How To Clean Mountain Bike Wheels

One of the most crucial components of any mountain bike are its wheels, and keeping them clean is essential to maintaining your bike, allowing your bike to not only perform reliably and look good - but also to aid in identifying any breaks or buckles in the wheel, which can cause an accident. Cleaning wheels can also be a matter of pride in your bike, wheels are one of the most challenging areas of a bike to clean - and one of the most rewarding to look at, once they are cleaned! They are the first part of your bike which comes into contact with mud & grime from off road riding too. In this post, we look at some of the tips & tricks we use to clean our own mountain bike wheels, whilst looking at some of the products which make it as easy as possible.

Assess Your Wheels

Before you start cleaning your wheels, you should first evaluate them to decide how much cleaning they need. If your rims are covered with dirt and mud, it's time to give them a thorough clean. However, if your wheels aren't too dirty, you may only need a quick wipe down with a cloth.

Get The Right Tools

The next step is to gather all the necessary tools. To clean your wheels, you'll need a soft brush, a bucket of warm water with soap, a sponge, and a soft, dry cloth. You may also want to use a degreaser for more stubborn dirt and grease that won't come off with soap and water.

Cleaning Your Wheels

After gathering your tools, it's time to start cleaning your wheels. First, spray a generous amount of degreaser on your rims, tires, and spokes, making sure to avoid getting it on your brake pads. Let it sit for several minutes, then use the soft brush to scrub each wheel, particularly the tire sidewalls. If your bike wheels are particularly dirty, it’s a good idea to remove them from your bike for cleaning.

Rinse And Dry

After scrubbing your wheels thoroughly, it's time to rinse them with your sponge and warm water. Use the sponge to remove all the dirt and grime from the wheels, and don't forget the spokes or the valve stem. Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the wheels again and use a soft, dry cloth to dry your wheels.

Finishing Touches

Once your wheels are clean, using a spray wax/protective coating can help protect your wheels from future dirt and scratches. If you notice any scratches or dents on your wheels, it's a good idea to touch-up the paint to prevent rusting.