Washing your carbon bike

[SouthernBelle]

I have used and abused my carbon Giant for 2 and a half years now. I am frequently surprised to hear how fearful people are about their carbon frames or forks.

Assuming it's particularly gunky, I spray it down with whatever cleaner I have at hand, let it sit for a a minute to soften the gunk and go at it with a carwash sponge. Occasionally I'll go at some crevices with an old toothbrush.

I have clear-coated carbon. It's really no different from a paintjob or clear coat on a regular bike. If there is a chip in the coat, I'll touch it up with some clear nail polish. Just like you might do to protect steel from rusting.

My frame looks quite pristine, that is when I have it clean.

[Scarlet]

Oops here we go again with this washing business
I am embarrassed that i never washed my Trek (hybrid) and its about 9 years old

I got the dolce last May and it has only been "washed" in the rain

and the Roubaix well, ok then I may wash it before the big challenge

JOGLE

I have to say I bought some new shoes for the bike and they were white I had to scuff em a bit before I would wear em ...........

I had not really thought about the carbon frame being less or more likely to be damaged through handling like on the bike rack but
............. well I am gonna worry now!!!! ASIF

Happy scrubbing you lot

love Scarlet xx

[Andrea]

Now that it's getting hot, my top tube/downtube get coated in sweat and sportsdrink. I will, every 2-3 rides, hang the bike in a tree (I have a head-height crepe-myrtle branch that works perfectly to perch the nose of the saddle on), spray the chain with diluted simple green, spray the frame with the same stuff, then wipe the chain with a rag, then hose the entire thing off. Finally, I put it on the ground and dry the chain a bit before letting it sit overnight (or at least a few hours) then lubing the chain with Royal Purple.

The initial spray/wash takes about 5 minutes total, and is enough to get the sweat/sugar/roadgrime coating off. It won't remove heavy dirt or grease unless you wipe the entire frame down, but the simple green is enough to dissolve minor stuff with just water spray.

Oh yeah, and if I want extra shine, I'll use Eagle wax-as-you-dry car polish. Looks/feels/smells the same as Bike Lust.