Expert tip - Bike cleaning done correctly

Spring, summer, autumn and winter: You are on the road on your bike in every season? For you, there is no such thing as bad weather? Both after a short ride and after an extensive tour, the chain, frame, brakes, rims and tyres of your e-bike, mountain bike (MTB) or road bike can be substantially soiled with stubborn dirt.

Of course, this puts a lot of strain on materials and components. It goes without saying that, after such a ride, cleaning and dirt removal are on the agenda instead of rest and recreation. This will definitely increase the lifespan of your valuable equipment. Perhaps it should be mentioned that it would indeed be rather unrealistic to expect you to clean your city bike after every use. Our tip: Your city bike will definitely be grateful to get regular care. If you have taken your touring bike off-road, however, it is advisable to start cleaning and washing it before the dirt and dust have dried. This saves a lot of time and very soon your bike is ready for your next adventure or a new exciting ride over hills and valleys. Now we will show you step-by-step how you can easily get your bike thoroughly clean again. And furthermore, you will learn which utensils are necessary for a proper and regular cleaning of your bike and how to take care of your bike and protect it at the same time.

What utensils do you definitely need?

Bucket or bowl
Tepid, clean water
Soft brush, sponge or suitable cloth for wet cleaning
Rags or microfiber cloths for wiping your bike dry from the frame to the handlebar grips
Lint-free cloth for cleaning the bicycle chain and removing dirt
Bicycle cleaner/bicycle washing agent and/or bicycle foam/bicycle foam cleaner
Chain fluid, chain oil or chain lubricant

What additional or specific materials do you need for professional cleaning?

Stable assembly stand for your mountain bike or bicycle
Garden or water hose or suitable high-pressure cleaner for bikes (please do not use high-pressure cleaners at filling stations!)
Bicycle washing agent or foam, depending on the degree of dirt and depending on the conditions.
Chain oil or lubricant for cleaning, lubrication and care in one step - according to the motto "less is more".

Useful tip: There is no water nearby for cleaning your mountain bike or road bike?

In practice, it is often not possible to clean the bike with water and remove stubborn dirt immediately after an intense or inspiring tour. For example, if you explore new off-road trails and extreme routes in remote areas at the weekend and you have to get there by car or train. Even in this case, innobike offers you the best help possible - with its special, biodegradable "205 Bike Cleaner active FOAM". In line with the motto "Spray on, wipe off, done", this is an active foam cleaner of the future generation - as it removes even the most stubborn dirt and, on top of that, simultaneously protects sensitive material and upper components. Of major importance, however, is that the foam can be used with and without water. Conclusion: This makes it the perfect companion while out and about or when in a hurry - be it during a vacation or a short trip.

Back to the application: How to clean and take care of your beloved bike optimally and like a pro?

In case of heavy or coarse dirt, first clean your bike with a strong water jet. If this is not possible, clean it thoroughly with a sponge and a bucket full of water. Now we will continue with wet cleaning: Depending on your requirements, use either "205 Bike Cleaner active FOAM" or - specifically for the most stubborn dirt - "207 Bike Cleaner active WASH".

Now we will continue with lubricating your chain. For optimal lubrication, you need to decide individually which chain lubricant - chain oil or fluid - is best for you.
a) You want high-tech lubrication? Dissolving, cleaning, lubricating and protecting in one step? That is to say, cleaning down to the smallest sprocket? Dissolving everything that doesn't belong on your bicycle chain? Protecting even the weakest link of your chain? Then innobike "105 High Tech CHAIN FLUID" is exactly what you need. It contains penetrating detergent substances to get into the tightest fits such as chain inner bearings or chain drive bushings. Application is as simple as this: Place the bottle/can with the brush attachment on the small sprocket in the rear. Turn the pedals backwards in freewheel mode and spray until the fluid drips at the large bottom bracket sprocket. Allow the lubricant to take effect for 4 to 6 hours. Meanwhile, the cleaner contained in the product evaporates and a thin, touch-dry lubricating film remains on the chain. Interesting to know: Application by using the capillary tube is ideal for all kinds of cables, bearings and moving parts. Resin residues, dirt and pedal stiffness are immediately removed.
b) You need a chain oil that guarantees long-lasting lubrication and withstands extremely high mechanical stresses on the chain? A lubricant which cleans and lubricates at the same time? Effectively and permanently? Which dissolves resin residues and ensures low dust adhesion? Which protects your bike against corrosion? One thing is certain - in this case, innobike's "106 Chain Fluid Plus" is the perfect solution.
c) Be it snow, ice or salt: You need a chain lubrication which offers protection even under the most adverse conditions? The material will thank you if you use innobike "107 Xtreme Chain Fluid". It is used in combination with "105 High Tech Chain Fluid". What are the advantages of this special lubricating oil? It withstands all forces of nature by adhering and protecting even during long bike rides in the rain. Furthermore, it guarantees effortless pedalling in all winds and weathers and enables precise gear change under extreme conditions. And last but not least, it also protects your bike against material wear even when road salt is used in winter. Mission: Possible.

True bike lovers want optimal cleaning in the shortest possible time. We hope you will continue to enjoy carefree biking!

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