Washing your bike. Well, that is a big topic. I have broached it before. You can see that here. Today it is a review. Of bike wash. One particular bike wash—Squirt Biodegradable Bike Cleaner. Yes, they are the chain wax company but do much more than just chain wax.
Lets start. In the past I have tried a variety of products; but until now, nothing that is specifically for bikes. For example, for years I just used Dawn. Dawn dishwashing liquid diluted that I put in a spray bottle. It was fine. I used the same when I washed my vehicle. Then, one day my friend encouraged me to try a car wash product. I was not biting, but he said, “hey, it is cheap and it works.” I tried it – he was correct. Then, Dawn moved from car and bike bucket to only the bike wash bucket. Yes, I tried the car wash product on the bike and … not impressed. So I stuck with Dawn.
Then, Squirt Bike Wash arrived in the mail.
Guess this is a good time for a disclosure. I wrote an article in the past about waxing my chain. You can read that article here. I prefer Squirt. I purchase my chain lube and have no affiliation with Squirt. Alas, they read my article and sent me an email saying they are pleased I like their lubricant product and asked me if I wanted to try some other products. My response: Sure. Who would say no to that?
So, the disclaimer is that I did not pay for this bike wash. Squirt sent it to me for free.
I kept forgetting to use it. But the last time I washed my bike, I remembered. It was simple and effective. There were four packets in a spray bottle (must have gotten an extra because the label says three). Simply empty contents of one packet into spray bottle then fill with water. Gotta love simple. I did that and was ready to go. I used it and – it worked great. How great? It is my new go-to bike wash. Dawn is gone.
To be fair, there was not a comparison. I did not buy 10 bike wash products and test them against each other. I just used what I was sent, had a great experience and see no need to “see what else is out there.” Not that I am not open to using another product … I just do not see the benefit in the effort. This one works great.
Suds up great. No need to scrub hard (should not do that). I washed my “gravel” (hate that term) bike and it was pretty caked and muddy. I also washed my road bike, which had just been on a ride where there was a misty/not quite rain but wet ride but also had some ‘baked on’ stuff. Flawless on both.
Two bike washes and my guess is there are six to eight (possibly more?) more washes in the bottle. It did not take lot to do a good job. The product retails for about $15. It includes the spray bottle and three packets which means three full spray bottles of cleaner. Seems like a reasonable price for the product. I will continue to use it and let you know if I change my mind.
What about after the wash? Well, I like Pedro’s Bike Lust. Spray on, wipe off. Actually, same as before … tried it and it worked, so continued. What does it do? Well, it just puts that little coat on your bike that makes it look good but mostly it helps dirt/dust/gunk fall off. Truly, less sticks to the bike during your ride and once you put water on it, that junk falls off fast. I have gloss finish and matte finish bikes. Love both. Gloss is always easier to clean. Matte likes to hold the dirt/dust. Why? Well, that matte surface is really just a surface that is not smooth (on a very micro level) which makes it matte (not reflective like a slick shiny surface) but also makes a ‘rougher’ surface for dirt to hold onto.
I used Bike Lust for a long time. Still have some, so I still do. No disclaimer here, bought it each time. But, I also use Pledge. Yes, you heard me correctly: that Pledge. Sometimes even the generic dollar store version. Why? Well about a decade ago my friend (and long time bike industry guy) told me that is what he uses. Really? Yes, I did question him. His response? “Yes really.” I tried it – works great. Easier to find and pretty inexpensive. My friend says he even uses it on rims that have rim brakes (I know they are more and more rare). He says as long as you wipe it off well it works. I have tried it. Hmmm. Worked for me. But, I am not recommending that. Let me say that again—I am not recommending that you use pledge on your rim brake rims. Never put anything on your braking surface—especially a wax or lubricant. And again, no disclaimer here: I bought the Pledge (and generic Pledge) each time I have used it.
Bicycle care is an entire industry with an abundance of products. The key is just to clean your bike. Does cleaning it make it work better? Yes. It is easier to move about (your hands, clothes, car, bike room, etc) without getting messy, it is easier to locate any squeaks and alas, it is a time to inspect the bike for wear or damage. All good things. It is also the time check for chain wear, chainring wear, tire condition, etc. … more on that very soon.
Tell me about your process. We all have one. What products do you like and why?
I mostly employ waterless methods as I do not have access to water where my bikes are stored and don’t wish to create a mess in said location. Unless my bikes are covered in a great deal of mud (rare), my go-to remains Honda Spray. I spoke in detail about that here: https://cyclingindependent.com/ebullition-doubt-dirtbag-digressions-2-0-the-impermanence-of-clean/
Dish soap of the biodegradable variety. No particular brand. It works ok. I don’t clean a lot. CX bike is only one the regularly gets ridden in lots of grime. MTB sees a lot of dry just due to local trails draining well and not wanting to tear them up when wet b