Why Shampoos and Degreasers Aren't the Best Choice for Your Bike

Shampoos and Other Cycling Cosmetics: Yes or No?
Our answer is NO!

Here’s why we don’t recommend degreasers or shampoos for bike maintenance. To clean mud or dust from your bike and equipment, shampoo or degreaser is unnecessary—they’re only needed for a greasy drivetrain with stubborn oil residues.

Why Avoid Shampoos and Degreasers?

Stubborn dirt on drivetrain parts (cassette, chain, chainrings) often results from inadequate chain lubricants. Using shampoos or degreasers here can cause faster wear and damage. Additionally, these products can infiltrate bearings, breaking down lubricants and leading to premature wear. While they will clean up your chain, degreasers should use with caution and only when absolutely necessary. Cloth-cleaning your chain regularly, and using non-sticky chain lubes, such as our MSM Chain Lube, is much better way to go, than to use degreasers after every few rides.

While shampoos may enhance shine, they can accelerate aluminum oxidation, screw corrosion, and paint deterioration. Instead, you can use a plain silicone spray (avoid brake discs), which is effective and protects components without harm. Despite online debates, silicone spray is safe for suspension stanchions.

Over time, we have tinkered with various preparations and solutions and eventually developed our own which serves us best. MSM Rinse and Shine is safe for the moving parts, doesn't cause corrosion and is overall environment-friendly.