The Bike Cleaning Thread

LeoN88 · 24 Jul 2011 at 17:19

So with all the products out there to use which are best for the job? After riding mine for about 300+ miles since ive had it its starting to get a good build up of bugs and crud and just used the autoglym stuff i have for the car (done the job kind of..). I've seen the muck off cleaning range which looks fairly good or is there better for cheaper elsewhere? And if you want to post before and after results of said cleaning products being used feel free.

Leon

famas · 24 Jul 2011 at 18:19

I've always used the pink muc off cleaner, it does a good job of getting off bug splat and gets every thing nice and clean, then once the bikes dry I use WD40 on every thing bar the brakes.
Wd40 gives it a shine and leaves a residue which makes it much eaiser to clean next time, its great on wheels just keep it away from your brake discs and pads!

4T5 · 24 Jul 2011 at 18:23

Scottoiler FS365 is the best I've found for general cleaning with the added bonus that the water in it evaporates leaving a silicon protective coating.
For chrome I use a special silver polish called Peek & for the alloy I use Autoglym.

Dogbreath · 24 Jul 2011 at 18:36

I just regularly wax (with proper paste wax) the fairings, mudguard and screen and fork legs which makes the bugs wash of very easily. I just use standard car wash to clean the bike with, never saw the need for bike specific shampoos etc. The ACF-50 spray is very good for stopping corrosion on metal parts though.

BennyC · 24 Jul 2011 at 18:37

I've got some Scottoiler FS365 too. Usually just give the bike a rinse before and spray it on, or just spray it on after a ride.

I use Meg's gold class shampoo, it's expensive as you buy it buy the litre but it goes so far it'll last you forever. A bottles lasted me well over a year and I'm half way through it and I wash the car fortnightly and use plenty each time.

Mine tends to stay/look quite clean so doesn't get a great deal of tlc other than essential maintenance.

kidloco · 24 Jul 2011 at 18:45

I use your everyday car shampoo/wax to get the crud off then once it's dry I give it the once ove with mr sheen and a micro fibre clooth. It does a better job than stuff ive tried costing 10 times the price.

gillywibble · 25 Jul 2011 at 10:22

Poorboy's Professional Polish. You can use it on anything, metal, plastics, glass etc. You can also use it in direct sunlight.

Perfect for a bike.

agnes · 25 Jul 2011 at 11:12

SDOC 100

I live by this stuff... Expensive, but it's as simple as spray all over bike, scrub it in on the tough areas if needed.

Leave it for 20 mins, get wash off and job done, leaves a nice protective layer on metal so prevents rusting and makes the bike look brand new.

Simply amazing

ags

MouseMat2004 · 26 Jul 2011 at 10:45

Get 10 litres of Muc Off from M&P/Busters for about £25, that lasts a few years. Hose bike down, apply Muc Off, leave for a few mins when wipe off with a towel, hose bike down again. Dry with clean towels. Gives the wheels a clean with Muc Off now. Once it's dry, whip out the Mr Sheen and polish the fairings.

Takes about 15mins and leaves them spanking. Dont see the point in spending hours cleaning.