Keeping your bike clean isn’t just about appearance––it’s one of the most important tasks you can do to maintain performance, longevity and avoid costly repairs down the track. Dirt, grime, and moisture can quickly wear down your drivetrain, brakes, and bearings, especially if you ride in wet or muddy conditions.

We are here to tell you that with the right routine, you can keep your bike running like new with minimal effort! To help you get started or level up your current bike cleaning routine, we asked our brand ambassadors–Rémy, Tom, Jack, and Caroline–how they clean and care for their bikes. From quick post-ride rinses to deep cleans and servicing rituals, they’ve shared their go to tips for keeping their collection of bikes in top condition all year round.

 

1.        Clean Your Bike Regularly

How often should you clean your bike? It really depends on where and how you ride, but generally, the more often the better.

Rémy: “I clean my bike nearly after every ride. A clean bike is a fun and fast bike!”

Jack: “Normally once a week, but in winter if it’s wet, it can be every day or two.”

Caroline: “I clean my bikes after every ride. I believe in cosmetic horsepower–look good, feel good, ride good.”

Tom: “The UK is notorious for rain, so the trails are generally muddy. I try to clean the bike after every ride especially as the dirt is easier to remove when it’s still wet.”

 

2.        Use The Right Tools & Products

A proper clean doesn’t mean you need fancy gear or cleaning products! Here’s what out ambassadors use:

·        Soapy water: Great for general cleaning.

·        Degreaser: Essential for your drivetrain.

·        Chain lube or wax: Keeps your drivetrain efficient and protected.

·        Brush set: Helps reach all the nooks and crannies.

·        Hose or pressure washer (used carefully): Ideal for muddy rides but avoid spraying directly into bearings or the bottom bracket.

Rémy: “Pro tip – hot water helps!”

Jack: “I wax my chains with the Cyclowax system so my cleaning is super simple–just kitchen soap for the frame and components.”

Caroline: “If it’s super muddy, I’ll take the bike to a car wash and use a high-pressure hose (stepping back a few feet to protect the bearings). At home, I use bike wash, brushes, degreaser, and finish with a silicone shine wipe. I also have RideWrap clear coat protection on all my bikes which helps with additional protection to the frame.”

Tom: “I use a bike stand, a normal hose pipe, and the ultimate bike care kit from GTECHNIQ has everything you need from cleaning products to brushes!”

 

3.        Maintenance Tips & Tricks

A dirty or dry chain can wear out your entire drivetrain quickly, so keep it clean and lubricated.

Rémy: “Keep your chain clean and oiled!”

Jack: “Waxing my chain changed everything. It makes cleaning and maintenance way easier, and my chain lasts forever.”

Tom: “If you ride an e-MTB and struggle to pedal backwards for chain lubing, a simple hack is to wrap a cable tie around the crank arm and sprocket–this lets you backpedal like a regular bike.”

 

4.        Eyes on the Prize (and the Parts)

Staying ahead of wear and tear is all about being observant.

Rémy: “I do a visual check and replace things often sooner than needed for maximum performance.”

Jack: “Brake pads and bar tape are the main things I go through. In winter, everything wears out quicker.”

Caroline: “Each new season I get new bike frames and majority of the time get all new parts. Having RideWrap coating and washing your bike regularly is half of the wear and tear battle sorted.”

Tom: “I do a full check monthly–bearings, tyre and chain wear, and even frame damage. If something needs work, I fix it straight away.”

 

5.        DIY or Bike Shop? A Bit of Both

Even if you’re confident doing minor repairs yourself, don’t neglect getting a full service done.

Rémy: “I do not complete servicing myself, but I will book it in when it feels like something needs improving.”

Jack: “I do a full service about twice a year. I’ll take it into the shop for things like the bottom bracket that requires special tools.”

Caroline: “I build and pull my bikes apart for travel and do basic mechanical repairs, but for full servicing, I always go to a professional.”

Tom: “I do a full check myself and handle most things at home–but always make sure safety comes first.”

 

6.        What Could Possibly Go Wrong…

Bike maintenance isn’t just about tools and products–it’s about building habits that prevent issues before they start. So, we had to ask our ambassadors–has anything ever gone wrong on a ride due to poor maintenance?

Rémy: “My brakes started to act funny as the pads had work out more than I thought. Always do the visual inspection!”

Jack: “I’ve not changed bike pads before when I should have and then I will blow a set out when descending or mid-way through a ride. It’s not much fun!”

Caroline: “I’ve snapped old chains in racing from not checking them. I’ve unclipped in a race that cost me a world championship due to old cleats. I had my break fail because of the fluid leak I didn’t spot before riding. And the biggest one was my bars moving forward which caused a crash at the Olympic Games from me not checking the bolts myself as a double check.”

Tom: “I haven’t had anything major go wrong, but I do have a superstition after a pedal came loose during a trick called a ‘fakie’. Now I check my pedals obsessively!”

 

7.        Top Tips for Bike Longevity

We asked each ambassador for one key piece of advice:

Rémy: “Clean and regrease sooner than you think.”

Jack: “Stay on top of your maintenance and you’’ save a bunch of money in the long run.”

Caroline: “Get RideWrap protection on a brand-new bike before your first ride–it protects your paint, resists chips, and helps mud bead off. Worth every cent.”

Tom: “Look after your equipment–not just for longevity, but for safety. Mountain biking can be dangerous, and a well-maintained bike removes one more risk.”

 

Turns out bike maintenance isn’t as tricky as it sounds. A quick clean after each ride, a visual check before you head out, and a seasonal service can make all the difference. Whether you’re racing, commuting, or hitting the trails, a clean and well-maintained bike will reward you with more fun and fewer headaches! So, grab a sponge, check those bolts, and give your bike the love it deserves. Your future self (and your drivetrain) will thank you.