tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post899083103501369572..comments2023-09-08T06:31:18.925-05:00Comments on Belgium Knee Warmers™: The Art of the Bike WashRadio Freddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07419506761098758178noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-12306346218872042642008-10-15T17:12:00.000-05:002008-10-15T17:12:00.000-05:00have you ever tried babywipes to clean your bike? ...have you ever tried babywipes to clean your bike? Give it a shot. They're amazing: http://biketips.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/baby-wipes-what-cant-they-do/<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the post. Excellent hintsWade Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01451221490054283469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-27699698566890921402008-10-15T16:03:00.000-05:002008-10-15T16:03:00.000-05:00A trick I was shown by a European pro mechanic is ...A trick I was shown by a European pro mechanic is to use neat Jizer on greasy parts and wash it with plain water before a soapy all over wash with car wash soap (washing up liquid has salt in which attacks everything you're trying to protect!) Finish off with Mer car polish to deter the next lot of mud from sticking to the frame too quickly. - A clean bike is a fast bike - just go with what works best for you.Arturohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13798240085522422759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-80423045560059003132008-10-14T09:30:00.000-05:002008-10-14T09:30:00.000-05:00I bought a cone brush about three weeks ago, befor...I bought a cone brush about three weeks ago, before reading this and you are right.<BR/><BR/>Why didn't I get one before?<BR/>and<BR/>Why wasn't one included in my 'Muc-off' brush kit???<BR/><BR/>Now to check out the garden sprayer...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-64345934240226879612008-10-10T17:26:00.000-05:002008-10-10T17:26:00.000-05:00Thank you very much for great Storys about Cycling...Thank you very much for great Storys about Cycling...<BR/>Belgium Knee Warmers is the best Cycling Blog ever !!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-57506196546613275642008-10-10T15:45:00.000-05:002008-10-10T15:45:00.000-05:00Keeping a clean bike is extremely important. Dirt ...Keeping a clean bike is extremely important. Dirt and dust act like sandpaper against components.<BR/><BR/>I use Suzuki Motorcycle Wash on all of my rides. Rinse the bike off, spray on the wash, let it sit for a second and then rinse off. Everything is gone without leaving residue or damaging components. Even the tires look brand new. <BR/><BR/>Don't ask me how it does it, but it is the only cleaner out of the many that I have tried that work this well.<BR/><BR/>Here are some other tips on making sure that your bike runs smoothly.<BR/><BR/>http://www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/top-10-tips-to-keeping-your-bike-running-smoothly/featured/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-80870823785816881492008-10-10T13:54:00.000-05:002008-10-10T13:54:00.000-05:00I've heard horror stories about chains left to soa...I've heard horror stories about chains left to soak in a SG bath, and they explode a ride or two after. Seems that prolonged exposure causes small fissures in the links, and the breakdown comes at the worst time (see sprinting, grinding up a climb). It seems to be ok for quick cleaning jobs, but resist soaking.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-86647112686076266112008-10-10T11:29:00.000-05:002008-10-10T11:29:00.000-05:00Now where did I see this exact post at least a cou...Now where did I see this exact post at least a couple years ago. . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-86104117803583276492008-10-10T09:21:00.000-05:002008-10-10T09:21:00.000-05:00Great read with lots of nuggets. The biggest chall...Great read with lots of nuggets. The biggest challenge I have is finding natural bristle brushes. I can find bottle brushes but they all have plastic bristles. Any suggestion on where to get natural bristle brushes? I would really like to find a cone brush.Rick Cummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03306620476160417327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-62137457982973251132008-10-10T06:44:00.000-05:002008-10-10T06:44:00.000-05:00Can you provide a single photo shot of the brushes...Can you provide a single photo shot of the brushes you use? Better than a description.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-22209282794143817002008-07-07T12:21:00.000-05:002008-07-07T12:21:00.000-05:00I have found a source of rags that are recycled T-...I have found a source of rags that are recycled T-shirts--tougher than those blue disposable things, leave less lint on a bike than terrycloth, far cheaper than "real" shop rags. My local industrial supplier sells them @18 lbs. for $25. They are strong enough to use for an on-bike cassette cleaning as well as soft enough to scratch nothing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-46281399570974643652008-04-13T01:12:00.000-05:002008-04-13T01:12:00.000-05:00Kitchen dishwashing gloves, the thicker yellow gau...Kitchen dishwashing gloves, the thicker yellow gauntlet type, are good for keeping hands warm and dry while washing your bike in cold weather.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-55882092506256488882008-02-05T17:18:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:18:00.000-06:00Great advice! Thanks Freddie!And if it's OK I'll a...Great advice! Thanks Freddie!