Earlier this year, Motul brought a bike care range to market. Our resident mountain biker, Marie-Louise MacIntyre, tested the Motul Frame Clean after a wet and muddy weekend ride.
Cleaning a bicycle properly can be tricky, especially after a muddy ride. While water can rinse away surface dirt, it often leaves behind dust and sediment that dull the frame’s appearance. Add in the sticky challenge of puncture sealant slime that sprays or leaks everywhere, and you’ve got a tough cleaning job on your hands.
Fresh and fragrant
This is where the Motul Frame Clean (R195.00) from the company’s Bike Care range comes in. From the outset, this product performs well in tackling regular dirt, mud, and grease. It leaves the bike looking fresh and, as a bonus, has a pleasant scent.
The spray nozzle is designed for flexibility, offering two settings: a wide spray for larger areas and a more targeted option, perfect for reaching into tight spaces like crevices and small holes that are difficult to clean with a rag.
While Motul Frame Clean excels in cleaning standard grime, it’s important to note that it doesn’t handle puncture sealant slime very well. This sticky, greasy substance tends to cling to the tires, and even after several scrubs with other products, it’s tough to remove.
However, this isn’t a fault of the frame cleaner – it’s designed for the bike’s frame, not for the tires, and that slime is particularly difficult to clean.
Ease of use
One of the standout features is the product’s ease of use. The spray action works well, and with a little help from a soft brush or microfiber cloth, cleaning hard-to-reach areas becomes much simpler. The cleaner is gentle enough that it won’t scratch the bike’s paint, which is crucial for keeping your frame looking pristine.
Conclusion and rating
Overall, Motul Frame Clean is a great product for cyclists who want a reliable, bike-specific cleaner. It’s a significant step up from using household dishwashing liquid, offering a more specialised solution to keep your bike in top condition. It sells for R195.00 and scores 5 out of 5.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
