Supposably water ozidies it what ever that means so how in the world do i clean an aluminum bike if i cant use water? i like to use water and soap on my carbon bike so what do i use on a aluminum?
Aluminum will not rust. So water used sparingly in the right spots - away from vital bearings - shouldn't pose a problem. Just don't shoot a high pressure hose all over the place. I use a bunch of old clean rags Simple Green. Simple spray it on a rag - wipe the dirt off and follow up with another clean rag to wipe off any residue. Link below.
I have a couple of steel, one carbon, and a couple aluminum bikes. I've ridden all in the rain and washed all with soap and water. Water will not damage the aluminum bike at all. Wash away.
You can use water and soap. Aluminum does not rust and will not be harmed by water. Happy washing
For painted metal, supports, grips, vinyl seat, tires and spokes, use a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water — spray onto soiled areas. Wipe immediately with damp cloth to rinse, followed by dry towel — making sure to completely dry the area cleaned. My point is to show that you are supposed to cut the Simple Green with 30 parts of water. MOST people don't do this step. Simple Green (and many other cleaners) are very concentrated. NEVER clean a bicycle with this kind of cleaner without proper dilution. Read labels. Follow directions. Full strength Simple Green has enough butyl solvent to corrode bare aluminum on brake surfaces on wheels and if the wheel is too wet it can actually melt the glue of the rim strip by seeping in the spoke holes. I have seen this at bike shops a lot. The cleaner (if sprayed full strength around bearings) over spray has the potential to break down the grease -- after all it is a degreaser. Always dampen a cloth or sponge in your cleaning solution and wipe down a bike. Don't spray it.
