It’s important to note that if you’re lazy and can’t be bothered to either wipe down your bike after every ride or at least every other week, a winter beater bike is a godsend. Especially for folks in really nasty climates. You can keep tires with traction made for winter or rain and your pretty bike stays hanging and shiny inside waiting for better climates. And if you don’t wanna spend tons on a winter beater hit up a garage sale. If you spend $25 on a Walmart bike and it survives 3 winters before falling apart then you really got a deal out of it.
When rotating your drivetrain to wipe off excess lube, use your hand to turn the rear wheel and don't spin the actual cranks, that is unless you like the idea of losing a finger. It's fine to spin the cranks to work in the lube, just keep your hands away from the moving cog/ring. You can do some serious damage even with the cranks moving at a slow rate. Your rag can easily get caught in between the chain and teeth, pulling your fingers there. Just be cautious and pay close attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine. There are plenty of NSFW pics out there illustrating my concern.
Well, I just found out about this two days ago. You're right, it ain't no fun getting half of your finger hanging from a thread of skin. It hurts a lot.
Ride every day and am totally onboard with Zach. Location is super important with cold & wet riding. Sacramento cold-n-wet is not Boston cold-n-wet. If your locale salts roads, you MUST clean the bike after every wet, cold ride. Rinse everything and dry & lube the drive train. If the bike isn't a beater, wipe it ALL down. OR, curse your gritty drive train, blown nipples and rusted frame. Word from a guy who's made the mistakes...
I'd say if you live in a place where every day is cold and rainy and you use the bike to commute, spending 15 minutes after every ride cleaning the bike is just not going to happen. I think you're overrating keeping the bike clean. If you have sealed bearing components and fenders, your chain and brakes are going to be the main pieces that suffer. Frankly I'm happy to replace a chain after winter and a quick wipedown after each ride is sufficient to spare the brakes and rims. A more involved cleaning once every week or two is enough to carry the rest of the bike through the whole season. As long as you're storing it indoors (and using thicc lube), the bike'll fare pretty well.
yup, i’ve commuted in rainy a$$ eugene oregon for ten years, and seattle for five. hose off your bike. let her dry in your warm house indoors. use phils tenacious and lithium grease every few weeks. towel off every other day or so.
Does anyone really clean their bike after every ride, especially in winter? In the winter I'll do a good cleaning like this every second week. If it's really bad I'll wash it down to get off the dirt. My main focus is always the drivetrain and the break surface.
I hose my bike Down with water after the ride, and then keep it inside for it to dry. but I'll usually clean/relube my chain before riding in the morning
Also kind of depend on how often you ride, I ride to work and back each day so I'm going to wash it when I get to work or even when I get home. Maybe on the weekend if I have time I or if the bike really needs it.
@rollinrat4850 This is very helpful. I was also wondering about the handlebar tube (sorry I don't know the technical term for that), should I take that tube out as well as I turn my bike upside down to drain? Thanks.
I just wipe off the gunk of my chain with a rag. As well as chainring and jockey wheels (I use Dérailleur). Right afterwards I lube the chain and dry the excess. This works super well. I use my bike about 5 to 6 hours a day and works great. I do it while my coffee is brewing.
I don't like to use detergent or other degreaser because it gets into the chain, and can remove the wax on the paint. I will use a semi-clean rag to wipe the frame and componants; then a clean rag. The lube is applied - whatever I have around. I do like Tri-Flow, and have used it for years on my guns to good effect. You are right, do it before you get comfortable! It's so much more work when it dries on.
I have only done half of these things which is half as good. But thanks so much Zach Gallardo for this vid!! I've been wanting something like these items for my bike!! Now I must buy their items for my fixie bike.
4:48 nerds like me would spray on a rag and use it for cleaning....this way you would not only use less solution, but also don't spray it where it's not supposed to get onto.
My rear cog cut off the tip of my thumb while cleaning my chain. Would not recommend holding a rag to the chain while spinning the crank... the rag caught on the chain and dragged my hand to the rear crank. Was that bad that i had to have a plastic surgeon reattach my thumb tip.
You forgot the perfect solution. Clean it in the shower or bath. Works for those of us in apartments, and it means you can get nice and warm as you clean the bike.
Here in Mexico it does not raim often during winter. This will be useful between July and September when it rains at least once every two weeks. Thanks for the video!
