WD40 was the typical cleaner for frames in every bike shop I worked in during ye olden days. This isn't often mentioned, but any sort of water was once considered verboten, because it would or could get into your bearings. You certainly couldn't hose off bikes like you can now. If you're cleaning a vintage bike with non sealed bearings, this still applies. These days with my modern-ish sealed bearing bikes, I usually just clean with a spray bottle of water and a soft rag. My frames all get a couple of coats of paste wax.
I don't like Simple Green because the smell makes me nauseous. I don't think it's nearly as green as it sounds. For small parts, WD40 and a rag. For chains and cogs etc, detergent and water with a splash of orange cleaner.
Last edited by Salamandrine; 01-06-20 at 12:40 PM.