If you're an avid mountain biker, it's likely that you've explored its capabilities in a wide range of different terrains.

Afterward, you’ve also probably noticed that the bike is just as dirty as you. While it’s easy for you to hop in the shower and get clean, you might not have given as much thought to cleaning your bike.

Even when you do clean it, you’ve most likely have just given it a good hose down and washed away the more noticeable dirt and grime.

But is that enough to call your bike “clean”? How often should you wash your mountain bike to keep it in top condition?

Let’s find out.

3 Reasons to Clean Your Bike

The most obvious reason to clean your bike after a ride is to reduce friction and keep all parts in working order.

But did you know that there are three more good reasons why you should clean your bike regularly?

Reduces Weight

While mud and dirt might not look like much on your bike, leaving it on the frame and wheels can add up weight over time. If you regularly go on rides in muddy or dirty terrain, you can easily acquire up to two pounds of additional weight because of the dirt!

What’s more, dried-up mud can cake on your frame and wheels, making it harder to remove. You might even accidentally scratch the surface of your bike while trying to remove dried dirt.

Respect Your Equipment

You can leave an unfavorable impression when you show up at a ride with a dirty bike. You don’t want to be “that guy,”-- you know, that one who is careless about their bike.

Even an entry-level mountain bike can be quite pricey, and showing up with a dirty bike gives the impression that you don’t care enough about your gear to make the effort of cleaning it.  

Easier Inspection

After every ride, you should take the time to check on your bike for any damage. Keeping your bike clean means that you can easily spot any problems in the frame, chains, cables, and wheels.

Safety is essential when using your mountain bike. A clean bike means that you’ll be able to nip any problems in the bud.

When Should You Wash Your Bike?

As a rule of thumb, you should wash your bike once a week if you use it regularly for city rides. However, if you use it on dirty or muddy terrain, you should wash your bike after every ride.

For general cleaning, scrubbing it down with soapy water and a good hose down is enough to remove most debris. Make sure to focus on your wheels and chain since dried-up dirt can affect the performance of these parts.

After soaping down your bike, make sure to apply lubricant to your chain to keep it moving smoothly.

You should also dry off your bike immediately after hosing it down to prevent rust.

Conclusion

Keeping your bike clean and free from debris is the best way to show that you respect both your bike and the sport in general.

Not only will you guarantee that your bike is in the best condition, but you’ll also be safe whenever you ride.

Surely the ten minutes you’ll spend cleaning your bike after a ride is worth the thrilling experience, right?

Get that soap and water, clean off your bike, and have fun on your next bike ride!

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