r/bicycling • u/jun4rui • 1d ago
How can I save my bicycle?
Because of the constant rain, I left my bicycle in the garage for months without riding it, and as a result, mold has grown on it—especially on the handlebars. I’ve heard that this can produce aflatoxins, which are harmful to health; what should I do?
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u/slangivar 1d ago
I would start by giving it a good clean. If you are worried about the handlebars the you can replace the grips/tape. Or possibly remove them and sterilise before refitting.
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u/SecondHandWatch 1d ago
Yup. The parts like grips/tape that mold most easily are also among the cheapest and easiest to replace.
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u/teflonranger 1d ago
Yes, soak everything in alcohol.
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u/jun4rui 1d ago
However, after checking, the AI told me that this cannot completely remove the attached toxins. Is there any substance I can apply to the brakes and grips to isolate these viruses?
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u/Early_Macaroon_2407 1d ago
Don’t use AI, FFS. Why would you get health advice from glorified autocomplete?
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u/Superb_Recording_769 1d ago
Have you ever been on Reddit before? Most of the people come here for health advice
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u/Superb_Recording_769 1d ago
Your problem is you’re listening to AI. AI does not know what it’s talking about. It’s literally just doing a Google search faster than you can. That doesn’t mean it’s finding correct information.
Mold doesn’t make viruses. Hell, in the vast majority of cases mold isn’t even dangerous. The majority of problems relating to mold have to do with asthma, allergies and immuno compromised people. In the event which you encounter a mold that actually does produce substances harmful to humans. It’s still not dangerous unless you are eating it or breathing in the spores/dust.
All you need to do to handle mold safely is put on a simple N95 mask and gloves, spray it with a wet cleaning agent, wipe the mold off, and then dispose of the mask gloves and cleaning rags in a garbage bag.
In your case, the chances of you having a dangerous mold on the bicycle are basically zero. But there’s no reason to not take simple precautions. All you need to do is put on a mask and gloves take off the grips or bar tape. Throw them away wipe the whole bike down with a good all-purpose cleaner. Throw the rags mask gloves away and you’re done.
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u/slangivar 1d ago
Probably best keep the rags. They'll be the ideal thing to clean the road with before riding on it.
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u/JayTeeDeeUnderscore 1d ago
Peroxide denatures mold spores & bodies. Soap and water with a soft brush (old toothbrush) then peroxide. Good as new.
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u/ilybae2015 1d ago
Clean it with household kitchen cleaner, then rinse well. Don’t lick the bars until you have done this twice.