FAQs on thorough bike cleaning
Even if it isn't obvious from the first glance, muck and dust accumulate daily on bikes. Rainwater can also cause build-ups that can damage your bike. The solution is regular cleaning to keep your bike looking and working great, as well as increase the life of the frame and other components.
Below we answer frequently asked questions about bike cleaning. And don't forget, WINTERSTEIGER offers an innovative, easy, and quick alternative to traditional bicycle cleaning methods.
We recommend cleaning your bike as often as possible, as only a clean bike is protected against corrosion. What's more, there's less chance of dirt accumulating when you wash your bike more often and cleaning doesn't take as long.
If you want to create a cleaning schedule, base it on the number of miles you ride. Racing bikes should be cleaned after every 155 to 185 miles ridden, and mountain bikes after 75 to 95 miles.
The first thing you will need is the right cleaning agents. Make sure they are biodegradable and do not contain any harmful chemicals. You will also need a sponge or soft bristle brush to distribute the soap. A hose is best for rinsing, and a soft cloth or chamois for drying the frame.
When washing your bike take the following tips into account to ensure the best results:
- Stand your bike securely in a shady location where it will not fall down. Even if you want to soak up some sun while cleaning your bike, try to avoid it, direct sunlight will dry your bike too quickly.
- Start by cleaning the tires, ideally with a cloth or sponge. Then you can spray the rims with water and leave them to dry.
- Clean dirt off the frame with a mixture of water and cleaning agent. Leave the cleaning agent on long enough to loosen the dirt, but do not let it dry. Then remove any remaining dirt with a sponge and brush.
- Clean the saddle and the handlebars with a soft cloth.
- To finish you can polish the bike with a special purpose agent to protect it from corrosion.
Note: When cleaning e-bikes, make sure you remove any electronic components like the battery and displays first. If the bike has a display that can't be removed, it's best to cover it with a cloth.
When choosing which cleaning agents to use, make sure that they are not too aggressive. Ideally, opt for products that are biodegradable to prevent cleaning chemicals from polluting the environment.
While you're cleaning, it's important that the brakes and brake disks as well as the area around these do not come into contact with the cleaning agents.
If you would rather spend your time cycling than cleaning, then why not leave this task to the bike washing systems from WINTERSTEIGER? They can get your bike clean and ready for action in next to no time! Plus, you can play it safe if you are concerned about damaging your bike components or protecting the environment.
Veloclean Pro is an efficient bike washing system for manual cleaning. It's ideal for both pre-cleaning and thorough washing alike. You carry out the entire cleaning process at a comfortable ergonomic height, so your bike is held in place at a height that you don't have to hunch over to reach.
How cleaning with Veloclean Pro works:
- Use the access ramp to push the bike into the washing area.
- Attach the adjustable holder to keep the bike secure.
- The cleaning lance with low-pressure technology ensures a gentle clean.
- After the wash you can polish your bike to a high shine with a cleaning cloth.
- If an exit ramp is present, use this to push the bike back onto the ground. Otherwise, the bike can be brought back onto the ground using the access ramp.
Bikes can be cleaned even more easily with the Velobrush automatic bike washing system. Bikes practically float into the system on the ergonomically optimized stand. Then all you need to do is choose the desired cleaning program and push the button to start the cleaning process.
While the short washing cycle is running, you can consider where you'll go on your next bike ride, as the cleaning magic takes place inside the system fully automatically. Special Tornado nozzles give the tires and rims an effective yet gentle clean. Two horizontal rotating brushes perform a thorough deep clean up to the handlebars.
An environmental benefit is that like the Veloclean Pro, the water consumption of the Velobrush system is reduced to a minimum.
Yes! Thanks to the gentle low-pressure technology and special settings, the bike washing systems can clean any bike – road, gravel, BMX, and mountain bikes, as well as e-bikes.
The machine has transport rollers and can be moved and positioned effortlessly. This means that the machine can be set up in almost any location. However, we recommend using a trailer or forklift truck for transportation over longer distances.
If you want to wash bikes in continuous use, for example at large rental stations or in bike parks, you should buy the Veloclean Pro. A flow heater inside the machine ensures a constant water temperature. However, the Veloclean Pro requires a high-voltage or power connection. The Veloclean Core is particularly suitable for occasional use. After 2 - 3 cycles, the water in the water tank must be reheated in order to use the cleaning power of hot water. The big advantage, however, is that the machine can be operated with normal household electricity.
Unlike the Veloclean Pro, the Veloclean Core takes a few minutes for the water inside the machine to heat up. A heating element brings the water to a temperature of 50° C.
There is no limit to the number of bikes that can be washed. However, the temperature drops to around 40° C after 2 - 3 bikes have been washed and the machine needs a few minutes to reheat the water inside the machine.
The Veloclean Core does not require a power connection. Power from a standard household socket is sufficient. Simply connect the power and water and press the main switch.
The use of low pressure is gentle on the bike and its components. This means you can clean valuable and sensitive bikes without any worries. This is particularly important for expensive e-bikes. The warm water used for washing dissolves the dirt better and the bike is cleaned more quickly.
You have your hands free during the cleaning process and can take care of other things. The gentle washing process is carried out completely independently and is risk-free. This means that investing in a Velobrush or Velobrush Smart always pays off.
The Velobrush Smart is designed for locations and areas where cyclists want to wash their bikes themselves. Similar to a car wash, you bring your vehicle into the system and the rest takes care of itself. The Velobrush is primarily intended for operation with staff. Operating the Velobrush requires basic prior knowledge. With the Velobrush Smart, customers are guided through the commissioning process with step-by-step instructions.
No. Only single-track bikes without excess length have space in the wash box. The washing process will not start if the door is not closed. In some cases, downhill bikes with 29” wheels and XL frame sizes may be too long for the Velobrush and Velobrush Smart.
The car wash is equipped with a card payment terminal. You can pay by credit or debit card. There are also cooperations with local payment providers, which may vary from area to area.
Depending on the wash program, up to 25 bikes can be washed per hour. It doesn't matter whether it's a racing bike, a mountain bike or an e-bike.
E-bikes offer a certain degree of splash protection and are sufficiently protected to prevent water from penetrating critical components. Thanks to the low-pressure technology, even when washing with the Velobrush Smart, no water gets into places on the e-bike where it should not. If you still want to be on the safe side, you can remove the display of the control unit and, if necessary, the battery. Before putting the parts back on, we recommend wiping the contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
More information on WINTERSTEIGER Bike Services
In addition to bike washing systems, WINTERSTEIGER's range includes even more products for the cycling industry. Drying lockers for equipment and clothing are already in use at many hotels.