Title basically says it all. I'm about to switch from the xtracycle conversion to riding the hybrid, but I keep seeing this stuff about regular bike cleaning for winter riding. How do you do that in an apt?

I have an outside patio, but no water out there. I could bucket water out, (that's what I do in the summer) but I don't want a skating rink.

Tub? Won't the drain get clogged? My tub drain has an integrated stopper, so the little mesh cup filter won't work for me.

Or you can bring your bike to freewheel on the greenway and use their bike shower. I can't remember if it's $5 or $15, I know there is a 5 in the amount. But yea, you can give it a good cleaning and then lube it up right there.

x2

I stand my Karate Monkey on its rear wheel in my shower, use a mesh drain cover over the stopper, and a bike water bottle full of soap and hot water for spot cleaning. Then shower. Air dry. Not perfect, but it works fine.

I use coin operated carwashes (like the one at the Nic. greenway entrance). Be sure not to spray directly into any bearings.

Roll up an old towel and run it across the bottom of the tub making a dam blocking it from going down the drain. Water goes over dam. Dirt stays back and gets cleaned up later.

I get pretty dirty at work sometimes and play in the dirt all the time and I've never plugged a bathtub drain. I've never used a towel dam while taking a shower. In fact I've never used this for anything. I just thought it up just now. Seems like it would work though.

I drive or ride my bike to the DIY car wash. $2 and you have a clean bike in a matter of minutes.
Nothing like high pressure to clean the cassette and chain.

Works well until you ride a geared bike there and the cassette freezes up and pedaling gets you nowhere.

I used to do this at the car wash on 22nd and Lyndale. The cassette would be frozen before I got to 22nd and Hennepin. I have to carry my bike home from there.

Pretend you're on a fixed gear and don't let the pawls disengage.

i think im gonna just throw my bikes in the bathtub as soon as i get home.

ftfy

Does your apartment have a garage? You can use the bucket wash technique in the garage without the skating rink...

On the deck you have, you use a little rid-ice product after washing to keep it clear.

I've never showered with my bike, but it does sound like kinky fun!

There is a garage available, non-heated. I'm too cheap to pay the extra. I strongly suspect that ice caused by spillage would generate a complaint from the landlord.

I may have to try the bathtub thing and hope for the best on the drain issue.

I winterized my bike the best I could and now hope for a nice protective coating of dirt.

Exercise caution with this method, my friend.