Draining a frame of water after the post-ride wash?
Discussion
After each wet/muddy ride I rinse my bike down with the hose, but this seems to fill the frame with water. I've just replaced the bottom bracket bearings because one had gone stiff, and I assume this was a contamination problem.
I know water is getting into the frame because if I turn the bike over, water dribbles out past the headset bearings.
Does anybody else have this problem?
There's a cable guide screw in the bottom bracket shell that I can remove to let water out after each wash. I removed it this afternoon and water dribbled out. Doing this every time is a faff though. Could I drill a second hole in the BB for drainage purposes?
(Bike is an aluminium-framed 2010 Specialized FSR, by the way.)
I know water is getting into the frame because if I turn the bike over, water dribbles out past the headset bearings.
Does anybody else have this problem?
There's a cable guide screw in the bottom bracket shell that I can remove to let water out after each wash. I removed it this afternoon and water dribbled out. Doing this every time is a faff though. Could I drill a second hole in the BB for drainage purposes?
(Bike is an aluminium-framed 2010 Specialized FSR, by the way.)
The main issue is using a hose in the first place. I do it but i accept the risks and don't do it too often.
A hose is possibly the worst thing to clean abike with, second only to a pressure washer.
They force water into the frame and into components past seals. This shortens the life of things like, hubs, freewheels, bottom brackets, headsets, suspension forks etc etc.
You are better off using a brush or sponge, accompanied by something like muc off.
Then just put the bike upside down to dry for a while.
Wait till it is dry then re lube. Don't leave it a day or two as parts can and will go rusty.
Some people recommend coating the frame in WD40 or GT85 before you go out, then when you get back the washing should be easier as the mud can't dry onto the frame. I've never tried this though. Or there is the cling film method if you really don't wanna clan it.
A hose is possibly the worst thing to clean abike with, second only to a pressure washer.
They force water into the frame and into components past seals. This shortens the life of things like, hubs, freewheels, bottom brackets, headsets, suspension forks etc etc.
You are better off using a brush or sponge, accompanied by something like muc off.
Then just put the bike upside down to dry for a while.
Wait till it is dry then re lube. Don't leave it a day or two as parts can and will go rusty.
Some people recommend coating the frame in WD40 or GT85 before you go out, then when you get back the washing should be easier as the mud can't dry onto the frame. I've never tried this though. Or there is the cling film method if you really don't wanna clan it.
OK, I take your points about washing technique but I'm aware of the risks and take precautions to avoid forcing water past seals. Even at a low pressure sprinkle the hose works perfectly to rinse mud quickly off tyres, frame tubes and other non-sensitive components.
So anyway, how can I drain water from the frame without constructing some sort of apparatus to hang the bike at a specific angle in the garage so water drops to a safe part of the frame? The bottom bracket is its lowest point with the wheels on the ground - it makes sense to drain it there.
So anyway, how can I drain water from the frame without constructing some sort of apparatus to hang the bike at a specific angle in the garage so water drops to a safe part of the frame? The bottom bracket is its lowest point with the wheels on the ground - it makes sense to drain it there.
AcidReflux said:
OK, I take your points about washing technique but I'm aware of the risks and take precautions to avoid forcing water past seals. Even at a low pressure sprinkle the hose works perfectly to rinse mud quickly off tyres, frame tubes and other non-sensitive components.
So anyway, how can I drain water from the frame without constructing some sort of apparatus to hang the bike at a specific angle in the garage so water drops to a safe part of the frame? The bottom bracket is its lowest point with the wheels on the ground - it makes sense to drain it there.
it is safe to drill another hole in the BB,if you are really concerned squirt some wax oil into the tubesSo anyway, how can I drain water from the frame without constructing some sort of apparatus to hang the bike at a specific angle in the garage so water drops to a safe part of the frame? The bottom bracket is its lowest point with the wheels on the ground - it makes sense to drain it there.
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