<BR/>And if it's OK I'll add my 2 cents,<BR/>A couple of time during the season and or when the drive train is looking really ugly (fugly), I tear down the cassette and using a wire tie (used by computer people to bundle wires together) I keep the order of cogs and spacers in order and put them in a small ultrasonic cleaner I bought on ebay for $50.<BR/>I make a mix of a little hot water and SG and in 5 minutes they are spotless. while they are in the "bath" I carefully unbolt the chainrings from the crank and in an old plastic wash tub I stole from my wife years ago. I go at them with a short hogs hair brush getting in every little spot again using a little hot water and SG.<BR/>The chain also gets a turn in the ultrasonic cleaner and since I use a quicklink it makes the job safe and easy. this is a good time to also give the rear mech. a good scrubbing and if I feel ambitious I dissasemble the pullies and give the area a good goin over. Reassembly should not be rushed and carefull attention to lubrication proper torques should be paid attention to.<BR/>A clean bike is a fast bike!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-23312257333586785112008-01-31T03:28:00.000-06:002008-01-31T03:28:00.000-06:00Great blog, great post, and some excellent respons...Great blog, great post, and some excellent responses, esp Freddy.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to add my <A HREF="http://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/bike_washing_guide" REL="nofollow">wife's bike wash guide</A>. She's been washing my bikes for many years. She uses <A HREF="http://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/product/138" REL="nofollow">Sh1t Shifter</A> certainly keeps my drive chain looking good.<BR/><BR/>Blog on.... <A HREF="http://www.stratobiker.com/" REL="nofollow">SB</A>stratobikerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09097193620947393248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-45198978788692007182008-01-18T22:40:00.000-06:002008-01-18T22:40:00.000-06:00I clean the cassette, freewheels, etc. with an old...I clean the cassette, freewheels, etc. with an old toothbrush and simple green. Just give it a quick squirt with water, spray on full strength simple green while pedaling backwards with your other hand. Hold the toothbrush head-down against the cassette and pedal backwards. Move from largest cog to smallest, probably letting each get 10 pedal rotations with the toothbrush. Press the toothbrush against each side of the free-wheels and continue to pedal backwards. Rinse with hose while pedaling backwards. This process will remove every last chunk of grease/dirt and leave your cassette sparkling in about 2 minutes.wilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12941020952781844279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-17939428177023790762007-10-18T12:03:00.000-05:002007-10-18T12:03:00.000-05:00i'm a fan of El Duke's degreaser. any cleaning pr...i'm a fan of El Duke's degreaser. any cleaning product that's drinkable has to be good. though i wouldn't recommend drinking it unless there's a bet involved. it tastes really nasty.juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16475626486014286511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-15096792608013717222007-10-15T07:20:00.000-05:002007-10-15T07:20:00.000-05:00Use a Mr Clean Magic Eraser sponge to clean your w...Use a Mr Clean Magic Eraser sponge to clean your white bar tape. It works like, um, magic.Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12929004265029141047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-65908603977389768822007-10-11T18:24:00.000-05:002007-10-11T18:24:00.000-05:00Sarah,Thanks for dropping by to read; my apologies...Sarah,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for dropping by to read; my apologies for the delay. I had a hard time finding a brush source, but this one should be okay: http://www.autogeek.net/derewiwhbr.html<BR/><BR/>- RFRadio Freddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07419506761098758178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-50579540470441891452007-10-05T14:11:00.000-05:002007-10-05T14:11:00.000-05:00Where to find the natural brushes?Thx - Great arti...Where to find the natural brushes?<BR/><BR/>Thx - Great article!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-37070363126800989312007-08-31T19:41:00.000-05:002007-08-31T19:41:00.000-05:00I actually just take off my chain and cassette and...I actually just take off my chain and cassette and pop them in the dishwasher and the rest of the bike is really quite easy with a bucket of soapy water and a brush. Regarding lubing the chain, I apply the chain lube and then wipe it off with a paper towel, I think it's just to keep the chain from rusting and keeping it flexible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-25798010090716087692007-08-07T06:21:00.000-05:002007-08-07T06:21:00.000-05:00When it comes to cleaning the drivetrain I have a ...When it comes to cleaning the drivetrain I have a few rules to follow: <BR/><BR/>I replace the chain and cassette every season. This reduces the overall level of dirt and grime.<BR/><BR/>I leave the factory installed lube on the chain until it wears off. No supplemental lube.