Lifeline Bike Cleaner

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