How to Wash a Bike Properly: Tips From a Pro Bike Mechanic

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Presented by Jim from Jim The Bike Guy, a professional Cytech level 3 qualified bike mechanic specialising in servicing, upgrading and repairing all types of bikes from his bespoke workshop in West Berkshire. He specialises in high-end road, cyclocross and gravel bikes as well as cross-country race bikes. In his spare time he enjoys riding and racing all types of bikes to an enthusiastic standard.
Jim The Bike Guy
www.jimthebikeguy.com
/ jimthebikeguy
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Twitter: / davearthur
Facebook: / justridebikesvideo

[@davidarthur]

Make sure to use this code JUSTRIDEBIKES20 for 20% off Muc-Off products at muc-off now (if it wasn't working for US viewers before it should be now)

[@Nicefro1976]

Just tried this - 8/8/22- and it didn't recognise it. Great video though.

[@Hook-N-Ladder]

I have to admit I laughed at the seamless transition between, "read the instructions on the back in terms of how much you should be using", and the random pour of concentrated cleaner and "that's good for me".

[@aaron3687]

😂😂😂 fucking hilarious hahaaa

[@talonlan]

This video wasn't just sponsored by Muc-off they made the whole thing for you.

[@andyedwards7800]

I love these videos "let me show you how to take a clean bike and turn it into a clean bike" 😄😄😄😄😄

[@huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn]

especially the "I like to clean the casette later" and then he doesnt show any casette cleaning, like bro that's the most intimidating part, I specifically came for that Not to hate on the video though I think it was great and informative but it lacked that exact bit of information i was looking for

[@IanB17]

I’d like to see an in depth video as to how Jim cleans the drivetrain.

[@IanB17]

This bloke is a proper legend. The series of videos featuring Jim has been top class with some great tips in. I could watch him all day.

[@richiejames928]

Clean your drive train first.. that way you really lessen the chance of spreading grit and oil from it anywhere else with your wonder brush 👍🏻

[@paulb9769]

Hot wax your chain and you do not need too😉

[@Janchek1992]

Exactly that video is missing cleaning the chain

[@B_COOPER]

@@Janchek1992well that should be common sense. You think? Lol

[@Janchek1992]

@@B_COOPER if you have never done it before, then you think it's also common sense? You think? Mind your own business fella and stop commenting if you don't have anyone to talk to.

[@seniorAlfredo]

People using wax wont have that problem

[@nononsense2688]

Always do drivetrains first. And I bought the park tool dummy hub and install it every time i clean my bike. Makes it so much easier (only if you have a bikestand). More thorough chain cleaning and easier to get to all corners. Plus i like cleaning the wheel and drying it separately.

[@jlhita]

This! I allways clean drivetrain with the wheels off using a dummy hub. It's easier to get to the inside of the fork and stays and lowers the chances of getting grease on the bike.

[@paulb9769]

I hot wax so it makes no difference.

[@aphexi8139]

Great advice! Had no idea dummy hubs existed. Thank you!

[@jimbrittain402]

Jim is my favorite part of this channel. I'm sure I'm fifteen years older than he, but he's who I want to be when I grow up.

[@sir0nion]

I liked your comment. So 1 Jim is appreciating another Jim appreciating a 3rd Jim. It's a Jim party!

[@boris-bikepack]

🙏

[@0301chris1]

I just love this British blend of dedicated professionalism and tradition! havin been stuck in Berlin devoid of any culture I think I will move to the UK. unintended consequences of yountube videos...thank you so much!!

[@flomotion6165]

Jim - the Bob Ross of Bike Care & Mechanics 😀

[@jimthebikeguy]

That's how we roll.

[@jimbrittain402]

He's even got the distinctive hair.

