More often than not, washing bikes does more harm than good.
From Joe’s corner, SCB:
Q: I’m lazy and lack motivation, what can I do to prolong bearing life?
A: Stop washing your bike so much.
We did some experiments with bikes that were washed a lot but ridden infrequently, bikes that were ridden a lot but washed infrequently, and bikes that were both washed and ridden a lot.
Guess what? Your bike hates only being washed and not being ridden.
This test group had the worst results. They became creaky and not much fun to be around, much like the people who own bikes like that. Don’t get all angry (you know who you are), you can still wash your bike from time to time – and there are those times where it has to be done after every ride. Everything needs more attention during those times. BUT, maybe you should examine your priorities. It’s a mountain bike. You can get dirt on it. It’s OK.
