Ultimate by name, ultimate by nature – this kit simply has it all. Muc-Off have a process where you Clean, Protect and Optimize your bike. This three stage process ensures that the correct maintenance is undertaken.
Therefore, it goes without saying that the products included in the eBike Ultimate Kit, covers those three components. Muc-Off notes that the “eBike Ultimate Kit has everything you could ever need to look after your electric steed. The kit contains two of our eBike specific lubes, that have been formulated with a unique eBike lubricity additive pack that laughs in the face of the extra torque, and can withstand a beating from even the most powerful eBike drivetrains! Combine that with a bundle of cleaner, cloths, brushes and protective sprays and you’ve got yourself a party!”
What’s included in the pack is extensive:
- eBike Dry Lube – 50ml
- eBike Wet Lube – 50ml
- Nano Tech Bike Cleaner – 1L
- Drivetrain Cleaner – 500ml
- HCB-1 – 400ml
- MO-94 – 400ml
- Microcell Sponge
- Claw Brush
- Two Prong brush
- Soft Washing Brush
- Microfibre Cloth
Muc-Off’s alternative offering is called the Ultimate Bike Cleaning Kit and offers much the same, but instead of the HCB-1 and MO-94 spray, there is Bike Protect, which leaves a protective covering on the components. The eBike Dry Lube and eBike Wet Lube is replaced with the Bio Wet Lube and comes with a Detailing brush that is not included in the eBike Ultimate Kit.
Deep Dive into the eBike Ultimate Kit
What’s nice about both the eBike Ultimate Kit and Ultimate Bike Cleaning Kit is the toolbox. The toolbox allows you store all your smaller cleaning items in one place and the box itself is not overly large, 42cm in length by 20cm in width. The tool box can also double up as a parts washer, but I prefer to use a bucket for that function, but as you would expect, Muc-Off has you covered for that and offer the Dirt Bucket. The other products included can be divided into Muc-Off’s categories of Cleaning, Protecting and Optimizing.
Cleaning – To clean your bike, included are the fundamental items to not only do this well, but to do it thoroughly. Included in the kit is the Nano Tech Bike Cleaner, this is the product that Muc-Off has become known for and was their first ever cleaning product. As Muc-Off states, “It’s the most effective cleaner out there, and it doesn’t even need any of those nasty, dangerous acids or chemicals. In fact, our perfectly pink cleaner is biodegradable, free from acids, CFC’s and solvents, and it’s alkaline based so you can clean away with a guilt-free conscience. It’s safe on all surfaces, and it’s even disc brake rotor and pad friendly.”
This product is very powerful and you can literally see it dissolving the dirt in front of your eyes.
To help clean your bike, you can use the Microcell Sponge , which comes vacuumed sealed to reduce packaging and is a nice size to hold and retains the water well. At this point, it might be worth highlighting that Muc-Off offer the Deep Scrubber gloves as a potential alternative to the Microcell Sponge.
I used the Deep Scrubber gloves when cleaning my drivetrain, as reported previously, these gloves are used for cleaning your bike and have bristles on the palms and fingers that allow you to basically scrub your bike with your hands.
To clean your drivetrain, which is all the gears and derailleur, use the Drivetrain Cleaner. You can spray this directly to the components but best results are achieved when you use the X-3 Chain Cleaner, which I detailed here.
To clean the different parts of the bike, Muc-Off includes three different brushes. These are the:
- Claw Brush
- Two Prong brush
- Soft Washing Brush
Claw Brush – This has 3 different heads and was my first ever Muc-Off bike cleaning tool I purchased. It has different heads that can be used for different tasks, for example, the brushes can be used for cleaning grime from the chain and cassette, whilst the claw head can be used to pick debris from the derailleur.
Two Prong brush – This brush allows you to get either side of the bike part you are focussing on and allows for complete and even cleaning, and is useful for spokes, cranks, pedals etc. You might ask why spokes? It’s because particularly with cycling on Zwift, your sweat can drip from onto the front wheel, on the rim and onto the spokes and the salt can corrode the rim and spokes. I have even swapped the front wheel and use an older from wheel as a consequence.
Soft Washing Brush – Use this if you are concerned about potentially scratching your frame. This is softer than the other brushes and with a large head, will cover a big surface area. I use this on my frame before using the other brushes for more intricate and thorough cleaning.
Detailing Brush (included in the Ultimate Bike Kit only) – Consists of stiff nylon bristles and a large handle that allows you to really apply pressure and scrub spots where there may be an excessive build-up of dirt.
I used the Deep Scrubber gloves when cleaning my drivetrain, as reported previously, these gloves are used for cleaning your bike and have bristles on the palms and fingers that allow you to basically scrub your bike with your hands.
To clean your drivetrain, which is all the gears and derailleur, use the Drivetrain Cleaner. You can spray this directly to the components but best results are achieved when you use the X-3 Chain Cleaner.
To clean the different parts of the bike, Muc-Off includes three different brushes. These are the:
- Claw Brush
- Two Prong brush
- Soft Washing Brush
Claw Brush – This has 3 different heads and was my first ever Muc-Off bike cleaning tool I purchased. It has different heads that can be used for different tasks, for example, the brushes can be used for cleaning grime from the chain and cassette, whilst the claw head can be used to pick debris from the derailleur.
