Ok, now I'm a bit confused. Clean the bike with no water? But I'm riding it in rain and snow....surely that involves water....and everything else I've tried cleaning, won't come clean without some warm water and soap....

As for the gears, I have two cogs in the front and eight in the back. The small cog in the front has two settings (half click to the right when using the small cogs in the back). I try not to use the large cogs both front and back at the same time, as I understand that puts too much strain on the chain. Anything else I need to be aware of?

I gave the bike a quick clean when I came home last night and that did seem to help. It was running much better this morning. But then I got to the muddy stretch on my commute this morning and it got worse again. So I've come to the conclusion that it must just need a thorough cleaning and re-lubing. My plan is to stock up on the necessary supplies when I get home tonight (if any LBS is still open, if not tomorrow morning) and then give the bike a thorough cleaning and lots of TLC this week-end. But in the meantime, keep the tips coming. Especially on how to best clean the bike....how often....with or without water....