You can get a perfectly functional chain, chainring, and cog for around $100 that will last well through a winter of heavy riding and only periodic maintenance. The fact that you might get twice as long out of your drivetrain if you clean it everyday vs once a week really doesn't matter to me unless we're talking about a high-end drivetrain that's more than $100, which I wouldn't be locking up outside everyday in the winter anyway.
Looks like some one has installed your chainring on the wrong way. That little bump on the inside of the ring should be in line with the crank arm. It probably doesn't make a difference with single speeds, but y'know...
as I've said before I don't clean my bike in winter. in my opinion it is too much of a hassle (and it's way too fuckin cold). I clean my bike in spring and swap out the chain and breakpads, since they need replacing regularly anyway. ok, cleaning the bike takes two hours then, but for me those two hours will be satisfactory and well spent.
Belt drive, seriously. And paired with FG cog e.g. without mechanical delicacy of freehub or gear hub, belt drive could be answer to nasty weather and save great deal of your time after daily ride.
Hi, I understand that the question is not on the topic of the video, but your opinion is important to me. I want to buy myself an aluminum frameset, the budget is up to $ 350. I already have a steel frameset, this is a replica of the Schwinn cutter, but it is very heavy and has bad geometry. Next year I want to take part in the local amateur criterium and this will not work on my frame, since I take pedals to the asphalt at the corners. What would you suggest frameset? I think of the Aventon Cordoba 2017+ model year, but there are very few reviews and information about it.
And, very importantly, clean between the brakes pads on your hydraulic brake calipers. They are full of grit and gunk that not only interferes with operation, it scores your brake rotor. Then, wipe your rotors down with isopropyl alcohol. ‘Cause dependable braking is important and responsible when roads are slippery, right?
Oh wow, i think it only works if you store your bike inside... I'm in Amsterdam in a 30sqm apartment and i store my bike outside (almost everyone does) so it will get wet and dirty again during the night 😭
Lube choices are quite bad Like almost all of them are horrible in terms of drivetrain efficiency Consider waxing your chain. Degrease it thoroughly and wax it in a wax and paraffin oil moxture. Tried finish line wet lube and phil tenacious. Laughable performance. You still have to completely clean the chain after EVERY wet ride since the chain attracts so much grit with regular lube
I think taking 30 seconds to switch hoodies and put on new pants isn't an unreasonable first step. Do you only have one set of clothes? Dude, cycling is great and all, but you really should get some help. You're off the rails man! Even severe drug addicts with psychological issues know enough to save a little smack money to go to goodwill every other month. Did you start with scootering? Ive heard that can be a gateway hobby that has been shown can lead to full-on cycling addiction and even dependence in some cases. I know because I used to be like you, but i had to get off the bike, know what I mean man.
Sry dude, but 5 ads on one video. Absolutely noway will I be subscribing or watching further video's. Uploaders who paste ads to video's are why TH-cam is gone to be such a pathetic platform 👎👎👎
It’s important to note that if you’re lazy and can’t be bothered to either wipe down your bike after every ride or at least every other week, a winter beater bike is a godsend. Especially for folks in really nasty climates. You can keep tires with traction made for winter or rain and your pretty bike stays hanging and shiny inside waiting for better climates. And if you don’t wanna spend tons on a winter beater hit up a garage sale. If you spend $25 on a Walmart bike and it survives 3 winters before falling apart then you really got a deal out of it.
When rotating your drivetrain to wipe off excess lube, use your hand to turn the rear wheel and don't spin the actual cranks, that is unless you like the idea of losing a finger. It's fine to spin the cranks to work in the lube, just keep your hands away from the moving cog/ring. You can do some serious damage even with the cranks moving at a slow rate. Your rag can easily get caught in between the chain and teeth, pulling your fingers there. Just be cautious and pay close attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine. There are plenty of NSFW pics out there illustrating my concern.
I took the end of my finger off it's not fun
I wish i had seen this sooner... Just earlier i almost broke my finger and got to deep cuts on it when it got stuck in the gear and chain :(
Well, I just found out about this two days ago. You're right, it ain't no fun getting half of your finger hanging from a thread of skin. It hurts a lot.
Same here, tip of my index finger is fucked
Ride every day and am totally onboard with Zach. Location is super important with cold & wet riding. Sacramento cold-n-wet is not Boston cold-n-wet. If your locale salts roads, you MUST clean the bike after every wet, cold ride. Rinse everything and dry & lube the drive train. If the bike isn't a beater, wipe it ALL down. OR, curse your gritty drive train, blown nipples and rusted frame. Word from a guy who's made the mistakes...
