Lifeline Bike Cleaner is another labour saving shampoo that you spray all over, leave for 30 seconds or so, and then rinse with tepid water. While not obviously superior to household names, it does the same job to similar standards and for a few quid less.
Wiggle is fairly coy ingredients-wise, but does tell us it's 100 per cent acid-free and supposedly safe on all surfaces – painted, plated, lacquered, polished and rubberised. Like washing up liquids, this employs a mix of non/ionic surfactants, which penetrate the grimy layer, then persuade it to slide away during the rinsing phase.
Buy this online here
As the photos demonstrate, this is a fairly lively brew that gets cracking pretty quickly. Cursory blow-overs and 30-second marinades shift mud, bird poop, dust and other organic contaminants pretty much first time.
Embedded petrochemical grot such as diesel, spent chain lube, and residual frame preserver adorning the bottom bracket and rear triangle require repeated, localised applications and gentle persuasion from a medium stiff brush.
Chainrings, derailleur cages and cassettes also scrub up quite convincingly too, but for a proper purge I'd tackle these with Lifeline's neat, citrus degreaser, then go to town with the bike cleaner.
>> Follow our guide to cleaning and lubing your chain here
Extending the waiting phase by a minute or so hasn't resulted in any unsightly streaking or dulling of glossy finishes – metallic and flamboyant enamels included. Matt colours can be tricky customers and benefited from a post-wash polish – the same goes for leather saddles and bar wrap.
While goggles are a bit OTT, a stray droplet did induce painful, watery eyes and agricultural language – nothing rinsing in cold water doesn't fix, but something to consider in blustery weather.
Prolonged exposure leaves your hands feeling decidedly dry too – not something to worry about too much when tackling one or two bikes, but worth donning gloves if you're a club mechanic tending a fleet of crusty cyclo-cross or mountain bikes.
Ultra-thrifty types will point out meticulously diluted washing up liquids will achieve similar results to bog standard bike washes. But, as workshop staples go, Lifeline's version is a shrewd choice.
Verdict
Great value bike wash with similar clout to everyone else's – just slightly cheaper
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Lifeline Bike Cleaner
Size tested: 1 Litre
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Wiggle says: "LifeLine Bike Cleaner is designed to break down dirt and grime while protecting your paintwork and components. Handy spray bottle allows you to apply the cleaner exactly where you need it".
Does exactly what it says on the tin.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Breaks down dirt and grime
100% acid-free formula
Safe for use on all painted and plated finishes
Safe for use on dust seals and braking components
Comes complete with spray head
This tough formula breaks down dirt and grime with ease. Just spray on, agitate with a brush or a sponge and rinse the dirt away.
Lifeline Bike Cleaner is designed be tough on dirt while looking after your paintwork and plated finishes. It is safe for use on all moving parts including all dirt and dust seals.
On par with some iconic formulas and better than a few costing considerably more.
Pleasant enough to use, though latex gloves are a sensible precaution for prolonged exposure and folks with sensitive skins.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Overall, it's a lively and generally efficient formula that will dismiss light to moderate grime within the allotted 30 seconds and rinse timescale. Subsequent applications and elbow grease are required when tackling heavily soiled steeds, or more stubborn chemical cocktails.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
On par with some household names and considerably cheaper too.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing given the design brief and overall performance.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 41 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
6 thoughts on “Lifeline Bike Cleaner”
Quote:Ultra-thrifty types
Yes they do, but you don’t have to dilute WUL ‘meticulously’ (eh?), just squirt some into the bucket while you’re at the sink. So why bother buying a more expensive, ‘dedicated’ product that’s no more effective?
Astonish orange multi-surface cleaner (beside the WUL) will shift any particularly stubborn greasy/oily stuff easily without leaving any residue.
Well washing up liquid
Well washing up liquid contains salt and for any parts made from aluminium it will cause oxidisation.
leqin wrote:Well washing up
I suppose you fret if sweat drips onto your bike when you are riding it do you?
Quote:Well washing up liquid
Stop being silly, science chimp.
Washing up liquid contains salt but…and this is the really important bit….you rinse it off.
Any aluminium on your bike is already protected or is already covered in a layer of oxidisation.
Head and shoulders anyone.
Head and shoulders anyone.
…more of a Knees and Toes
…more of a Knees and Toes man myself.
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