I was once in need of retail therapy and fell for the con of a bike cleaning brush set, which has half a dozen brushes. It's been great, and the one with the three inch bristles is excellent at shifting the muck from around the brakes. The funny shaped one is good for getting into the gear cassette. I also rub some degreaser on a cloth against the brake blocks to shift the road muck, which seems to work, anyway it makes them squeal which convinces me something good has happened. I also use washing up liquid in a bucket, with warm water, then wash it down with the hosepipe afterwards. Sorry this post isn't in the slightest bit smutty.