Your bike needs to be cleaned if it’s been on the trainer all winter.

Sweat is very corrosive to bike parts leading to failures of cables, handlebars, or even crank arms. You don’t want something to break while you’re out on that big ride.

Use a mild soap when cleaning your bike. I like to use the blue dish detergent at home and in the shop. You can use a spray bottle and the hose, but don’t use the intense stream near your gears and hubs. You can push dirt in and grease out. A gentle shower and a scrub mitt or cloth is all it usually takes.

If you have a drop bar bike you should take the bar tape off so you can clean underneath and get all the winter grime off. Fresh bar tape is always nice anyway. Give the shifters a good spray inside with the soapy water and rinse them well.

Dry everything off with an old towel and leave it in the sunshine to dry completely. If you have an air-compressor you can also blow dry your bike for that super model look.

Once the bike is clean and dry you should re-lube your chain with your favorite chain lube. Don’t use anything that’s a spray degreaser or cleaner. A drip lube specifically made for bike chains is best. Stop in the bike shop if you need help with choosing a lubricant.

A clean bike is a happy bike! Don’t be like this guy.