c0braje7 said:
So I am taking the plunge and starting to commute daily instead of a few days each week. I take pretty good care of my bikes but I have always been somewhat worried about riding in the rain. With that being said...
What is the best routine for cleaning and maintaining a bike after a ride in the rain. I figure it isn't that difficult but this board is the best place to ask!
1. Before you put the bike away, lift it up about one foot off the ground and drop it. The shock from the fall will shake off most of the water.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground and spin it fast, then slam on the brakes. This removes most water from the front wheel, at least from the tire, hub and spokes.
3. Raise the rear wheel off the ground, shift into the small sproket and the large chainring, pedal the bike fast with your hands, then slam on the brakes. This removes most of the water from the rear wheel and chain.
4. With a towel, wipe down the bike from top to bottom.
5. Spray the chain down with WD-40. This does nothing to lube the chain, you're just lightly cleaning it while using the WD-40 to dissipate any water still trapped in the chain.
6. Wipe down the chain with a rag real well, then relube with chain lube.