Bike Cleaning Question...
 

When doing a full cleaning, ie. degreaser, soapy water , garden hose rinse, etc.

Do the following parts need to be lubricated:

pulleys
brakes
derailleurs

And what is the best way without gumming them up?
thx!

When you say degreaser is that something mild like Dawn dish soap and hot water or something stronger? You really should not use anything stronger....just not needed.

Basically there is nothing that some hot water and Dawn will hurt so go nuts. Small greasy brushes on the chain and pulleyes, chainrings etc. and save a clean brush for the rest.

No, pulleys and brakes typically have bronze or ceramic bushings that essentially never need re-lube unless you somehow get them squeaky clean and I doubt that's possible even so prolly not ever.

If you are doing a major cleaning and really "going for it" than a drip of very light lube at pivot points is fine however prob. not needed.

If you have the energy....take a look at an exploded diag. of der. bushings, brake bushings etc. for you brand and you tell me what you think. Also, before you lube anything take a second and move the mechanisms by hand free of any cable tension...chances are they run nice and free and have not binding...that's a good indication these parts are made to keep water out and lube in. Just sayin.