Test: Five "friends" for bike care | Ride MTB

Test: Five "friends" for bike care

There's nothing like a sparkling clean bike. It makes the next ride more enjoyable and a well-maintained machine rides better. So that you don't waste too much time cleaning your bike, we present five "friends" who can help you get it done quickly.

The tested products in the overview:

Muc-Off Pressure Washer
Granite Hex Stand
Peaty's Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser
Blub Bike Cleaner
M-Budget Microfiber Universal Cleaning Cloths

Muc-Off Pressure Washer

First impression
The pressure washer is practically packed in a sheet bag. This is waterproof and so the device can be transported "dry" after use. A 220-volt power connection and a water connection are required for operation. Unfortunately, this restricts mobile use. According to Muc-Off, the Pressure Washer is explicitly designed for cleaning bicycles and motorcycles. Three different nozzles are supplied for this purpose. One with a pressure-reduced jet for bicycles, one for high-pressure cleaning of motorcycles and an adjustable nozzle for universal use. Also included is a snow foam nozzle to which a bottle of Muc-Off cleaner can be attached.

In use
Once the power and water are connected, a lance is first attached to the handle and then the nozzle of your choice. The "Bicycle" model has proven to be ideal, the others are not really necessary. Thanks to the right water pressure and flat jet, the bike is quickly pre-washed and the coarsest dirt is removed. The snow foam nozzle and Muc-Off cleaner are then used to tackle the last of the dirt. The supply of cleaning agent is regulated with the rotary knob. If you want a really thick lather on the bike, the bottle empties quickly. However, this is only necessary for extremely dirty bikes. Otherwise, a small amount of the product is sufficient. After a contact time of around three minutes, switch back to the normal nozzle and spray the bike clean.

Conclusion
The Muc-Off Pressure Washer is a robustly designed and fundamentally efficient cleaning device with which you can wash your bike in a short time. The cumbersome connection and plugging together of all elements makes the time advantage compared to normal cleaning with a garden hose obsolete. Even if the background noise of the motor is annoyingly loud, lathering up is a lot of fun. You almost feel like the fire department fighting a fire with extinguishing foam. The area of application is very limited due to the necessary power and water supply, but there is nothing to criticize about the device in purely functional terms.

Price: CHF 189.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.muc-off.com / www.intercycle.com

Granite Hex Stand

First impression
The Hex Stand from Granite comes with a matching transport bag and three adapters: for 2 and 30 millimeter bottom brackets and for the Shimano road crank with M20 bolt. It is available in three colors. The bike stand is made of anodized aluminium and looks robust. The small pack size is impressive.

In use
It takes a lot of nerve to get the hang of this product. The right preload on the quick release is crucial to ensure that the mobile repair stand keeps the bike stable. During the first few uses, the guide of the clamp runs downwards with a lot of resistance. Over time, it runs more smoothly and handling is done in a few simple steps. The bottom bracket mount works with a spring system under preload and is easy to operate. To change the supplied adapters, you need an Allen key and a minute's time. On Shimano and Sram cranks, the hex is routed through the bottom bracket on the drive side. As a result, operating the crank, for example when oiling the chain, is awkward because you always have to reach around and cannot turn freely.

Conclusion
As we all know, practice makes perfect and once you have mastered it, you won't want to do without the Hex stand. It can be folded up small so you can take it with you wherever you go. It keeps a bike without a motor stable, but is not designed for E-MTBs. The Hex is an ideal stand for washing on the go and for carrying out minor repairs or adjustments.

Price: CHF 88.90

Manufacturer/distributor
www.granite-design.com / www.rasant.ch

Peaty's Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser

First impression
The drivetrain cleaner comes in a robust 1-liter bottle with a spray head. This can be closed for transportation. Opening the foam filter of the nozzle produces a broad spray mist. The design of the bottle is discreet and looks great in the cellar or workshop.

In use
Peaty's Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser is used before the actual cleaning agent is applied. It is used to spray the entire drivetrain with a good load of foam. Always turn the crank backwards so that the last link of the chain also gets degreaser. It is important to leave the product to work for at least one minute, but preferably two. Then rinse the drive unit clean with water.

Conclusion
Getting a neglected drive train clean is a real pain. The Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser is not a miracle product and cannot clean a badly smeared chain with just one application. The manufacturer doesn't promise that either. But if you use the product consistently every time you clean your bike, it will always be very clean in the long run. After three to four uses, the chain, cranks and gears are in much better condition than before.

Price: CHF 19.90

Manufacturer/distributor
www.peatys.co.uk / www.tst-gpr.ch

Blub Bike Cleaner

First impression
The bike cleaner from Blub has the color of a tangerine gazzosa and smells just as good. So please always keep it away from small and thirsty children! The nozzle of the 1-liter spray bottle can be closed so that nothing leaks during transport.

In use
As with most bike cleaners, this product is sprayed onto the wet, pre-cleaned bike. It produces a firm foam. Always apply with a good lather and leave to work for three minutes. Then spray off thoroughly with the hose.

Conclusion
The Blub Bike Cleaner is pH-neutral and can be sprayed onto all materials without hesitation. The cleaning power is at the highest level. Once the bike has been rinsed clean, it leaves no traces and no squeaky brakes

.

Price: CHF 15.90

Manufacturer/distributor
www.blublube.com / www.trailsupply.ch

M-Budget microfiber universal cleaning cloths - bargain tip

First impression
Who doesn't know them, the practical "M-Budget Microfiber" cloths. They come in different colors depending on the season. Four for CHF 2.65, so nobody can complain that they are thinner than other products. And if a cloth gets very dirty, the financial damage is limited.

In use
The quality is certainly not the best, but the cloths are very durable and can withstand dozens of washes at 60 degrees. They are ideal for wiping the washed vehicle dry and preventing water stains. The microfibers remove the last remaining dirt and polish the surface. An old T-shirt, which you can dispose of afterwards, is better for cleaning the greasy drive.

Conclusion
If the bike is washed with a good cleaner, rubbing it down with a microfiber cloth will get the most out of it and the surfaces will be sparkling clean. So that you immediately fall in love with your bike.

Price: CHF 2.65

Manufacturer/distributor

www.migros.ch


Further content on this article

Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.