How Often do you Wash Your Mountain Bike?

Some mountain bikers break out the hose after every ride. Others like to keep a constant crust covering their bike.

By Jeff Barber
October 8, 2023

5 comments

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Whether you ride in wet or dry conditions, your mountain bike will eventually get dirty. And while off-road bikes are designed with dirt in mind, most of us will eventually come to a point where a good bike wash is necessary. Some riders will go to great lengths to avoid getting out the hose, while others ritualistically anoint their mountain bike after every ride.

Tell us how you decide when it’s time to wash your bike in the comments below.

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A man in a blue shirt and shorts is washing a muddy yellow mountain bike, which is mounted on a repair stand. He is using a hose to spray water on the bike, which is situated outside a brick building in a parking area. Green trees are visible in the background, and the ground is wet from the water.

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5 Comments

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AaronJay Massachusetts // 2023
Oct 9, 2023

I ride 4 days a week and don't have much time to wash so I just wipe off the mud and water after every ride. Then I wipe the chain and brush out the cassette and chainring and jockey wheels and also brush out pivot joints and wipe and lube the suspension. I do a proper wash down about once every 2 weeks though.

2 reply

Kevin Bauer
Oct 14, 2023

For me, it's all about function. My drivetrain is always cleaned and lubed. But despite having a high-end rig, cleaning for appearance is not a priority for me. When the dried mud clumps start to look heavy, I will wipe it off a bit.

1 reply

ken555 Massachusetts // 2013
Oct 12, 2023

Wipe the chain with a rag after every rid. Lube it after several rides. Only wash the bike if it exceptionally muddy.

Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Oct 9, 2023

I have poor mechanical skills. There is a better chance I can fix a problem in my garage than on the trail. Therefore, I generally wash my bike after every ride with a quick inspection. I’d rather attempt a minor repair at home than in the middle of a ride.

0 reply

Called2RideMTB Maryland // 2017
Oct 9, 2023

I rinse the dirt/mud off after every ride and do a thorough washing if it is really muddy/dusty. I also wash off the "road dirt" after traveling home over a long distance trip.

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