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.



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