<BR/><BR/>I lube the chain only when it begins to make noise, not before every ride. <BR/><BR/>These practices allow for the chain to remain as clean as possible. But when the chain has seen a lot of tough, dirty miles here are the cleaning tips:<BR/><BR/>1. Using a small screwdriver scrape off any dry and caked lube/dirt from the cassette. You can do this while pedaling the bike slowly. Take this opportunity to clean the der. pulleys too. <BR/><BR/>2. Using Simple Green at full strength, spray the shain and cassette and allow to sit for a few minutes. While the SG does its job, mix the Dawn and hot water and suds it up. <BR/><BR/>3. Using the natural bristle, cone shaped brush, begin srubbing the cassette/chain at the rear of the bike, pushing the chain against the cassette. Do this for the full length of the chain. Rinse, repeat. If the chain is very dirty you may need to do this multiple times.<BR/><BR/>4. Remove the rear wheel and clean the cassette alone. Paying special attention the cogs used most.<BR/><BR/>5. Wash the crank and chain rings from the inside as well as the outside. I find that a stiff, short bristle brush works best here. This brush will work well on the chain too, make sure you scrub the top, bottom and sides of the chain. (Do not waste your money on a plastic housing with solution that you place on the chain. It uses plastic bristles and will make the mess worse.) Be sure to clean the valleys between the chain ring teeth. If you use a square taper bb such as Campy cranks pre-Ultra Torque, try to avoid removing the crank arms. With each removal and re-installation, the cranks will sit further in-board and eventually they will rub the frame. <BR/><BR/>Be sure to continually dip the brush in the hot, soapy water, removing the grease from the bristles. This will eliminate the grease from the picture. <BR/><BR/>5. Re-install the rear wheel, re-lube the chain and apply sparingly. Allow a few minutes for the lube to soak into the chain and then remove excess with a clean towel. <BR/><BR/>There you have it, the Radio Freddy drive train cleaning. <BR/><BR/>Anon - I like the shoe lace trick. It works like a charm. Thanks for the tip!<BR/><BR/>- RFRadio Freddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07419506761098758178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-72237827168335078072007-08-06T08:53:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:53:00.000-05:00How do I keep my drivetrain clean like the pros? ...How do I keep my drivetrain clean like the pros? I can clean it perfectly, but once I apply lube (conservatively), it gets dirty immediately. How do the pros keep their chains/cogs SO clean even after a hard race? It's like they hardly use any lube at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-7786003133204147042007-08-04T10:44:00.000-05:002007-08-04T10:44:00.000-05:00Some quick comments from the jouneyman.I had been ...Some quick comments from the jouneyman.<BR/>I had been on a trip with another mechanic, who had spent a season in Europe, based in Belgium. On the first evening of bike washes, he sent me to fill the buckets, and get the wash are ready. It was above 40 degrees, Farenheit, so it wasn't freezing. I walked down the two flights of stairs, to a spigot that had hot and cold running water. I filled one bucket with warm water, and the other with warmer water. I intended to use the warmer water bucket for drivetrain. I carried the buckets back up to the wash area, and set-up the stand, and had my bike stack all set to start. The guy from Europe walked over, and stuck his hand in the bucket.<BR/> "Hey, did you put hot water in here?"<BR/> "Yeah, I thought it would clean the drivetrain better."<BR/> The guy from Europe gave a little dry laugh, and slowly kicked both the buckets over, emptyting them onto the pavement area we were working on.<BR/> "There no hot water to wash bikes in Belgium, go back down and fill 'em with just cold."<BR/> I had some very dark thoughts about him as I went back down to refill the buckets. At the end of the wash and tune-ups, the guy from Europe said,<BR/> "That took to long today, you've got to do this job faster, and more accurately."<BR/>Lesson learned, if I had already been washing when he had checked the water, I'd have been done sooner.<BR/>Thank you for the great post, Freddy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-88984666506860680722007-08-03T12:35:00.000-05:002007-08-03T12:35:00.000-05:00hey freddyTie a shoelace around the hub , run a fe...hey freddy<BR/>Tie a shoelace around the hub , run a few gonzo tt laps around the hood and a perfect clean spanking hub .Not so PRO but pretty darn kool . Thanks EURO TRASH (NYC)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-80693538641397828722007-08-03T08:25:00.000-05:002007-08-03T08:25:00.000-05:00Poland - Hello. Thank you for taking the time to ...Poland - Hello. Thank you for taking the time to read. The long arm of BKW is impressive. I will take some time to collect my thoughts on the drive train cleaning techniques and I will create a separate post. Stay tuned. - RFRadio Freddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07419506761098758178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821760991275369602.post-28564666656355478202007-08-03T08:00:00.000-05:002007-08-03T08:00:00.000-05:00Hello, can you say something about "art of the cas...Hello, can you say something about "art of the cassette, chain and crankset wash"? This the worst part for me, and i'm looking for practical advices..<BR/>Greetings from Poland..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com