SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT: CLEAN MYRIDE
Like so many products, Clean MyRide saw its genesis from not being able to find something that perfectly filled a need.
Paul Taylor and business partner Steve Howard are both keen motorcyclists and cyclists. Over time, they had collected a garage full of half-used bottles. They found products were very good at fulfilling particular stages of the vehicle cleaning process, but often only usable on particular surfaces and not always environmentally friendly.
The idea evolved from here. Could they create a combined Bike Wash and Degreaser that was safe on all surfaces, worked phenomenally well, was environmentally friendly and biodegradable? Of course, it helps having access to the family chemical business specialising in industrial sorbent and absorbent cleaning products!
The initial formula was slowly developed and the last 12 months prior to launch saw Paul and Steve bench test a range of different formulas solving their personal issues with other products. Clean MyRide was finally ready and soft launched at the end of July 2017 at an Advanced Motorcyclists Group. From launch they have been promoting the product at shows, using word of mouth, social media and customer feedback to grow their brand and products.
So what goes into Clean MyRide? Paul laughed and said: “It’s British, from formula to finished product. That’s about all we can tell you though, any more and we would have to gag you with legal paperwork, lawyers and Non Disclosure Agreements! All we can say though, is the magic is in the chemistry and we are indebted to our customers for their loyalty, feedback and continuing support.”
So what makes Clean MyRide stand out? Paul said: “Many customers say how they are impressed with its non-streak formula. You can safely use Clean MyRide all over the bike, including paintwork, chromes, plastics, alloys, rubber and aluminium components. People also like the ‘nuclear green’ dye we added, so you can see where you have sprayed the bike or vehicle. This reduces the volume required to coat surfaces, making Clean MyRide go further rather than going over the same area two or three times.
“We are looking to expand our retailer network as well as our growing number of independent valeters and detailers. Having Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Ducati franchises now using Clean MyRide is a huge boost to our reputation and hopefully something we can expand on moving forward. The environmental angle is also important to us, which is why we now sell our very popular 5-litre refills. We are also working on a refill option at shows so customers can bring their empty bottles and refill on the spot reducing plastic usage.
“We have just launched our Clear MyVision Rain Repellent and AntiFog products and feedback so far has been excellent. These are designed as coatings not cleaners for visors, goggles, glasses, windscreens, etc. Both products have a simple application process that once the coating is cured (only takes about 10 minutes) it can be gently buffed and doesn’t affect optical qualities.”