Naked Bikes Bike Bling

Naked Bikes Bike Bling is described as "a tuxedo for your bike". Traditionally, we've had to choose between gloss and matt products, to cater for different finishes, but this can be applied quickly and easily to both, with consistently good, lasting results. That said, it lacks the outright convenience of some motorcycle formulas I default to during winter.

• Pros: Convenient, lasting results on matt, gloss and satin finishes
• Cons: Attracts more dirt than waxes

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Materials/composition

Bike Bling is described as a non-sticky detailer product, which, as I expected, contains silicone dioxide. Getting the mix right is imperative, since while silicones will nourish rubberised components, they also attract dirt. Unlike polymers and other wax products, they don't hide swirls, scratches and other blemishes and can require more effort to bring out a really deep sheen.

However, they leave behind a protective, water-repelling barrier. Indeed, for optimal results, Naked Bikes recommends applying its Bike Frame Coating Sealant. To date, I've never felt the need to don gloves, but catch some overspray in your eyes and you'll know about it!

The fluid, pump spray consistency means there's less wastage compared with aerosol products. However, the latter's solvent components arguably give them a slight edge, if you're giving relatively clean/dusty bikes a quick blow-over.

Method

Ideally, give bikes a sudsy bike washing and rinse first. In practice, Bike Bling doesn't mind being applied to a slightly damp surface. Either way, give the bottle a vigorous shake, then apply a light film all over the bike(s), minimising contact with contact points. Curiously, there's no such caution around the braking surfaces.

Naked Bikes even suggests it can be applied to brake surfaces, so as to clean the pads. Yes, I had to read that twice, myself. That aside, give it 30-60 seconds before working in, and then buff to a sheen using a microfibre cloth (one is supplied).

In the interests of good hygiene, Naked Bikes also suggest using a separate cloth for frameset and drivetrain/braking components, to avoid cross-contamination. I can see the argument, but provided you've washed the bike first and tackled cranks and mechs, it shouldn't be an issue.

Performance

Overall results are what I've come to expect from better detailing products and it's really brought the lustre to gloss, satin and, surprisingly, matt finishes too. These effects have been uniformly good, regardless of paint type – powder coated, 2K, or stove enamels. However, it's particularly apparent on metallics.

Those without lacquer top coats, including my rough stuff tourer, benefit from a subsequent sealant lacquer, such as Fenwick's Professional Protective Coating.

Carbon composites, helmets, seals and chrome-plastic mudguards also look glossy and youthful. If the past few weeks are anything to go by, Naked Bikes has the silicone component just right. There's enough sheen without attracting dirt or leaving a blotchy effect on matt finishes. Sure, given a few wet rides, there's been a filmy patina around the fork crown, bottom bracket shell and chainstay areas (although the latter has as much to do with wax/emulsion lubes melting in the heat).

I've topped up once, since the bikes in question needed a quick wash. However, judging by the way water beaded up, a tangible and useful barrier remained. Accidental overspray hasn't proved obviously problematic, especially on saddles, and provided you pay attention to braking surfaces before heading out, there shouldn't be any pregnant pauses when you engage the levers. No stickiness or transfer to hands here, either.

Value

Bike Bling has an rrp of £10.99 for 500ml, but is currently discounted to £6.99. As a baseline measure of value, £10 is competitive for this kind of product. My go-to, Pro Green MX After-Shine 101, comes in at £10.99 for a litre but can only be used on satin and gloss finishes. M16 Pro-Finish is £9.98 for 500ml.

Duck Smart Bike Ezee is cheaper at £6.99, and arguably quicker to use since it can be applied to a (relatively) dirty bike.

Arguably, car wash and waxes will also have similar effects and can be bought very cheaply. Good quality Beeswax furniture polish is another thrifty option, one still very popular in motorcycle dealerships.

Conclusion

There are a wealth of detailer type products around, and Bike Bling isn't necessarily streets ahead of some personal favourites, but a little goes a reasonably long way and the results are pleasing and, moreover, lasting.

Verdict

Decent all-finishes detailer with lasting results