Full “detail,” what chemicals?

[numtumfutunch]

So with a heavy heart I’m approaching the week I’d taken off work for our Alps trip, obvs not going to happen but have decided to give best and commuter some love as I have no other plans

Both bikes are in a decent state but are not spring chickens anymore plus commuter is ridden year round so I’ve decided to strip them both and clean them up.

I usually wash them carefully with very dilute car shampoo and take care to degrease and lube the drivetrains however need something extra for a forensic grade wipe of cruddy callipers, scuzzy spokes and dodgy downtubes.

Muc Off seems the popular choice, is it or is there something else that will better revive a 10y old road brakeset, etc?

Cheers

[_Hoppers]

I've been using Bilt Hamber's Surfex HD, dirt cheap and works great

[leyorkie]

Muc off works as does Hope st shifter.
Good degrease and wash with wheels out, it’s so much easier gets the bike clean but then a spray with Muc off frame polish really finishes it off and gives that like new look.

[anonymous-user]

this is where the cool kids shop....

[tr7v8]

_Hoppers said:

I've been using Bilt Hamber's Surfex HD, dirt cheap and works great

I use a mix of this plus Muc-Off . The later bought when Aldi/Lidl have a deal on.

[Bathroom_Security]

_Hoppers said:

I've been using Bilt Hamber's Surfex HD, dirt cheap and works great

Agree, hot water and a bit of Surfex works as an excellent TFR and degreaser. G101 with hot water good as well. Best if you apply some sealant when the bikes clean (i just use a spray detailer like Sonax Brilliant Shine) then it just jets off. Car produts I find are far far better than bike products.

[Barchettaman]

_Hoppers said:

I've been using Bilt Hamber's Surfex HD, dirt cheap and works great

This, all day long.

Alternatively the Screwfix degreaser also does a really good job.

[numtumfutunch]

Many thanks all

Stripping in progress and have noticed commuters pedal axles/spindles have some corrosion of what I'd assumed was aluminium. Any top tips for sprucing this up without trashing the bearings and SPD mechanism?? Tempting as it is to dip the lot in vinegar it's prob not the best idea

Cheers