In the world of pressure washer Top Trumps (it exists, honest…) Clarke’s JetStar 1900 is the one to beat for sheer pressure. With a peak output close to 2,000psi, it’s got more bike-wrecking potential than any of the other mains-powered washers.
Luckily, the adjustable lance makes it easy to turn the seal-destroying jet into a mud-shifting spray. Unlike some of the more expensive competition, the pressure itself can’t be reduced though.
The flipside of all that extra power is, of course, that you can also use the Clarke to blast all kinds of domestic dirt to kingdom come once you’ve finished cleaning your bike.
For size and weight the JetStar is in the middle of the pack. The extending handle and wheels make it easy to trundle into place, and you get a couple of pockets for lance stowage.
Noise-wise it’s a mid-ranker as well – we wouldn’t want to use it for a late night cleaning session (these exist, honest…) but it won’t be setting off any car alarms either.
If you need a powerful cleaner but can’t justify spending more – and you’re careful around seals – the Clarke makes a lot of sense.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.