Bike care after a rainy ride

[ManBearPig]

Ciao.
Me and my Giordano both got soaked during a training ride, within the last two miles haha. Funny but it's the first for me. So I'm asking you guys if there are any precautionary methods to ensure that my road bike doesn't take any damage in long term? There is road dust on the frame and on derailleurs. Should I give him a quick rinse (or use a spray? is it a thing?) or clean it more thoroughly?

Thanks!

[Painkiller]

you can spray it down anytime to keep it clean, do not use soap around any bearings..i.e.. headset,BB, rear cluster, brake pivots , wipe or blow dry. and just keep her lubed. Thats all you really need to do to maintain.

[Jesper]

(07-28-2020, 08:24 AM)ManBearPig Wrote:  Ciao.
Me and my Giordano both got soaked during a training ride, within the last two miles haha. Funny but it's the first for me. So I'm asking you guys if there are any precautionary methods to ensure that my road bike doesn't take any damage in long term? There is road dust on the frame and on derailleurs. Should I give him a quick rinse (or use a spray? is it a thing?) or clean it more thoroughly?

Thanks!

If you keep your chain well lubricated, you can "rinse" it with low pressure water to help remove grit and fine debris. The chain is wet anyways so your are not causing any more damage than what has potentially been caused by running it in wet conditions. Towel off excess moisture from it and blow/fan dry the chain before relubing. Avoid getting water into pedal, hub, pulley, and/or crank bearings if you are performing this work with the chain still installed. You can do the same thing with a "dryer" (lightly or no lube) chain, but you must dry the chain as quickly as possible (spraying with alcohol helps) to avoid any rust damage, and of course, thoroughly lube the chain once dry and before use.

[ManBearPig]

That's what I needed, I appreciate your advice @Jesper @Painkiller. What about using a hose and higher pressure water? Does it make a difference?

Thanks!

[Painkiller]

(07-30-2020, 06:42 PM)ManBearPig Wrote:  That's what I needed, I appreciate your advice @Jesper @Painkiller. What about using a hose and higher pressure water? Does it make a difference?

Thanks!

no problem with high pressure just keep it away from the bearing areas as with soap. be careful with high pressure on antique bicycles and fragile decals and such. But nothing wrong with a rag and a bucket with a good rinse and dry either. My method of choice. The only time I would resort to spraying off my bike would be if was totally caked in mud.

[Jesper]

(07-30-2020, 06:42 PM)ManBearPig Wrote:  What about using a hose and higher pressure water? Does it make a difference?
Thanks!

I agree with Painkiller. I will spray off a bike at higher pressure when it is a muddy mess, but l have removed the wheels and wrapped the bottom bracket and derailleurs in plastic. Also, I tend to rebuild after a really dirty ride; though not for just a rain shower. Since I ride older bikes, most of my bearings are not sealed "cartridge" type, so high pressure spray is not the best method. I think newer bikes can withstand more exposure to moisture in that they are better sealed. Still, make sure the bike gets dried immediately after you wash it. Blow drying is best and quickest; if leaving in the sun, flip it over occasionally.