SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

WD40 bike cleaner forms part of the iconic brands rage of cycling specific products that also includes, polishes, degreasers and chain lubes. 

 

We’re assured it’s a fully biodegradable mix working to the usual grime cutting, water soluble principles. Amphoteric surfactants produce the suds when agitated while non-ionic are theoretically more effective on oily contaminant. 

 

Benzisothiazolinone is a biocide used in a wealth of detergent products and widely recognised as an irritant. Gloves and goggles are probably OTT for most of the adult population but they might be sensible for those with particularly sensitive skins, or when teaching children to clean their own machines.

 

Modus Operandi demands machines receive a quick freshwater dousing before you get trigger-happy.  That said; Time spent prewashing is quickly recouped since there’s no need to leave either product standing- it’s working at the first hint of a soft brush. Changing the OEM trigger for another make’s was the only way I could achieve the same frothing effects demonstrated by their mechanics in the promotional video.  

 

A minute or so’s standing time certainly helped when tackling crusty cross and mountain bikes, ditto embossed handlebar wrap, which definitely benefits from a stern stiff brush scrub but general organic spatter vanishes within a few strokes. So long as you don’t leave it to dry out, painted, polished and plastic parts look sharp without recourse to furniture polish blow-overs

 

This goes for unsealed carbon and matt effects too-even with heavy saturation and extended curing times. On the flip side, it’s decidedly impotent on drivetrain grime, so exorcise these with a full bodied concentrate such as their degreaser. This stripped a winter’s worth of congealed lube and embedded grot from rings, cassette and jockey wheels in two swift blasts. Minimising contact with seals, bushings and other rubberised components is recommended.