The Chainlink

Hello, Mayor Daley? I know where the city's salt supply went...

It's on my bike! :(

Does anyone have any suggestions where I can wash my bike, especially around west loop/uk village? I don't have access to a spigot/hose where I live, and I need to desalinate my poor Swobo stat!

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Permalink Reply by Glenn on January 14, 2010 at 10:28am
wet rag and sponge yo ;)
Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 14, 2010 at 2:31pm
Why so concerned about hosing down your bike? The next time you take it out it will get dirty really quickly. Keeping your bike clean in wintry road conditions is a losing battle.

The salt itself won’t damage your frame a bit (assuming it is painted or coated). What does tend to get rusty are nuts and bolts, unless they are made of high-end stainless steel or other rust and stain resisting materials

The one thing to check regularly in the winter is your drive train (chain, cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs). You want to make sure that it is clean, not rusted, well lubed, and that it moves without much noise. Other than that I would not maintain my bike anymore than in the summer. Instead clean your bike thoroughly in April or so, after all snow is gone and we had some rain to wash the remaining salt of the streets.

If you really want to clean your bike right now, I suggest a bucket with some soapy water, some brushes and a pair of latex gloves. Take it outside and rub it down. You may want to have a rag handy, to wipe off the excess moisture. Then take it inside to let it dry completely, before the nuts and bolts start rusting.
Permalink Reply by Joyce M. Fitzgerald on January 14, 2010 at 4:50pm
West Town Bikes has a nice bike wash station with spray nozzle hose. Plus degreaser, chain lube, tools, etc.

Throw them a couple bucks if you can, and get some good vibes while you shine up your bike!
Permalink Reply by cutifly on January 14, 2010 at 5:22pm
You'd be surprised how easy it is to just use someones when they are not home.
Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on January 18, 2010 at 6:54pm
Use car wax on most of the bicycle (excluding braking surfaces) and you can brush off the dirt and salt.
http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/maintenance.htm
Permalink Reply by Eric R on January 18, 2010 at 7:12pm
It is suppose to rain on Sunday, that will be the next time my bike gets washed (I leave my winter bike outside 24/7 unless I work on it). Cleaning it at a car wash when spring arrives does sound ideal.

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