Otherwise, even subjected to these harsh, slimy contexts, chains, cassettes, derailleurs and rings remain remarkably clean and to the tune of approximately 300 miles per application – 500-plus during temperate and relatively dry autumn months. For riders seeking a really clean, long-lasting lubricant, Stealth should be high on the list. Verdict Synthetic blends can turn bashful in cold storage and Stealth is no exception – easily cured by popping the container in a bowl of warm water for a minute or so. This version has shunned the pipette dispenser in favour of the twist spout, which makes application that little bit simpler. Contaminated brakes will severely reduce your ability to slow down, making your bike unsafe. In this case, it’s likely you’ll need to strip and clean your brakes. Responsiveness is comparable with other high tech ceramics and seems less inclined to migrate to the outer links on highly polished electroplated and stainless steel chains.

Degreasers break down grease and grime without brute force, and are ideal for getting the built up greasy crud off your drivetrain and cassette. There are eco-friendly options available too, such as the biodegradable can from Muc-Off shown above. Some products combine cleaning and degreasing in one.

Bike cleaning spray is a good choice if your bike is really dirty or has dried on mud and crud. You can use it instead of or as well as a cleaning solution. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Bike cleaning solutions are designed to help loosen and remove dirt without damaging the paintwork or material your bike is constructed from. Make sure the cleaner you choose is safe for use on both metal and carbon. Sure, some stout wet lubes will give Stealth stiff competition in this respect but they tend to demand weekly purges of grit and other ruinous contaminants. Like these, Stealth also works well on cleat mechanisms and doubles as a nifty grease substitute for fasteners.

Once your bike is free from dirt, the last job is to add a protective polish to the frame and components. Sprays that contain a moisture dispersant and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, which is what Teflon is) are good choices. Get recipient chains surgically clean, shake the bottle and then apply the metallic grey fluid to every link, holding some rag beneath to catch any overspill.