Do you really need to clean your BMX race bike after every training session or race? The debate….
The argument from the “Yes” camp is that if you want your components to last and if you want to minimise friction and drag then yes you need to clean your bike regularly. If you hose your bike down then make sure you use some water repellent like GT85 to disperse the water from your bearings (headset, bottom bracket and wheels). Dry off the bike and chain and give the bolts a quick spray too. If you can strip your bike every few weeks/months it’s a good idea to clean out the bottom bracket and anywhere else grime might have penetrated.
The argument from the “No” camp is just as compelling. Cleaning your bike isn’t as much fun so spend more time riding it. If you don’t want to stay on top of cleaning and maintenance that’s fine. Just don’t complaining when you need to more regularly replace components.
