Winter or muddy trails can be tough on your bike. After an adventurous ride, you’re often left with a bike covered in grime, salt, and mud. Ignoring this post-ride cleanup can lead to rust, poor shifting, and a host of mechanical issues. For years, cyclists have struggled to find the perfect Bike Wash solution. Bringing your bike into the shower often creates more mess than it solves, leading to a second cleanup project. But what if there was an easy, efficient, and space-saving way to wash your bike, even during the off-season?
Discover the Cattle Trough Bike Wash System
Frustrated with ineffective bike cleaning methods, I sought a better solution that wouldn’t clutter my space or damage my bike. Brainstorming with my dad, we landed on an ingenious idea inspired by his farm upbringing: a cattle trough. This simple yet brilliant solution has revolutionized my bike cleaning routine. Purchased conveniently online, the plastic cattle trough has proven to be the ideal bike wash basin. Its long, narrow design allows for easy storage when not in use, and during bike cleaning season, it can even double as a makeshift workbench when covered with a board. Unlike harsher materials, the plastic construction ensures your bike frame remains scratch-free, although aluminum versions are also available for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
To enhance the bike wash process, I utilize a bike repair stand. This stand securely holds the bike, allowing for easy access to all parts and making cleaning significantly easier on your back. Whether you prefer to wash your bike with the wheels on or off, the trough comfortably accommodates all bike sizes and configurations.
Setting Up Your Efficient Bike Wash Station
The cattle trough is designed with convenience in mind, featuring a drain hole for easy water disposal. If you have a floor drain in your garage or workspace, draining is effortless. Alternatively, a simple bucket placed under the drain works just as effectively. While a hose hookup streamlines the process, it’s not essential. A five-gallon bucket filled with water placed directly in the trough provides ample water for a thorough bike wash.
The Unsung Hero: The Refrigeration Brush
Forget about cluttered shelves filled with specialized bike brushes. The only brush you’ll ever need for a comprehensive bike wash is a refrigeration brush. Inexpensive and readily available at home improvement stores, this brush is a game-changer. Its unique design allows it to reach into every nook and cranny of your bike frame and components. It effortlessly navigates around the front derailleur, between shifters, and even in the tight spaces of your mountain bike handlebars, ensuring no dirt or grime is left behind.
Close up of a refrigeration brush used for bike cleaning in a cattle trough
The image above, showcasing the brush in the trough alongside bike cleaning essentials like a bucket and degreaser, highlights the generous space the trough provides for all your bike wash needs.
Ride Happier with a Clean Bike
This cattle trough bike wash system has proven to be incredibly efficient, easy to use, andSpace-saving. Most importantly, it ensures a thoroughly clean bike, free from performance-hindering grime. A clean bike translates to smoother shifting, fewer mechanical issues, and ultimately, more enjoyable rides. Say goodbye to messy showers and cluttered cleaning supplies. Embrace this simple yet effective bike wash solution and experience the joy of riding a happy, well-maintained bike. A clean bike truly is a happy bike, and a happy bike makes for a happy rider.
