymydear]

Indeed already many GCN bike wash videos, but really enjoyed this one! Great tips that I haven't seen before!

[@romaricjacquot7287]

Lili

[@jamieshardlow1486]

A clean bike is a fast bike. So taking notes for my first sportive of the year in a few weeks...

[@reginaldscot165]

Also I find taking your watch off helps, I have scratches on old frames because of that.

[@neil7769]

I have scratches on old watches because of that.. ;-)

[@nwae8812]

New to your channel, wish I had discovered it earlier, about 20 years earlier! A great channel. All the best from NZ😷

[@seadbiberovic9591]

This is the best video with tips for cleaning road bike. Thak you so much

[@martindaly8683]

Love your vid. You make washing look so much fun.

[@danielb7719]

Portable garden pressure spray will work much better than a watering can :) (they're super cheap too) for those who do not have access to a hose

[@saheebyusuf939]

I don't even have a bike but I still watch these videos 😂😂😂

[@stirfry3069]

Saheeb Yusuf you should get a bike

[@Tvv1SteR]

@@stirfry3069 Yup.

[@stirfry3069]

TwiSteR I should ride my bike more

[@superstrada6847]

Hmm, I like the way the pros do it. Hey remember when Dan tried to clean the Sky bikes? 😀🙃😃🙂😀

[@ChuiStrong]

Not a big fan for lubing cables. It'll just be a dirt magnet. Best way to go about it is to clean and dry them. Cable housing is lined with PTFE, lubing them will attract dirt and grit which defeats the purpose of actually lubing them.

[@TheRainmanBachelor]

The car stuff has; lubricity, polymers to coat the finish, and wax if you select the combination product.

[@rogerhampton2844]

The stand makes things SO much easier and WD40 is fine if you soap and rinse off properly.

[@darit86]

Jon's word of the year: elbow grease!

[@vincentmiano342]

Actually sir dish soaps are better on cleaning grimes, dirt and oils. the difference is car wash soaps are gentle to the car paint and doesn't strip paint protection.

[@johnc1913]

That is the coolest watering can I have ever seen

[@davej3736]

I have to clean my bicycles and motorcycles, so always looking for tips...so in return I have a tip for you :-) I do not have any affiliation with any company, so I'm not paid to say this lol. Use Dawn Ultra Powerwash spray dish soap...cleans easy-peasy...EVERYthing...including chains, cogs/cassettes/grime and dirt (and baby ducklings covered in oil) so very fast and easy. IT even cleans the chain grease off the brushes lol. Just start from the top down. Spray wipe/scrub rinse...oh ya..dishes too ;-)

[@josephstageberg]

Anyone else get the hunch that Jon has really wicked dance skills (beginning at 9.47)?

[@gcntech]

I used to teach people how to Moonwalk and Foxtrot

[@josephstageberg]

GCN Tech I can see the Foxtrot here for sure! Upcoming feature, you teaching the riders OR presenters how to moonwalk!

[@chrishodgson1968]

Can you please let me know what bike stand you’re using? Good video 👍

[@lesmerritt7976]

Looks like a Parktool PRS 22 to me

[@gcntech]

Hi Chris, it's this one www.parktool.com/product/team-issue-repair-stand-prs-22-2?category=Portable thanks, Jon

[@jonnythelegs2597]

It's worth popping the rubber sheath under the bb out if you've got di2 to let moisture in the frame to come out easier. I do have a top tip for hardcore di2 users in the UK or other wet countries and it involves a candle. Once the battery is connected coat the connection in wax Sharon Stone style and any water that migrates into the frame past the seatpost won't make it to let alone corrode or damage the battery 👌 if you're experiencing weirdly short battery life or it takes forever to charge, this connection is invariably the root cause as once corroded and damp the metal connecter arcs and eats away at the power. Moisture can then subsequently work it's way into the casing and damage the cells via this junction - waxing will prevent this if you give it a jolly good ol coating. 😉

[@kf168]

yes please

[@mjsylver]

Just cleaned the Caad 12. I’m going to use the upside down tip.

[@johnriggs5897]

With a high-end car wash soap that had a wax in it, the disc brakes accumulated a coating that promoted slight squealing.

[@user-tj8xp3jl5v]

Brake cable oil? Wow good tip

[@freewheels7544]

I miss this kind of videos

[@lux-3001]

9:48 when Jon knows that using the term "water displacement fluid" instead of WD40 will not trigger the outrage of keyboard warriors. Well played :)

[@FickDochDich]

MORE BIKEWASH VIDEOS!!!

