Bike cleaning - Wellington?

**Neshi** · 12th June 2010, 15:10

Is there anyplace in or near wellington / Hutt, where there is a place to clean the bike. Like a pressure hose you have to pay for etc.

Back in Holland we had these places where you could wash the bike / car yourself where you had pressure hoses you paid like a euro for 100 seconds of pressured water (with options to remove bugs, hot wax, rinse etc. etc.) and a big bucket of water + a sponge.
Of course there were the ride-through as well.. but that's not an option with the bike.

So, anything of these kinds here in NZ (wellington)?

I already tried with a bucket of water and a sponge, but I can't reach everywhere to remove the dirt etc, and my house has no option of getting a hose or anything...

**dogsnbikes** · 12th June 2010, 16:16

Originally Posted by Neshi

.

I already tried with a bucket of water and a sponge, but I can't reach everywhere to remove the dirt etc, and my house has no option of getting a hose or anything...

You Say you have no option for a hose ??? If you have a washing Machine..why don't you use the taps your washing machine hose's screw onto??

**Blinkwing** · 12th June 2010, 16:28

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

You Say you have no option for a hose ??? If you have a washing Machine..why don't you use the taps your washing machine hose's screw onto??

Some washing machine water input is directly behind the washing machine itself. Quite troublesome removing the washing machine just for a bike wash.

**Neshi** · 12th June 2010, 19:27

that, and that I would need a hose of +- 10 meters from the house to the bike. I live on a hill, need to take the stairs from the side of the road to the front door..

but no DIY carwash anywhere?

**sinfull** · 12th June 2010, 19:37

Have to refrain myself a little, but being a dutchman i forgive you !

Go buy a 5 ltre container of CRC and a little spray bottle, a can of brake clean and tear the shirt off your mans back !

Now go for your life !

**SMOKEU** · 12th June 2010, 20:18

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

If you have a washing Machine..why don't you use the taps your washing machine hose's screw onto??

Why not just chuck the whole bike in the washing machine?

**Neshi** · 12th June 2010, 20:56

Originally Posted by sinfull

Have to refrain myself a little, but being a dutchman i forgive you !

Go buy a 5 ltre container of CRC and a little spray bottle, a can of brake clean and tear the shirt off your mans back !

Now go for your life !

I would still not be able to clean the hard-to-reach places..

**oracle** · 12th June 2010, 21:16

Originally Posted by Neshi

I would still not be able to clean the hard-to-reach places..

Wouldn't a pressurised spray bottle work, like the ones you put weedkiller in? You can get one from miter10 for about $10. Just a couple of pumps and you've got as much pressurised water as you could be bothered carrying down

**Neshi** · 12th June 2010, 21:19

ah that's a very good idea! What kind of store is miter10? anyone know if the wharehous or maybe bunnings sells these kinda things?

**vindy500** · 12th June 2010, 22:08

mitre 10 basically equals bunnings

**devo** · 12th June 2010, 22:10

Originally Posted by Neshi

I would still not be able to clean the hard-to-reach places..

cotton buds for all those hard to reach little places.

.

how about one of those supersize waterguns from the whorehouse and a bucket of hot soapy water.

**sinfull** · 12th June 2010, 23:37

Originally Posted by Neshi

I would still not be able to clean the hard-to-reach places..

Some of them hard to reach places sometimes do need a little extra attention !

But keep in mind that the hard to reach places, are usually hard to see also, so why bother ?
CrC or WD40 will keep tar or grime soft (and keep a wet look, so harder to see) next heavy downpour will likely rinse it away !
The usual soap suds you use are a degreasing agent and dirt gets in where grease should be, unless you have regimental maintenance ! (and doesn't remove tar anyway)
Salt spray in wellington is high and alloy will oxidise quickly if it's allowed to, a simple spray on (whole bike) and wipe off, of the bits ya want to shine will keep it looking tops ! Sure, dust will be attracted to the oil coated bits you have sprayed, but will again wash away easily !

Won't say this is what you should be doing, but it's a very easy option lol, take it from one who does not enjoy cleaning his bikes !

The can of brakeclean comment earlier is important though, as overspray will get on the rotors if you spray yr forks or wheels, wiping will only partially remove the film of oil, checking your brakes work before flying down your hill would be wise lol

**Eyegasm** · 14th June 2010, 11:14

I am still trying to get Katie to clean my bike, Maybe you should hound her too.

She might finally give in!!

I know she does a good clean as her bike shines.

After that ride out to Makara, my bike is covered in dirt. Bikeshop has it at the moment for a service.
Hope they don't mind

Eyegasm