Two Prong brush – This brush allows you to get either side of the bike part you are focussing on and allows for complete and even cleaning, and is useful for spokes, cranks, pedals etc. You might ask why spokes? It’s because particularly with cycling on Zwift, your sweat can drip from onto the front wheel, on the rim and onto the spokes and the salt can corrode the rim and spokes. I have even swapped the front wheel and use an older from wheel as a consequence.
Soft Washing Brush – Use this if you are concerned about potentially scratching your frame. This is softer than the other brushes and with a large head, will cover a big surface area. I use this on my frame before using the other brushes for more intricate and thorough cleaning.
Detailing Brush (included in the Ultimate Bike Kit only) – Consists of stiff nylon bristles and a large handle that allows you to really apply pressure and scrub spots where there may be an excessive build-up of dirt.
Protecting – Once the bike is cleaned, the next step is to protect the components. In the eBike Ultimate Kit, there are two which can be used for this.
MO-94 – This product has the dual purpose of both protecting and optimizing components. It does the following:
• Provides a long-lasting protective film to prevent dirt adhesion
• Disperses moisture to prevent rust and corrosion
• Provides light lubrication for moving parts
• Reduces metal to metal contact
Muc-Off refer to this products as their “ultimate multi-purpose wonder spray that can be used in a whole heap of ways to protect your bike.”
HCB-1 – Is used to provide a barrier against the elements, if your bike is used outside. However, you can still use it if your bike is solely connected to the trainer because it creates a durable anticorrosive layer of protection on your bike’s frame, chain, metal parts, plastics and paintwork, so it will give your bike that added protection against the salt from your sweat.
Here is something interesting, Muc-Off have added UV dye so that with a UV light you can check that it is applied evenly, not having a UV lamp because I don’t work in a forensic lab or a fairground Haunted House ride, I will just take their word for it.
Here is something interesting, Muc-Off have added UV dye so that with a UV light you can check that it is applied evenly, not having a UV lamp because I don’t work in a forensic lab or a fairground Haunted House ride, I will just take their word for it.
Once these products have been applied, to remove any excess, the Microfibre Polishing Cloth can be used. This cloth is probably one of the most useful tools and it might be worth considering purchasing a few extra. As it stands, I have three. One for when I clean my bike using the Antibacterial Equipment Cleaner that can be found in their Indoor Training Kit, one for cleaning the drivetrain and undertaking other dirty jobs, and one for applying products such as Miracle Shine, or buffing the bike after applying HCB-1 or Bike Protect, which comes in the Ultimate Bike Cleaning Kit.
Optimizing – With your bike cleaned, it’s time apply the lubrication. As mentioned, the various kits come with lubrication, and these are certainly good, however, I would consider thinking about purchasing the Hydrodynamic Lube, which until recently was their fastest chain lubricant around, it makes your chain smoother, so you can go faster. I have noticed that when climbing at high wattage, the chain feels smoother, and there isn’t the grinding sound or sensation of previous. Muc Off’s top offering in this department is the Ludicrous AF Lube, which is more expensive.
After all the hard work has been done cleaning your bike, I think the job isn’t completely done until you apply those finishing touches and by that I mean the application of either the Miracle Shine or Matt Finish Detailer.
The Miracle Shine product is a luxury. It is a polish that includes Carnauba Wax, which according to the science, “forms solvent resistant superhydrophobic films from self emulsifying mixtures with alcohol emulsions.” Or as Muc-Off translates, forms a “microscopic protective layer against atmospheric pollutants, thanks to its Fluoro Polymer Technology!”
All I know is that when you apply it, leave it to dry and buff off, the end result is that the bike looks factory new!
For those who like the detail, the functions of the product is as follows:
- Removes imperfections and fills minor scratches
- Flouro Polymer technology creates a microscopic layer of protection
- Repels water and atmospheric pollutants
- Reduces washing and maintenance time
- Silicon oils allow easy application and incredible depth of shine
- Will not leave a powdery white residue
- Safe on paintwork, clear coat, carbon fibre, chrome, metal & plastics
Zwifter’s who have a matt finish to their bike, Muc-Off have a particular product especially for you. It’s called the Matt Finish Detailer. It has been specifically developed for satin matt paints, matt finishes and matt vinyl wraps. The formula will leave any matt surface with protective finish that reduces dirt adhesion and is gloss-free.
Summing up
Given the rising costs of bikes, which in some cases actually exceed the cost of purchasing a car, then it makes sense to invest in a good set of cleaning products to maintain your ride. Don’t been fooled into thinking that because your bike is attached to a turbo trainer and is possibly inside your home, that it doesn’t require the same level of maintenance as if you were riding outside. The truth is, the components most likely are put under more strain, for example, the bike I use outside certainly isn’t being raced up Alpe d’Huez on a weekly basis like the one I use on Zwift, therefore, a level of care is required and the new eBike Ultimate Kit or Ultimate Bike Cleaning Kit, is certainly the best way to purchase all the products you need, to maintain your bike.
The only point to make is that neither kit comes with what I consider to be essential, and that is a pair of Mechanics Gloves. These are a low cost purchase so would certainly be sure to purchase a pair or two. Include a pair of these in your order and you will be all set to keep your Zwift steed rolling for months to come.