[@Dbz4life26]

I really enjoy the fact the you take your time to explain all this stuff for proper bike cleaning your advice is most appreciated I enjoy bike riding and wanna have my bike performing at the highest level so thanks for this very informative video and keep ‘em coming

[@richardggeorge]

If you can afford it, use a bike stand (my cheap Aldi one is still going strong), and take wheels and chain off. If you use parafin wax then you don't even need to degreaser on the chain, just boiling water and wipe down with a rag! Don't forget to pick all the bits of metal/glass out of your tyres and rim brake pads every few months/weeks (mileage dependant). Using car wash on my bikes with no issue (BH carbon bike 9 years old, Avanti carbon bike 8 years old, Cannondale CAAD10 8 years old)

[@aaron_TanCK]

I wouldn’t use the same brush for the tyre and frame, if there’s small stone stuck on the brush then use it on the frame again it will just scratch it

[@jimthebikeguy]

That's a very good detail point Aaron.

[@clementc9975]

That made me cringe as well. I thought it'd be common sense to not mix the grimy stuff with the more delicate surfaces. You wouldn't wash your car wheels and tires and then use the same mitt to wash the body. Or wipe a spill on the kitchen floor and then use the same towel to clean your dishes. Otherwise good video.

[@Sky1ineQtr]

as a car detailer i recommend these products: Garage therapy Zero/decon shampoo ( can be diluted more then 1 ratio) 2 Garage therapy microfiber wheel mitts (one for the frame and one for the wheels) A toothbrush for the chainring and that’s it

[@robertparker7243]

Lovely clear demonstration, with humour - like the workshop layout too - there is a lot of hidden efficiency there.

[@Svenkong3]

He is like the Bob Ross of bike cleaning, very nice and calm. Thanks Jim!

[@Tommy31416]

Jim is an absolute LEGEND!!!!

[@jimthebikeguy]

👍🤟

[@TopseyKretts]

..I'd a got my moneys worth,from that bucket,and gave that meter box a going over,while i was at it...thanks for the video,enjoyed it...

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Lol

[@nickpatten5263]

Brilliant informative video. After a few years riding bikes, I now know how to clean my bike properly.

[@puf653]

Jim really is the Bob Ross of washing bikes. What an exceptionally relaxing video.

[@DanonOP]

I love this guy etiquette

[@davehollingworth5537]

Loving Jim The Bike Man. Another great and very helpful vid. Thanks 🙏

[@cnjlakes]

I love your delivery. Glad I found your channel!

[@jimthebikeguy]

Thanks man 🤟👍

[@rbailey6949]

Thanks Jim great pace clearly explained and demonstrated very helpful thank you. Reassuring that I do quite a bit of that but also helpful and there’s a couple of other things that I can usefully now do as well

[@jimthebikeguy]

👍

[@torstenarndt4084]

I absolutely love your Videos. Apart from being incredibly useful, the way you explain is so … soothing is perhaps the right word. I would watch you explain drying paint.

[@jimthebikeguy]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@fhowland]

Jim is so relaxing and calming to listen to.

[@EugeneMaynard]

Love your humour and delivery! Infotainment at is best! 😂👍🏾🙏🏾

[@vasuhardeo1418]

very good video, thanks for the info about low pressures

[@Theworld414]

Awesome bike...love the bar tape color

[@jimthebikeguy]

Cheers man. She is my queen.

[@joystation1]

Excellent tip regards spraying frame protection product onto the cloth to avoid brakes contamination. When I wash my bike I put the rear end on a cheap basic bike stand, the sort that suports the bike via the chain stay and seat stay, this holds the bike upright and allows me to move around the bike and not be worried about dropping my bike. It also lets you spin the rear wheel so you have better access to all parts of the rear wheel and cassette. I also use a dedicated half inch paint brush to agitate around the disc brake callipers and pads and I use toothbrushes to clean inbetween the cables under the bars, the hubs and where the spokes secure in the hubs and also underneath the saddle in the nooks and crannies hidden by the seatrails.

[@troutyman917]

Great video! Very helpful!

[@simonsaphire]

Another top tip - ensure your bike is clean before you start 🙂

[@BharatSingh-pw7sh]

Brilliant video tutorial Jim! Thanks so much. Appreciate it. Namaste.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Namaste.

[@NeilLavitt]

I’m glad you mentioned not needing the jet washer. Hose does the job for me.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Totally.