U need a new candle
my bespoke vintage wifi just downloaded this page, and thanks for reminding me
*skids '93 cannondale back into deadstock ether*
I'd say if you live in a place where every day is cold and rainy and you use the bike to commute, spending 15 minutes after every ride cleaning the bike is just not going to happen. I think you're overrating keeping the bike clean. If you have sealed bearing components and fenders, your chain and brakes are going to be the main pieces that suffer. Frankly I'm happy to replace a chain after winter and a quick wipedown after each ride is sufficient to spare the brakes and rims. A more involved cleaning once every week or two is enough to carry the rest of the bike through the whole season. As long as you're storing it indoors (and using thicc lube), the bike'll fare pretty well.
yup, i’ve commuted in rainy a$$ eugene oregon for ten years, and seattle for five. hose off your bike. let her dry in your warm house indoors. use phils tenacious and lithium grease every few weeks. towel off every other day or so.
but ocd
great video! cut down some youtube time and use that time to maintain the bike, totally worth it! Thanks again!
Does anyone really clean their bike after every ride, especially in winter? In the winter I'll do a good cleaning like this every second week. If it's really bad I'll wash it down to get off the dirt. My main focus is always the drivetrain and the break surface.
I hose my bike Down with water after the ride, and then keep it inside for it to dry. but I'll usually clean/relube my chain before riding in the morning
Also kind of depend on how often you ride, I ride to work and back each day so I'm going to wash it when I get to work or even when I get home. Maybe on the weekend if I have time I or if the bike really needs it.
@rollinrat4850 This is very helpful. I was also wondering about the handlebar tube (sorry I don't know the technical term for that), should I take that tube out as well as I turn my bike upside down to drain? Thanks.
I just wipe off the gunk of my chain with a rag. As well as chainring and jockey wheels (I use Dérailleur). Right afterwards I lube the chain and dry the excess. This works super well. I use my bike about 5 to 6 hours a day and works great. I do it while my coffee is brewing.
I don't like to use detergent or other degreaser because it gets into the chain, and can remove the wax on the paint. I will use a semi-clean rag to wipe the frame and componants; then a clean rag. The lube is applied - whatever I have around. I do like Tri-Flow, and have used it for years on my guns to good effect. You are right, do it before you get comfortable! It's so much more work when it dries on.
I have only done half of these things which is half as good. But thanks so much Zach Gallardo for this vid!! I've been wanting something like these items for my bike!! Now I must buy their items for my fixie bike.
My winter beater only get its drivetrain maintained and maybe one wash if it is an unusually warm winter day.
No way am I doing all this every time I ride in the rain. I do clean my bike more often in the winter though.
4:48 nerds like me would spray on a rag and use it for cleaning....this way you would not only use less solution, but also don't spray it where it's not supposed to get onto.
My rear cog cut off the tip of my thumb while cleaning my chain.
Would not recommend holding a rag to the chain while spinning the crank... the rag caught on the chain and dragged my hand to the rear crank. Was that bad that i had to have a plastic surgeon reattach my thumb tip.
Similar thing happened to me ,didn't cut off any of my finger but I did have a hole in my nail
Same thing happened to me, 2 holes in my thumb, almost crack the bone of my thumb, lot of nail inside it etc.. not nice ahaha
You forgot the perfect solution. Clean it in the shower or bath.
Works for those of us in apartments, and it means you can get nice and warm as you clean the bike.
Very good idea. Thanks. Will try that.
Here in Mexico it does not raim often during winter. This will be useful between July and September when it rains at least once every two weeks.
Thanks for the video!
Great vid, Zach- thanks
I get it, but when I leave for work at 7am and get back at 10pm....
:)
You can get a perfectly functional chain, chainring, and cog for around $100 that will last well through a winter of heavy riding and only periodic maintenance. The fact that you might get twice as long out of your drivetrain if you clean it everyday vs once a week really doesn't matter to me unless we're talking about a high-end drivetrain that's more than $100, which I wouldn't be locking up outside everyday in the winter anyway.
hi from dominican republic the place where you can melt on december
please buy a 6ku fixie! you've reviewed it but you've never actually ridden it
4:44 "Spray degreaser all over your bike" -- I dont think this applies to bikes with disc brakes on them. That stuff can mess up the disc rotors.
