At some point someone may have told you that it’s a terrible idea to pressure wash a mountain bike, because bearings. And yet, there are pressure washers like this one designed specifically for washing bikes, and plenty of people have been blasting their bikes for years without a problem.
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I do on occasion but avoid direct spray into the bottom bracket and head set
Just from a distance and don’t hit the bearings. But it is hard to beat for efficiency.
As a shop mechanic I can tell you that jet washing is bad for bikes! Occasionally customers bring in sparkly clean bikes for service that look like in great shape, until you pull the BB out and there’s water in there. Those bikes usually need every single bearing replacing (hubs, headset, BB, pivots) and it ends up costing the customer a lot of money.
Don’t jet wash your bike!
Garden hose, being careful. Seems like best compromise. Standard pressure washer too close, would seem to guarantee damage. But the one linked in article isn’t even a pressure washer – it says lower than input pressure. Need clarification here, since article seems to be suggesting ‘pressure washing’ is ok. Would be nice to see actual data: a test that uses different methods and then disassemble and look for water. Might clear up various misconceptions.
Oh hell no!!! My bikes are detailed, of course but they are treated with the respect they deserve.
Many of the bearings on mountain bikes are sealed bearings and will take a little non-aggressive pressure washing. It is important to know which bearings are sealed on your bike. I had an older Giant full suspension that allowed water into the sealed rear hub bearing just from riding through a few water crossings. Not the case with my newer bikes. On my 10 year old stumpy, when I replaced all the bearing, no evidence of water intrusion. So be selective about where you aim your pressure washer.
I wash my bike with water from a hose without any added pressure and a soapy sponge. Same with my car. These days, they cost about the same!