[@iCravethis]

Just in time I was just about to get up and do a bike wash

[@mirellaternavasio6774]

Bello sfondo per video e spiegazione, ben fatto, per me e molto simpatico; solo un tavolino e metti sopra un fiore di vaso; è di bella cornice e sempre colore ben accostato

[@miguelsaez340]

Neil is going to be so angry when he finds out where his water bottle ended up... 🤭

[@dominikschiller4715]

Cleaning bike with tag heuer on :D

[@francis9687]

Sponges are not advised to be used to wash cars. You need to use a microfiber wash mitt. The same goes for your bike paint. If any debris gets stuck in that sponge, it doesn't disappear into the sponge but just gets stuck on the outer layer where it then scratches your paintwork.

[@BikeTall]

Scratching the paint? I have long since stopped worrying about scratching the paint on my bike when i wash it. I live in NYC & have been using my hybrid as my daily commuter to work for the last 6 years. Runs like a charm still, but the paint looks like it’s seen better days. 😉

[@markj.a351]

Please consider biodegradable sponges if you intend to use them once and then dispose of them. Clean bike and clean planet.

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

Great wind testing video. I can’t believe you didn’t test the cycling cap, flap up or down 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@treyquattro]

what's the GCN Tech take on waxing your carbon bike? I was told that waxing with car polish every few months is a good idea. Haven't done it yet, but wipe it down after every ride.

[@durgimstingetium]

Hi john, I got some queries Question: 1. Do you usually wear ur rolex watch while cleaning the bike? 2. Is there no treatment for the cockpit area? 3. How long do you wait for lubricate the chain, after using the water displacement? 4. How often should you clean the bike, if it's used for commuting 40 KM (roundtrip)? Thanks in advance #gcntech

[@JonCannings]

1. Its a Tag, not a Rolex.

[@jimrichards7014]

Jon Cannings i was wondering if it was a Chris Ward.

[@derekdudek925]

@GCN Tech We need some guest videos by Jon Cannings at some point, feel like he caters to a slightly more mature / experienced audience (which I appreciate)

[@HoYoonTV]

I need bike repair stand and that yard.

[@Calum_S]

How long 'til Jon mentions elbow grease?

[@Lyndon1015]

5:30 apparently

[@DaanHoogland]

new series of capron, Jon? I never saw this grey band on the right side.

[@simoncook1778]

I use Palmolive peach for the smell Apple is also a good smell gotta scrub a bit harder but peachy flavoured bike give myself a thumbs up

[@newttella1043]

Mmm, bears like the fruity smells too.

[@meneldil7604]

@@newttella1043 lol

[@simoncook1778]

Someone dropped a jar of that on the bike path hahah💩💩💩

[@alexichom]

How do you clean the things you use to clean.. ie. the brushes and rags and buckets?

[@1MADS1]

U can get rid of oil on the hand if u use cooking oil first and then soap and rinse in water and the miracle ocure

[@royfr8136]

Arent there two videos already on GCN about washing your bike? There are...but hey...lets make another one which was never necessary in the first place. You guys have been running out of ideas for a while now....i would never have thought about using a substitute for a 'hose pipe' woaow!! The suggestion of using a 'watering can'....how about a jug? Or a bucket? Or a large cup????

[@theodoros1126]

Have you noticed that over cleaning your bike with water may cause issues ? Ie a dear friend running a Cannondale super six washes his bike twice a week and as a result in 3-4 months he manged to destroy his wheel bearings and his bottom bracket as well . This was not caused by rain water . It was caused by him '' over washing '' his bike

[@hackerhacker3667]

Wait really? So what's the recommendation amount of wash? Once per month? Or even twice per year?

[@theodoros1126]

@@hackerhacker3667 personaly I stopped washing the bike with water . I use a combo of wet and dry cloths and lot of labour lol . And I just bought a cheap but reliable '' winter bike '' which I will use for the rainy days and my indoor trainer

[@hackerhacker3667]

@@theodoros1126 for a comment that stands for over 1 month, you actually do reply after a long time. Thanks for the tip👍👍👍👍👍 Buat yeah, how often do you wash your bike?

[@theodoros1126]

@@hackerhacker3667 sorry it just came up on my pc . I never saw your comment . mate I never wash my bike . I love it too much to risk my bearings .

[@hackerhacker3667]

@@theodoros1126 Ok no problems 🥰

[@myklonsip]

Maybe show this one to Si. Seriously the difference in car shampoo to dish soap is PH level. Car shampoo is neutral to not wash off car wax. Dish soap is actually a degreaser. So unless you wax your bike not an issue. What about a video on protecting your frame. Like using ceramic coatings, wax, pledge, or other techniques to shed dirt.

[@sergiostacos2377]

Have a BMC Granfondo GF01, with Campagnolo Athena 11 Electronic Power Shift. Any special instructions you can recommend on how to wash this particular bicycle. Thanks