Bike Frame Cleaning Guide
Everybody knows that cleaning a bike is nowhere near as fun as riding one. But ignore this at your peril, as maintenance is crucial to keeping bikes in as good a condition as possible.
This is especially the case when it comes to matt finish and unlacquered carbon fibre frames, which are increasingly popular among bike brands and cyclists alike.
While there are numerous bike cleaning products on the market, maintaining such frames isn’t the same as looking after shiny and glossy ones. Thankfully, Essex-based company Crankalicious has developed a line of products capable of cleaning and protecting matt frames.
Founded in 2016, Crankalicious aims to produce the most technically-proficient cycle care products on the market. All of the company’s products are made by hand in small batches on site at their HQ in Elsenham, Essex, using the highest quality ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.
What is a matt frame?
Whereas standard ‘shiny’ frames have a flat surface that results in them feeling smooth and being highly reflective of light, the appearance of matt frames is caused by many small imperfections in the surface which absorb all colours – meaning light is not reflected. As well as looking stealthy, this is why they also feel rougher to the touch.
Can a matt frame change its appearance?
Yes, if it isn’t maintained properly. Owners need to ensure that the surface stays rough, which is where cleaning products come into the mix. While many may remove any dirt picked up while riding, it’s likely that any products other than those specifically designed to clean matt frames will leave behind some trace on the frame, resulting in its imperfections and lumps filling up over time. They can also be overly abrasive meaning that the rough surface of the frame becomes smooth and polished. Eventually, this will give the frame a glossy, shiny appearance.
So how do I clean a matt frame?
Crankalicious have a range of products depending on how dirty your bike is. If it’s summertime and/or you’ve kept your bike looking spick and span, there’s a chance that a quick spray of Carboniferous spray will do the trick. This gloss-free matt detailer is the perfect way to remove dust, fingerprints and unwanted products. To prevent any lasting stains or damage, spray onto a lint-free cloth and apply to your matt finish or naked (uncoated) carbon frame. Carboniferous evaporates during cleaning, to leave no residue (ensuring matt finishes are maintained). This will help your matt frame look the stealthiest of all during a club ride, amateur race or sportive.
When it comes to dirty matt finish frames, avoid using a jet wash at all costs! We cannot stress this enough. It may seem like a good idea but it will have the complete opposite effect to what you want it to do: you’ll force dirt in and wash away grease from components, bottom bracket, headset etc. Instead, use a low-pressure hose to displace and mud and grit picked up during your ride.
From there, a good clean of the matt frame with a general purpose cleaner such as Mud Honey, will rid your bike of any lingering dirt. This pH-neutral foaming bucket wash is not only suitable for all parts of any bike, it will also remove any old mud or grit, which is particularly handy for those who haven’t cleaned their bike for a while. For an even better finish, use a microfibre wash mitt – one use of this and you’ll throw away your soggy old sponges!
Finally, use a purpose made drying cloth which is highly absorbent. This cloth will prevent any marks or scratches while removing any residual dirt particles. It’s a win-win!
This is especially the case when it comes to matt finish and unlacquered carbon fibre frames, which are increasingly popular among bike brands and cyclists alike.
While there are numerous bike cleaning products on the market, maintaining such frames isn’t the same as looking after shiny and glossy ones. Thankfully, Essex-based company Crankalicious has developed a line of products capable of cleaning and protecting matt frames.
Founded in 2016, Crankalicious aims to produce the most technically-proficient cycle care products on the market. All of the company’s products are made by hand in small batches on site at their HQ in Elsenham, Essex, using the highest quality ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.
What is a matt frame?
Whereas standard ‘shiny’ frames have a flat surface that results in them feeling smooth and being highly reflective of light, the appearance of matt frames is caused by many small imperfections in the surface which absorb all colours – meaning light is not reflected. As well as looking stealthy, this is why they also feel rougher to the touch.
Can a matt frame change its appearance?
Yes, if it isn’t maintained properly. Owners need to ensure that the surface stays rough, which is where cleaning products come into the mix. While many may remove any dirt picked up while riding, it’s likely that any products other than those specifically designed to clean matt frames will leave behind some trace on the frame, resulting in its imperfections and lumps filling up over time. They can also be overly abrasive meaning that the rough surface of the frame becomes smooth and polished. Eventually, this will give the frame a glossy, shiny appearance.
So how do I clean a matt frame?
Crankalicious have a range of products depending on how dirty your bike is. If it’s summertime and/or you’ve kept your bike looking spick and span, there’s a chance that a quick spray of Carboniferous spray will do the trick. This gloss-free matt detailer is the perfect way to remove dust, fingerprints and unwanted products. To prevent any lasting stains or damage, spray onto a lint-free cloth and apply to your matt finish or naked (uncoated) carbon frame. Carboniferous evaporates during cleaning, to leave no residue (ensuring matt finishes are maintained). This will help your matt frame look the stealthiest of all during a club ride, amateur race or sportive.
When it comes to dirty matt finish frames, avoid using a jet wash at all costs! We cannot stress this enough. It may seem like a good idea but it will have the complete opposite effect to what you want it to do: you’ll force dirt in and wash away grease from components, bottom bracket, headset etc. Instead, use a low-pressure hose to displace and mud and grit picked up during your ride.
From there, a good clean of the matt frame with a general purpose cleaner such as Mud Honey, will rid your bike of any lingering dirt. This pH-neutral foaming bucket wash is not only suitable for all parts of any bike, it will also remove any old mud or grit, which is particularly handy for those who haven’t cleaned their bike for a while. For an even better finish, use a microfibre wash mitt – one use of this and you’ll throw away your soggy old sponges!
Finally, use a purpose made drying cloth which is highly absorbent. This cloth will prevent any marks or scratches while removing any residual dirt particles. It’s a win-win!
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