Washing Guidelines

[Johnny]

Unfortunately I failed to find a thread dedicated to this. If there is one, you can delete this thread and point me to the right one.

So, after 400miles my Haibike Xduro Cross needs some cleaning. It is mostly dried out mud/dust (but not heavy , you can probably just run your hands over it and the residues are gone). A couple of questions :

1. I am planning to remove the battery and display. Anything else I should do before cleaning(like covering the battery plugs, motor etc?)

2. Is it ok to run water over it with a hose(not pressurized)?

3. I have an armor all car washing liquid which does NOT contain wax and supposed to be very gentle on paint (https://www.amazon.com/Armor-All-25...1520978419&sr=1-3&keywords=armor+all+car+wash). I have seen people using dawn etc. where this one is much much milder than any detergent.

4. Do I need to degrease the chain ? What is the usual intervals you do a complete degrease and lube?

5. Any recommended tools (brushes etc)?

6. If rinsing it with a hose is not an option then how do you clean it?



Thanks for the answers in advance.

 

[mrgold35]

I put between 50-80 miles on my two Radrover work commuting and how much trail riding I can squeeze in (+4100 miles). My conditions are extremely dry; but, really sandy and dusty in southwest. I use a dry based lube (Finish Line Dry Teflon Chain Lube) on my chain and I can start to hear the difference when riding when sand/dust start to build-up after +7 days.

- I use the same type of soap products on my Radrover as I do for my car
- I degrease the chain and scrub off any lube build up on the gears with Park tool brush
- I use shower spray setting on garden hose on low pressure to wet tires, chain, fender, and gears (I don't hose down battery pack area, above the seatpost, or handle bars).
- use my bucket of soapy water and car tire scrub brush to clean the tires and soft cloth to clean front/rear of the bike like the rear hub motor, rims/spokes, slap guard, front/rear frame, forks, and fender.
- use low pressure water to remove any soap from tires, rims, gears, etc... around each tire
- I use the soft soapy cloth with min wetness to wipe down the center part of ebike like battery pack, center of frame, saddle, handlebars, and stem.


I purchased a XPower A-2 2 speed air blower (Amazon, $50) and that was a good investment for me. I use the blower to remove excess water from the chain after washing, it removes water hiding in all those hidden places on the bike, and it helps dry the bike off better than using a dry cloth (no runs, no drips). I started using the blower when I wash my car to get those last drops of water hiding in the cracks that drip out when you start to drive.

 

[ebikemom]

My bike can be washed the usual way because it’s waterproof. No high pressure washing. Hose on the shower setting, bucket with soapy water, rags, scrub brush for the tires, gentle car washing brush.... the bike looks beautiful!

 

[ebikemom]