12.1 cleaning

Quick Post-Ride Cleaning (5 minutes)

Quick Post-Ride Cleaning (5 minutes). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~5 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Rinse the bike

    with low-pressure water.

  2. Wipe the chain

    with a rag — pinch the chain in the rag and pedal backward through it twice.

  3. Wipe the frame

    with a microfiber.

  4. Re-lube the chain

    if conditions were wet (water displaces lube).

After every wet/muddy ride:

  1. Rinse the bike with low-pressure water.
  2. Wipe the chain with a rag — pinch the chain in the rag and pedal backward through it twice.
  3. Wipe the frame with a microfiber.
  4. Re-lube the chain if conditions were wet (water displaces lube).