[@Robke250]

Another bike cleaning video of a guy that starts with a clean bike... The chain he starts with is cleaner than mine after washing... :D

[@davidarthur]

I'm confident you can apply Jim's tips to your own dirty bike though surely?

[@Robke250]

Biggest issue is the chain. Hit it with the brush or cloth when it's not superclean and all I do is carry that black grit and grease over to other parts. Even after using the muck-off chain cleaner products it's never real CLEAN. Getting the chain cleaned properly is skipped in this video (maybe because it was clean to start with). Anyway... maybe I'm lazy combined with the lack of proper cleaning skills, deadly for my bike :D

[@davidnicholson6680]

Pro tip: an inexpensive hand-pumped garden sprayer with sufficient capacity is perfect for washing bikes.

[@joeuser2360]

Especially if you fill it with very warm water. Great for winter washing.

[@TheCountrySteve]

Yes - I have no access to mains water near my garage so I use one. It's not perfect, but it does the job

[@DS-um9hi]

Amazing tip that someone else mentioned. Great for myself as I live in a flat.

[@lloydhopwood4331]

What a legend this guy is!!

[@jimthebikeguy]

Thanks man!

[@george-danfulger]

compared to other videos from others, this is a very detailed with showed how to's and very useful on the spot advices on how to properly wash your bicycles!! congratulations !!

[@Snicker60515]

Great video as always Jim, love to watch you work. But after washing my bike, I will give the frame a nice drying first with a soft microfiber cloth to get rid of excess water because water spots are a thing, especially with the horribly hard water I have where I live, and then I'll use my computer duster to blow out any more water still lingering on the bike in those hard to reach areas. Definitely have to try some of those products though...

[@mmad3130]

Ha..yeah, I use a leaf blower.

[@travellerseko]

Watching the bike cleaning is kinda satisfaction for me. I dropped by to watch the video but hooked up with the brilliant clean accent 😂😂

[@AhmedOnly1]

Muc-off products cost more than my bike.

[@davidarthur]

Better make use of the 20% discount code then 😎

[@AhmedOnly1]

@@davidarthur Haha sure. Liked the video!

[@joris818]

I don't like spending to much money on cleaning products and I do find that the Muc off concentrate isn't half bad value !

[@shmvon]

Great ad for muc-off, but when does the video start?

[@nanofingaz]

Great tutorial, please do allow me to share my washing routine, i use the muc off c3 dry lube (dish soap soluble no need for degreaser AT ALL) So i blast water into the chain links and spray dish washing liquid on the chain and brush all of the chain + pulley + chain rings and i once again blast it. By this stage the only thing on the bike is dirt on the frame and totally oil free. I then spray dish washing liquid all over the bike without any care for rotors because if you can eat off your plates, your rotors will not be contaminated. I then sponge wash the whole bike and proceed to drying/protection. Since i have used Turtlewax ice seal and shine on the frame and wheels, dishwashing liquid will NOT remove any hydrophobic coating at all (proof on youtube video on the turtlewax) all i have to do is use a portable air blower to blast off the water and since it is hydrophobic it just slides off. I blast all bolts as well as FD and FD as well as chain. By this time the bike is 100% dry and chain is 80% dry. I feel comfortable to relube the FD, RD and chain with 0% chance of contaminating the brake rotor. I bought the muc off protect but i have never found it to be a good idea to spray any aerosol anywhere within 50m radius of my pads and rotors. I wash my bike once every week and they are absolutely pristine.

[@Biggreydog]

Looks easy when the bike is clean already.

[@enigma1000]

Contaminating disc rotors with muc off the rest of the bike? Hmmm…. Did I miss the chain and cassette being cleaned?

[@DS-um9hi]

I would have thought muc off would have at least given him some free disc brake covers they sell 😉

[@dixonbidenzmouth4115]

Also contaminating all bearings with soap and water

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

I like the hanging box!

[@igorvashkov8821]

Super cool video!

