Keep It Clean

How to clean your mountain bike. Riding countless kilometres through mud and dirt, it's no surprise that your mountain bike isn't the cleanest thing in your garage. Your mountain bike doesn't need to sparkle, it's just going to get dirty the next time out anyway, but a regular cleaning can prevent problems down the road.
Dirty Job: Someone call Mike Rowe, cleaning your bike is a messy job! Don't even think about wearing your CTS jersey, or any shirt you don't want covered in grime. Putting on a shop apron and rubber gloves is a good idea. Also, Cleaning it inside in not the best idea just ask my wife. Place it where black grease won't look out of place.
Supplies: Make sure you have the appropriate supplies. Park Tool recommends the following materials: Bicycle cleaning brush, Repair stand, Chain scrubber, Degreasing solvent, Chain lubricant, Rags and sponges, Two buckets, Biodegradable dishwashing liquid and Water hose. Both buckets should be filled with hot water as warmer temperatures will clean the bike better. Dishwashing liquid should be mixed into one of these buckets. As you clean your bike more often, you'll be able to decide which items you can't live without.
Tip: Don't have a repair stand? Don't worry! Just lay your bike against a wall, hang the seat over a thick tree branch or use a bike rack to suspend it in the air.
Scrub: Clumps of mud, leaves, sand and other grime should be wiped clean from your bike after every ride. If left on it can destroy drivetrains, brake-pads and shifting. Plus it's heavy, and if you're like me, you need to shed every possible pound before hitin' the trail. After all the trail souvenirs are removed, wipe the whole rig down with soapy water and apply degreaser to the drivetrain. Removing the wheels will allow you to clean areas that are typically unseen. Brushes, rags and sponges should be used to get rid of mud and other grit. Don't neglect your chain and rear cassette. a toothbrush works well for this. Just remember to gently scrub your bike down. You don't want to damage your paint job or take off your CTS sticker! Then rinse it down with a hose.
Tip: A high pressure water hoses are NOT safe to spray your bike with. Use a garden hose on a gentle setting and don't spray water into the bearings.
Lube it up: Once your bike is dry, your chain, cables, levers, shifters, derailleur pulleys, and pivot points need to be lubricated. Make sure you wipe off any excess lube after application.
Tip: Remove both pedals and seat post, then apply grease where metal meets metal.