Wipe bike frame with Pledge or Bike Lust before getting it dirty; it'll be
easier to clean later.

Like Dave says, wipe it with a wet towel -- or squirt the clods off with a
water bottle. A garden hose has enough water pressure that it can cause
problems by moving grit into areas that were clean, getting water into hubs
and bottom bracket, etc. A plant sprayer works really well, however. (I don't
use soap on the bike until spring. When I do, use Dawn detergent diluted in
warm water; I apply with sponge or brush, then gently rinse with the plant
sprayer, taking care not to shoot water directly on bearings, seals, derailleur
pivots, etc.)

If roads are salted in your area, it's important to clean/wash your rims as
well as the bike frame. Salt corrodes aluminum, nipple eyelets, alloy nipples,
etc.



Mike Yankee

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