Bike cleaning sets - is this one any good?

[Grand Fromage]

Have just got back into road bikes and am a neurotic cleaner - is this set: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Muc-Off_Ultimate...

any good or are there betters?

[OilyRagMan]

iv heard that the hope stuff is better and kinder to the bikes than the muc-off stuff

[P-Jay]

It's pretty good. The stuff should be used as instructed, I.E. if you're going to spray it on neat, rinse off after the directed time (don't remember it off hand). Far better though to use a hose to get the bike wet and knock off any big lumps of mud (assuming it's a MTB) then dilute the muck-off in the little bucket that comes with and use the sponge and brushes and rinse off with a hose.

The bike spray has an almost unholy knack of making even the oldest, most faded and scratched bikes look like new, not to mention pretty waterproof so next time the mud shouldn't stick and you can just rinse off. Don't get it on brakes or rotors though!

There's loads of different cleaners out there now, and from what I can see there's a direct link between cleaning power and paint fade, but I've never had a problem from using it diluted in water. The only bad effect I've had from spraying it on neat is the rebound knob on my 36's is pink now and not red, not the end of the world.

Fenwicks stuff doesn't clean as well as Muck-Off, but they do sell a super concentrated stuff in a little packet you can dilute to make 1ltr of "normal" strength stuff which works out much cheaper and better for the environment. Smells like Turkish delight as well, which is nice.

[deckster]

I've used muc-off exclusively on my bikes for years now and can thoroughly recommend it. Squirt on, hose off and use a brush for the crevices (ooer missus), less than 5 minutes from inch-thick mud to sparkly bike. Job done. Can't say I've noticed any particular colour fade or frame damage either.

[Jesus Christ]

I bought this and was quite disappointed.

The bike spray corroded quickly and lost pressure with about 90% remaining. Did not leave it for weeks wet but have a dirtworker (awesome) so it did spend some time damp in my boot on the way home.

Muc Off works REALLY well. I once got asked if my 4 year old epic was brand new! Unfortunately after several more washes the paint now looks dull. As if the top layer has come off. Maybe you need to use the bike spray to avoid this. Incidentally I did not leave the Muc Off on for extended periods before rinsing.

Finally, on a cold day I wanted to wash my bike with warm water and boiled the kettle. I poured the hot water first into the bucket with the brushes in and they all melted and were ruined! Maybe my fault but how hard is it to make them hot proof!

Before these problems I was well impressed. The brushes are an excellent shape.

Maybe try the park brush set...

Jon

[Parrot of Doom]

Hot soapy water works just as well. For the really horrid grimey stuff, like chains, Mr Muscle oven cleaner is brilliant (don't get it on paint or anodised metal).

To restore the shine of the paint, any old car wax does the trick.

[Grand Fromage]

Currently I have used a Collinite car wax on the frame and clean it with a synthetic 'quick detailer', Should I use buy the brushes and continue to use water and the quick detailer? It does come out well but wondered if there were any better ways.

Any links to any kits other people have used would be nice