As part of Muc-Off's indoor training series range, the Antibacterial Equipment Cleaner does the job of keeping your turbo and bike hygienic after a major sweat-inducing session. It kills the majority of bugs and is easy to use, but it's expensive and do you really need it?
- Pros: Simple to use
- Cons: Pricey compared to supermarket products
I'll kick off by saying that this Muc-Off stuff works well at freshening everything up after a stint of training indoors. It's a waterless spray, which means it needs no rinsing – literally spray it on and after a couple of seconds wipe it off with a microfibre cloth.
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Everything looks clean and shiny once you've wiped it over, and you are left with a streak-free finish and very subtle hint of an apple aroma.
Muc-Off says it's safe on all surfaces and destroys 99.9% of known germs, so I've been using it on everything from a carbon bike frame through to a stainless steel kitchen sink and I've had no issues.
The thing is, I've never really washed anything to do with my turbo trainer in all the years I've been using it, and to this day I haven't come down with any illnesses or life-threatening diseases. I'll normally bung a towel over the handlebar, have another one on the kitchen worktop next to me, and that's about it.
When packing up, I'll spray the tiled floor and worktop with a much cheaper antibacterial kitchen cleaner and leave it at that.
> Buyer's Guide: 17 of the best turbo trainers and rollers
If you share your gym equipment or bike/turbo trainer with others then I can see the benefits of giving stuff a wipe off between users, but then I'd just buy something like this Gym Sanitiser Spray for just £3.59 for 750ml. That makes the Muc-Off's £9.99 for 500ml look pretty expensive.
If you can find it discounted then go for it. It works and does the job quickly, but it's not worth the full whack against other household cleaners.
Verdict
Does the job and smells nice, but a lot of money over simple antibacterial cleaners
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Muc-Off Antibacterial Equipment Cleaner
Size tested: 500ml
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?
Muc-Off says, "You train to get fitter and stronger so why train riding a germ fest?! Our indoor training cleaner is an advanced all-purpose cleaner for all indoor trainers and gym equipment.
"Suitable for: Aluminium, stainless steel, carbon, plastic and vinyl. Just spray and wipe. No rinsing necessary."
It does the job and is quick and simple to use.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Muc-Off lists:
Safe on all surfaces
Ensure you can train in a clean and healthy environment
Apple fragrance
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Brings all surfaces up clean and fresh.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Easy to use.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The cost.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Like a lot of products, when you pigeonhole them to a specific sport/pastime the price increases, and that is exactly what has happened here compared to simple household cleaners.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe
Use this box to explain your overall score
I can't really criticise it for its performance, but when it comes to the money you're paying way over the odds.
About the tester
Age: 40
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!
2 comments
Jesus wept, a spray to kill bicycle-borne bacteria. Now I know the end of civilisation is around the corner. Or it should be.
I don't know, my current favoured method of decontamination is effective, but actually works out even more expensive.
bike on fire.jpg