power hose

Hi all, anyone recommend using a power hose - muc-off spray and baby wipes just not doing it for me these days!! Lots of internet warnings about bearings and water damage etc and selling compressed air, but several cycle sites have power washers they maintain are safe and fast (but pricey!) or just go to woodys for a garden hose??
thanks
John

Hi John, those portable washers on the bike sites are more aimed at people that want to wash their bike where there's no water supply. Think mountain biking, cyclocross etc.
They aren't as powerful as the mains supplied power washers, so wouldn't be as risky on bearings as long as you don't go mental with them around bearings. You'll still need to get the brush to the bike as well.

A bucket of water, Fenwicks FS-1 bike cleaner,good set of brushes and a garden hose is all I need for two mountain bikes and a cx bike that come home caked in mud.
If you have a garden, go with the far cheaper option.

Hi John,
That Muc-Off is not great. It scratches the paint, which requires their polish.

The battery power washers are just for cutting through the thick mud and grass on the Off-Road bikes, but they leave muddy streaks all over the bike, and grindy disc rotors. Good for before putting the bike in the car post-race. But it still needs a proper clean.

As Barry said:

1. Garden variety Bucket of Water with suddy Degreaser (CRC have Weldtite), Parktool
2. Brushes to wash the frame.
3. Then just replace the water to clear the suds.
4. Cut up some old t-shirts to dry the bike.
5. Lube the chain up.

The Kid Kaiser will show you: