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Home / Mountain Bikes and Gear / Survey

Do you Pressure Wash Your Bike? [Survey]

At some point someone may have told you that it's a terrible idea to pressure wash a mountain bike, because bearings.

By Gerow
November 29, 2020 Last Updated: August 12, 2024

7 comments

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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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Gerow

Gerow has been mountain biking since 1986 and was a full-time Singletracks staff member from 2019 to 2022. His areas of expertise include component tech and tires, suspension setup, gravity riding, bikepacking, repair, and maintenance.

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7 Comments

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LStadelmeier Georgia // 2014
Nov 29, 2020

I do on occasion but avoid direct spray into the bottom bracket and head set

2 reply

Sam James British Columbia // 2018
Dec 2, 2020

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!

1 reply

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Dec 1, 2020

Just from a distance and don't hit the bearings. But it is hard to beat for efficiency.

1 reply

Beckler New Brunswick // 2020
Dec 1, 2020

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.

0 reply

springelgato California // 2018
Dec 3, 2020

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.

0 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Dec 2, 2020

Oh hell no!!! My bikes are detailed, of course but they are treated with the respect they deserve.

0 reply

Oldandrolling South Carolina // 2018
Nov 29, 2020

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!

-1 reply

Tagged: mtb pressure washer, pressure washer, survey, gear

First published November 29, 2020 @ 5:13:45