Posted by: Vikb
I never understand people hosing their bikes off. Just seems like a great way to accelerate service intervals.
If you use a gentle stream of water when the mud is wet it comes off really easily and is no worse than the rain/mud you may be riding in. Following up with lube is a key part as well. Just letting the bike dry on it's own is the faster way to cause wear and tear. Another reason for a gentle rinse is a lot of people bring their bikes inside, so rinsing off that mud keeps you from dragging all that dirt inside as well.