May 22nd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Bicycles can be an expensive investment but the right bike is something that you should be able to use for a long time. However, if you don't take care of it or clean it properly, then no matter how much you spend your bike will not last. Cleaning and caring for your bike isn’t quite as easy as it sounds—in fact, there are some easy mistakes to make especially for those who may be new to owning a bike.

Not Cleaning Regularly

The frame of your bicycle is the most important part of it. It's what holds all the other parts together and gives them their shape, so it's important to keep in mind that when you're cleaning or caring for your bike, you should always start with the frame. While there is no set answer for how often you should clean your bike as this can vary depending on many different factors such as how often it is used, the terrain and the weather. It is vital not only to keep your bike looking its best but to prevent things such as rust from corroding the frame and causing irreversible damage to the paintwork and frame.  

Not Changing the Tyres

Tyre arguably bare the grunt of your bike work as such they deteriorate over time, and this can be incredibly easy to overlook however when the tread begins to wear this will have a direct impact on how well your bike moves. Worn-down treads reduce traction making it easy for bikes to slip even while breaking it can also cause sudden blowouts which can result in losing control of your bike which can cause an accident that can affect you and others around you.

Be sure to regularly check tyres and replace them when they need it, tyres will last a different amount of time again depending on the frequency of use and the type of terrain they are used on.

Not Using the Right Product

The first mistake people make is using the wrong product. It's important to choose a cleaner that won't damage your bike's finish, as this can be costly and difficult to repair. A good rule of thumb is to avoid harsh cleaners, like bleach or ammonia-based cleaners; these products can strip away the paint from your bike's frame and components, leaving them looking dull and faded.

If you have a steel or aluminium alloy frame (which most modern bicycles have). Instead of using harsh chemicals on your bike use pH-neutral products and detergents designed specifically for use on paintwork and bikes if own a vehicle and use snow foam to clean it, it can also be used on bikes so consider washing them at the same time. Alternatively, wipe down those surfaces with warm water and mild soap. We recommend using the same products on carbon fibre frames too.

Do Not Use Too Much Pressure When Cleaning

As we already mentioned you ride your bike, dirt and grime tend to build up on the frame, tires, and other parts of your bicycle. This build-up can cause corrosion if left unchecked. To keep your bike in good shape, it's important to regularly clean off any grime that accumulates on it.

However, if you're using too much pressure while cleaning a bicycle--or using an improper cleaning agent--you could end up damaging its finish or causing other problems down the line. This is especially true for more delicate areas such as bearing like headsets, cranks, chains etc. Using too much pressure or water on these areas can remove the grease that is important for your bike to function correctly.

You Don't Use the Right Cleaning Tools

While you may be tempted to use your hands or a rag, these materials can leave scratches on the frame. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean off dirt and dust from your bike's frame. A toothbrush is also handy for cleaning out small crevices in rims and hubs where dirt tends to collect; simply dip it in soapy water and scrub away! When it comes time for washing your bicycle (which should happen regularly), always make sure that you remove any excess water before applying lubricant or waxes--this will help prevent corrosion over time.

Not Taking Care of the Chain and Sprockets.

It is very important to maintain the essential mechanisms of your bike including the chain and the sprockets. There are a couple of ways to effectively do this. The first is to use a brush, which you can find at any bike shop or hardware store, a brush will help remove dirt from the chain itself, but it won't get into the hard-to-reach spots where grime has collected over time. For those areas, we recommend using solvent (like WD-40) or a chain cleaner/lube that comes with its own spray bottle so that you don't have to use too much pressure on your hands while applying it directly onto each link of your bike's drivetrain--this will help prevent injury if anything slips off while working on this task and it will also help to keep all the essential grease that is required in place too.

If you like riding your bicycle, then it's important to take care of it. Riding a dirt bike is not only uncomfortable but can also cause damage to the frame and components. In order to keep your bike in good shape and make sure that it lasts as long as possible, here are some tips on how to clean and care for your bicycle. Cleaning and caring for your bicycle is important. If you don't take care of it, it won't work as well and can even be dangerous to ride. These mistakes are easy to fix, so make sure you're doing everything right before taking off on another adventure!