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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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 Posted: 03/14/04 - 14:29 Post subject: wet bike
I just finished a VERY wet/monsoonlike ride. My bike and I are soaked. I think I can handle me, but what on my bike MUST be cleaned and dried? Am I too much into wal-mart bike mentality and my bike is nice enough that it won't rust? Most of my bike will be cleaned anyway as its very muddy but I was just curious if there is anything I should do immediately. In the meantime, its drip-drying in my kitchen.
thanks,
bike maintenance challenged in texas
ps, I did change my first flat tire today! do I get a merit badge?
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kobyj
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 15:57 Post subject:
I'm not sure. I typically just let mine drip dry in the kitchen as well (my kitchen, not Cheryl's kitchen). Mine actually was just drip drying this morning after my ride.
That's a good question though. I wonder what or resident bikers will say.
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elkid
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Joined: 18 Nov 2002
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Location: hiding out in Philly
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 16:30 Post subject:
My bike shop guy said if I were to get my bike muddy, to spray it with Simply Green, hose the hell out of it, and let it drip dry. So I'd think it's safe to let it drip dry.
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Zatoichi
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 16:43 Post subject:
I'd spray it with Simple Green or Castrol Degreaser, then hose it off & let it drip dry. Try to keep the pressure low, and don't aim the hose directly at those places where you don't want moisture entering (bottom bracket, headset, axles, top of seat tube). To speed the drying process, you can use a synthetic chamois (like The Absorber) to pick up excess water. I'd also consider cleaning & re-lubing your chain.
Congrats on fixing your first flat, BTW. 
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akern
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 17:05 Post subject:
I don't know anything about bikes, but I know a mad biker who says he wipes his bike down after every ride, no matter what the weather conditions. I think he uses something specific too.... I'll ask him tomorrow for ya.
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 20:25 Post subject:
| akern wrote: | | I don't know anything about bikes, but I know a mad biker who says he wipes his bike down after every ride, no matter what the weather conditions. I think he uses something specific too.... I'll ask him tomorrow for ya. |
They say you are supposed to but um....  I never do... 
Thanks Zatoichi and everyone!
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Cappy
Excelent
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 20:30 Post subject:
I usually just hose it down afterwards, and let it drip dry in the garage. I do dry off the seat.
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 22:10 Post subject:
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 23:21 Post subject:
Um, good thing I don't own any simple green....
I just had my bike tuned up just prior to this and they degreased my chain and cleaned my bike really nice. (and as with washing your car, of course the first ride after is a mud pit/rain storm....) I'll just clean everything down (is 409 corrosive? ) and maybe see about getting that chain cleaner thing you have....
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Zatoichi
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Posted: 03/14/04 - 23:25 Post subject:
D'oh!!! Thanks for the headsup - I had no idea.
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purple hayes
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Posted: 03/15/04 - 10:18 Post subject:
Citrus-based cleaners are inexpensive and not corrosive on Aluminum. Look for something called Orange Blast next time you're in Wal-Mart or Target. That's what I use.
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 03/21/04 - 12:30 Post subject:
Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak
Or so says my rear cassette/deraileur...perhaps I didn't dry it as well as need be last week? Or this morning??? Do I need to regrease the chain maybe? can I get a live-in bike mechanic? 
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kobyj
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Posted: 03/21/04 - 12:56 Post subject:
| cherylpf wrote: | Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak
Or so says my rear cassette/deraileur...perhaps I didn't dry it as well as need be last week? Or this morning??? Do I need to regrease the chain maybe? can I get a live-in bike mechanic? |
I'm not a professional bike mechanic, but it sounds to me like you just need to lubricate the chain. The lubrication probably should be done as soon as it drys.
Sorry, Houston is a little far of a commute
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crazyfrog
Kermitologist
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Posted: 03/21/04 - 17:44 Post subject:
| cherylpf wrote: | Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak
Or so says my rear cassette/deraileur...perhaps I didn't dry it as well as need be last week? Or this morning??? Do I need to regrease the chain maybe? can I get a live-in bike mechanic? |
the bf who used to ride religiously and still rides more than the avereage person always lubes his chain before a ride. and i think he usually will clean the cassette and the deraileur after a super muddy/wet ride, but i dont think anything more than a dry rag is used....
on a side note, the bfs old boss at the bike shop uses cheap (dollar store brand) furniture polish to clean his bike with...just spray it on and wipe off with a dry rag...
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