How to eliminate oxide from your bicycle and prevent its appearance effectively

The current bicycle frames, mostly manufactured in aluminum and carbon, are very little prone to generate oxide on their surface. But its metal parts and screws (most of steel) are delicate areas in which the oxide does not take long to make its appearance if there is no adequate cleaning or maintenance. Oxide appears in bicycles that have not been used for some time and have saved without protection in spaces with moisture. If this is the case of your bicycle and want to restore your original state, you must take these cleaning tips into account. Oxide is not so simple to eliminate and requires greater effort and use of specific products. And keep in mind that if the oxide has already invaded the interior of the tubes and welds or corroded the metal, that bicycle will be unusable.

How to remove bicycle oxide: recommended steps and products

The cleaning process is similar, whether oxide of the picture or components. We will need a degreaser product, in addition to another acid (lemon or bicarbonate,) and a brush with hard bristles. For transmission or chain, for example, this type of rigid filaments are used to eliminate fat and oxide more easily. Microfiber rags for drying will also be necessary.

1. Apply the product and let act

Either by homemade products such as lemon or bicarbonate diluted in water or a specific anti oxide, it must be applied to the oxidized area and leave several minutes (between 5 and 10) before rubbing with the brush.

2. Rub and clarify

If the oxide layer is somewhat thicker, several passes must be made with the brush to remove it. Once all oxide remains are eliminated, it will be time to clarify with plenty of water throughout the area, since acid products can continue to make their effect and damage the metal.

3. Drying

Clarified and drying are very important for oxide cleaning. Cleaning products used are stronger and more corrosive with metal if they do not retire on time. On the other hand, in greased parts such as the chain, roldanas or cassette the action of acid products has to be preceded by good degreasing cleaning to eliminate any rest of lubricant.

How to avoid the appearance of oxide on your bicycle

Undoubtedly, prevention operations end up much more effective and less expensive than cleaning if we talk about oxide. A Frequent bicycle cleaning And greased from its components will avoid, almost safety, its appearance. The place where you keep the bicycle is also very important. The ideal is a fresh and dry garage or room. In case you live in areas with high humidity and the bicycle is a season, we recommend you cover it with a cover without any part exposed. In the market there are specific covers for all types and bicycle sizes, made with reflective insulating materials of moisture. Water and mud are the best crop broths for oxide.

If you have come out by bike and it has rained you must thoroughly clean the bicycle Just after finishing, drying it and greased the chain, pedal docks (without they are automatic) and other moving parts such as direction. Do not leave the dirty bicycle in the garage for several days, since the oxide can begin to appear quickly in chain, crowns, etc. Cleaning and greased should always be done just at the end of the route.

Problems and breakdowns derived from oxide

The oxide in current aluminum frames is very difficult for the materials and treatments of its surface to appear. The steel paintings, however, are more exposed, so their conservation must be more rigorous. An oxidized picture or components entails numerous problems for the operation of the bicycle and accelerates its wear. The superficial oxide if it is not stopped with a cleaning like the one we have explained above ends by corroding the interior layers of the metal, increasing the risk of fracturing.

In addition, fundamental components for the movement of the bicycle as the transmission will not work properly if they are oxidized and will accelerate their wear and that of other pieces with which they have contact. The pedal will generate squeaks, it will not be soft and fluid and, in any way, will contribute to adequately perform on the bicycle. Same situation for screws. If the thread has oxide its tightening will be irregular and will not fix the pieces or components as well as. Thus brushes and premature wear of the entire piece will appear for a bad assembly. Especially, in the mountain bicycles, taking into account its extra components such as the suspensions, you have to take special care and keep them lubricated. For these reasons it is advisable to prevent oxide marks and, in case they occur, eliminate them conveniently before major damage due to corrosion occurs.