[@trig6712]

Many thanks

[@jlimozin]

Another great video. Yeah there are many “how to wash your bike” videos on KZbin but this is one of the best. Detailed but also not making a mountain out of it. Washing your bike is not complicated and can be done pretty thoroughly in a little time. Thank you Jim. And you have a wonderful voice.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Thanks Jerome

[@steppings5645]

Thorough job. Quality microfibre cloths are a good investment. I get mine from a car detailing products supplier, packs of 10 work out cheaper.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Total pro tip 🤟

[@yenrab3485]

Great video, how long do you leave it outside to dry? Do you then put any oil or grease on chain etc?

[@stevesnailfish]

I live in a second floor flat.....erm, everything is done by hand very slowly....it works....Wheels off etc and some of those Muc Off rubber gloves with the bristles on !!!!

[@topaz_climber]

Cleaning the drivetrain (and avoiding contaminating the discs) is like 90% of the time it takes me to clean my bike.

[@walcottav]

Builder's tea, spot on. 👍☕

[@jimthebikeguy]

This is the way.

[@martinpilditch7881]

Anyone that times things by drinking tea gets my attention

[@timothyrabourn8906]

Muc off is like sticking glue on the chain!

[@Countrystock]

My favourite cuppa is a Julie Andrews......White Nun!!!! Great video 👍

[@retroonhisbikes]

The muc-off pressure wash has a lot and i mean lot of over spray. My whole garden looked like we had a snow storm. I now realise i dont need the pressure washer. I do like the snow foam it gets the bike clean

[@darrenjohn3382]

Jim is so cool!

[@darthjohn0]

Great video! I'd personally like a follow up video aimed at people living in apartments. Although I might give this video's technique a shot on the street with a pump sprayer.

[@davidarthur]

Use the shower or bath? I’ve heard some people resort to that…. But good tips thanks

[@jaimeb.7537]

@@davidarthur I once tried that in college and it made a mess in the shower. It probably didn't help that it was a mountain bike haha. It was best to use a bucket and water bottle outside

[@felipealkain5332]

Nice video! We saw the cloth can be washed in the washing machine, but what about the brushes? Is there any specific tip for them?

[@pinkyfull]

sponsored by muc off and advocating to not use car cleaner. Car cleaner is perfectly adequate for washing cars. Its a degreaser, its not got any salts (really important to prevent galvanic corrosion), and it won't ruin paint work. Muc-off has done a really good job of getting us to ignore cheaper options because they aren't "bike specific"

[@romankleinstein5322]

Great video ! Can you explain Bike Protect vs Blue can silicone polish on the frame ? I realise silicone good for dropper seatpost and F and R shock stansion but what is major difference between the two once on the frame ? Thanks heaps

[@user-qz6ix7od3b]

what a nice clean bike you had just before starting ..... 😅 how exactly do you do this when the bike is actually dirty ? 😄 thx for the detailing ideas!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

That bike looked spotless before the wash pity it wasn't a proper dirty bike but some good tips on the timing have a cuppa and biscuits 🤣🤣 atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@rogerbell7100]

Jim, you never came back with a different brush to show me how to clean the cassette. I am gutted!

[@zuheyr1]

Thank you. Is all this also valid for ebikes?

[@mariojavier1623]

this video was like Muc-Off advertising and he started with cleaning the whole bike before doing the drivetrain first. The bike was also clean when he started. Nevertheless it seems like a good product to try. Good job.

[@Gnautt]

If I don't have that concentrate cleaner that he mixed in the bucket of water, what else can I use?

[@bandy010569]

Hi Jim what's your thought on low pressure air compressors to aid in the drying process.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Works a treat.

[@ThuggyMacho]

I don’t think anyone in America cleans their bikes. Maybe just no one where I live 😂

[@wetcheetofart]

Does the muc off drivetrain cleaner ruin all disc brakes or just mine?

[@halloweenjack2562]

Nice! But wouldn't you advise degreasing the chain and related areas first before the clean.....and should you really not use the brush on the wheels and then switch to the frame i.e. clean the wheels last?

[@alexfirth]

Gunk bio degreaser and car shampoo, used for years, works fine

[@benbaines4852]

I love tha bike.. it's 2019 wa bike wud you get now if you cud sir?