Looks like some one has installed your chainring on the wrong way. That little bump on the inside of the ring should be in line with the crank arm. It probably doesn't make a difference with single speeds, but y'know...
I didn't even have a bike, why i'm whatching this?
BECAUSE!!! 😝
Then, you want to have a bike
Join the dark side
@@Kleyguy7 unfortunally i live in a city build on a hills (cagliari) so use a fixedbike it's very difficult
as I've said before I don't clean my bike in winter. in my opinion it is too much of a hassle (and it's way too fuckin cold). I clean my bike in spring and swap out the chain and breakpads, since they need replacing regularly anyway. ok, cleaning the bike takes two hours then, but for me those two hours will be satisfactory and well spent.
3:48 and be careful not to snap off fingertips while rotating wheel!
I wish i had seen this sooner... Just earlier i almost broke my finger and got to deep cuts on it when it got stuck in the gear and chain :(
Good info here!
Can we wash with simple detergent or dish washer instead of degreaser?
I want to upgrade my single speed not sure what to get want comfy tires and steel frame
Belt drive, seriously. And paired with FG cog e.g. without mechanical delicacy of freehub or gear hub, belt drive could be answer to nasty weather and save great deal of your time after daily ride.
I am too lazy for that, but fortunately I have a belt drive and don’t have to worry about that at all.
Hi, I understand that the question is not on the topic of the video, but your opinion is important to me. I want to buy myself an aluminum frameset, the budget is up to $ 350. I already have a steel frameset, this is a replica of the Schwinn cutter, but it is very heavy and has bad geometry. Next year I want to take part in the local amateur criterium and this will not work on my frame, since I take pedals to the asphalt at the corners. What would you suggest frameset? I think of the Aventon Cordoba 2017+ model year, but there are very few reviews and information about it.
I would really like to see the Wabi with those Bullhorns you have in the back. :)
Daniel Salinas those aren’t really bullhorns, more like cruiser bars
@@Nelsonomous Yeah sorry, I'm not familiar with details like that.
the lube should actually go inbetween the roller and the plate. Just putting it on top of the roller isn't going to do much for your chain.. :/
And, very importantly, clean between the brakes pads on your hydraulic brake calipers. They are full of grit and gunk that not only interferes with operation, it scores your brake rotor. Then, wipe your rotors down with isopropyl alcohol. ‘Cause dependable braking is important and responsible when roads are slippery, right?
you have a fixed gear bike with hydraulic disc brakes? 😮
I have Ultegra STI shifters with hydro brakes. And yes, those gears ARE fixed to the bike. All eleven of them.
Oh wow, i think it only works if you store your bike inside... I'm in Amsterdam in a 30sqm apartment and i store my bike outside (almost everyone does) so it will get wet and dirty again during the night 😭
When will you do ride vlogs?
There's a reason for belt drive and fenders....don't bother with them if you only ride dry....
I use 3 in 1 for everything
I still bike and there is snow on the ground its old and rusty
Hey Zach, have you heard of Zwift?
I have dedicated winter bike
Dude do you have Filipino blood?
Laughs in mudguards
Lube choices are quite bad
Like almost all of them are horrible in terms of drivetrain efficiency
Consider waxing your chain. Degrease it thoroughly and wax it in a wax and paraffin oil moxture.
Tried finish line wet lube and phil tenacious. Laughable performance. You still have to completely clean the chain after EVERY wet ride since the chain attracts so much grit with regular lube
tl;dr "Wash, dry and lube your bike after wet rides."
You sounds like an add XD funny
I'll change to a fair weather biker instead🌧🚲❌
Bikes require more maintenance than a car.
Too much effort.
Upside down bike, oh noooo! Get a work stand
.
I think taking 30 seconds to switch hoodies and put on new pants isn't an unreasonable first step. Do you only have one set of clothes? Dude, cycling is great and all, but you really should get some help. You're off the rails man! Even severe drug addicts with psychological issues know enough to save a little smack money to go to goodwill every other month. Did you start with scootering? Ive heard that can be a gateway hobby that has been shown can lead to full-on cycling addiction and even dependence in some cases. I know because I used to be like you, but i had to get off the bike, know what I mean man.
Sry dude, but 5 ads on one video. Absolutely noway will I be subscribing or watching further video's. Uploaders who paste ads to video's are why TH-cam is gone to be such a pathetic platform 👎👎👎