Steps to Your Next Bike Wash
Table of contents
Step 1: Degrease the Drivetrain
The first and likely most important step in cleaning your bike is to get all of the dirt and debris out of your drivetrain. Spray the Ultimate Brake and Drivetrain Cleaner liberally on the chain, cassette, pulleys, and chainrings. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes and watch it turn red as it loosens any debris. If your drivetrain is particularly dirty, agitate with a firm bristled bush to remove the loosened material.
Bonus Step
This is certainly an optional step but will make it easier to avoid potential contamination of disc rotors or brake tracks. Set the wheels to the side and continue to step 3.
Step 2: Ultimate Bike Wash On the Frame
Add 3oz of Ultimate Bike Wash per 5 gallons of water. Use a sponge or soft bristled brush to scrub the frame, saddle, bar tape, and the rest of the bike with the high foaming bike wash. Take care to avoid getting the soap on disc brake pads or rotors. Small amounts won't be a problem but they should be generally avoided.
Start from the top of the bike to allow all debris to be washed down. The saddle, handlebars, then down the frame and fork. Typically finishing at the bottom bracket area. This will give you the best results. Once everything is completely scrubbed, rinse with water in the same order starting from the top and working your way to the bottom until you don't see any more suds.
If you removed your wheels in the bonus step, wash the tires and rim being sure to remove any dirt or possible debris that could cause a puncture. Try to avoid adding soap to the disc rotors if applicable. Rinse the wheels and tires until you see no more suds.
Dry the frame, wheels, and drivetrain with compressed air if you have access and then finish with a microfiber towel. to provide a fully dry finish for step 3.
Step 3: Seal Your Paint and Finish
Now that you have a clean frame, wheels, and drivetrain, you can apply the Ultimate Graphene Spray Wax. This is the absolute best way to protect your bike's finish by applying a wax coating with graphene to leave an ultra durable film to prevent dirt and debris from sticking in the future.
Shake the Graphene Spray Wax well and spray a mist onto the frame. Wipe down the frame with a microfiber towel and give the wax 2-3 minutes to dry. You will likely see a waxy film on the frame.
Take a clean microfiber towel and buff the wax to a clean finish.
Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance
Unless you are lining up in the world tour, it is unlikely somebody is going to do a full wash on your bike everyday. That doesn't mean it can't be cleaned to keep your bike sparkling year around.
For the daily wipe downs of the bike simply spray the Ultimate Ceramic Waterless Wash on the frame, fork, bars, etc then wipe down with a microfiber towel.
Allow the ceramic coating to dry for 2-3 minutes and buff the area to leave a protective ceramic coating.
Step 5: Lube the Chain
Now that you have a clean bike, the final step is to make sure you get a fresh coat of lubricant on the chain. If you are applying Super Secret chain lube, simple drop two links per roller and back pedal 6-10x and let the bike sit over night. If you are using Synergetic, add a drop per link, back pedal 6-10x then wipe off the excess from the outside of the rollers.
This will give you a bike that is washed, lubed, and ready to ride for the next day. Keep your bike washed and the drivetrain lubricated to make sure you get long life and a silent ride.
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