[@wraith8323]

"The clue, is in the name", a Britishism that we really need in the States

[@andrewdeanenglish901]

I thought this was QVC for Mucoff for a moment!

[@saudade369]

Would normal pure beeswax be a good material to polish a frame?

[@andreweeley5095]

Nice one Jim. Video shot at a nice pace, I even had a brew myself! These quite simple things are what 'we' easily forget to do. Cheers

[@jimthebikeguy]

Cheers 🤟

[@warpampee]

My GRX 2x11 chain ring have like a map of white on it. I think my degreaser had chemical reaction to it. Have any of you experienced this?

[@cnjlakes]

Garibaldi... to tell you how American I am, the only other time I've heard about Garibaldi biscuits was on an episode of The Young Ones in the 1980's. Alexei Sayle, I think.

[@davidbee8178]

If I may offer a word to the wise : better off washing your bike (or car!) always in the shade and never letting any soap mix set on it either in the sun or to let it dry. That will double your work load to get it properly clean : -)

[@will_portilloe]

Anyone know what handlebar tape that is?

[@davidmulhall.8711]

Lüv it!! 'TETLEY MAKE TEA' Make Tea" 🍵😊 BUT, a great way to clean your bike. Luv the approach no fuzz just in & out... in a professional way. Keep up the good 👍 work mate.

[@davidmulhall.8711]

I'll start using these cleaners looks 👌 Muc Off.

[@indranilchakraborty2731]

Did anyone catch what brand of cleaning products he is using?

[@61tree_VR_Gliding]

I've been cleaning my bikes (steel, aluminum, carbon and titanium) with dishwashing soap, soft sponge and soft toothbrush for years......works well for me. Seems silly to throw out cash to buy these expensive products which tend not to last very long.

[@paulb9769]

I agree and the thought of buy a low pressure high pressure washer is mad.

[@fa6106]

What about a power leaf blower to dry the bike?

[@Alx-uq4mp]

Is it ok to ride the bike home from a cleaning station on a dry day for drying it off? About 2km

[@tim8971]

What type of bike wash is safe for matte black?

[@danielmadsen9115]

Can you dry it with a pressurized air?

[@Rrr-rz1pg]

Is it important to keep the label attached to your brush? 😬 cheers/ 👍🏽 vid enjoyed it ta

[@onmydeskihaveacup]

I definitely wouldn't recommend pressure washing your house like that dude! Accelerated deterioration of bricks through Freeze/thaw. The TCR is epic though, the same as mine ; )

[@user-xx1bv3jx8c]

Hopefully this doesnt come across as a silly question, but what is the best way of cleaning the cleaning products? In particular i have a drive train cleaner that clamps over the chain and through a series of cogs and brushes it cleans the chai . However, the amount of oil, grease and grime that comes off the chain ultimately ends up on those brushes. How can you properly clean them for the next wash?

[@gfm8421]

I mostly use some degreaserand bits if water on my brushes to get them clean for tge next wash. Works perfectly and is a good feeling to have clean tools for the next time.

[@1234567marks]

If you buy a pet blower (eBay less than £60) you can blast the water off and dry all of the nooks and crannies with a strong blast of hot air, just be careful not to blast drops of water into the bearings, I use one on my motorcycles and it gets every drop of water off, trust me you’ll thank me if you get one! 👍

[@huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn]

I like everything about the video except for the fact that you didnt cover cleaning the casette, I was looking specifically for that and if I had to pay attention to anything while doing it

[@Barrygee]

What are your thoughts on using a compressor to dry the bike with an air gun? Obviously don’t blast compressed air into bearings etc but is it ok to blow the moisture off with it?

[@davidarthur]

Yes that is a really good tip if you have the luxury of a compressor

[@jimthebikeguy]

It totally is. Works brilliant 👍

[@briandwyer288]

How about a leaf blower ?

[@george-danfulger]

you forgat to show us how to properly clean the casette which you avoided in rhe first go. maybe you could edit this recording and add that too in the video!!

[@dasp125]

Pet dryers are amazing for blowing all the water off the bike.

[@firlands25]

My tea has gone cold 1/2 way through the snow foam……