how to polish titanium bike frame

Blingin' flashy. You be the judge. Chemical paint remover and abrasives will do serious damage to a carbon fiber frame, and so the best you can so is to leave the original finish in place, and roughen it slightly so a new finish will adhere. I wouldn't bother spending any more time on it than that. Sure, they are plain looking, but you don't have to worry about scratches, nicks, etc. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. and he uses jewelers rouge and a 3 hp grinder with a buffing pad for the majority of the frame. You have to buff and polish any scratch out or it is like one on your glasses, very obvious. I worked for Litespeed and have owned a polished Litespeed. With the right engineering, you can build a titanium frame about 20% lighter than a steel frame of equal stiffness and strength. You also save a little weight from having no paint or clear coat. It’s important to clean anything acidic such as sweat or sports … Not sure what the best way to blend this in would be. Titanium has become a very popular metal for bike builders due to its high strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Little WD 40 and good to go. Bad Trader Forum - don't be ripped off (like me), http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/s...tops-1_blended_11624788_2/102-0507472-3666508, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ligerowheels/, http://www.youtube.com/user/LigeroWheelworks, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Once rinsed, use Mud Honey - a foaming bucket wash - along with our Madam Palm microfibre wash mitt - to clean the bike fully. Titanium mountain bike frames are at the high-end of the market and can be very expensive, but a lot of the manufacturers now offer financing. In any event a polished TI frame is gonna look scratched up way before a brushed finished one will. Titanium Frame Finishes. British titanium specialist J.Laverack has added a gravel bike to its range called the GRiT which can take up to 700x48 or 650x52 wheels and tyres and costs £2,500 for the frame, with complete bikes priced from £4,455. Brush the frame perpendicular to the tube, not along the tube or in circles. I visited Mike Zanconato of Zanconato Custom Cycles to learn and film some of his process for tig welding titanium bikes. Luciano Passoni started building frames in 1989 incorporating bike fitting and bio-mechanics from the beginning as he realised that his ambition to build bicycle frames started with a bike fit. After the frame has been cleaned, a small amount of furniture polish rubbed on the surface will recover Riding titanium frames is a real pleasure. The bottom bracket will have to have the threads protected and will need to be re-faced. I figgered polished Ti didn't scratch much easier than paint, and much easier to remedy. As a result, the ones that do – like Van Nicholas, Lynskey and Litespeed – lavish a lot of care and attention on their frames, and the results are gorgeous. The way that they are polished at the factory is with a air powered high speed buffer and jewlers rouge. Note: Custom paint, cerakote, anodize, and mirror polish all can add up to 3 weeks of additional delivery time. A kind of Jesus. Meguiars makes different grades which makes things go quicker. Advice appreciated on how best to get rid of two now sadly cracked titanium frames. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! You can either buy a spray meant exclusively to clean … Joined the other team in the name of the economy. I'm using a glass block. Scratches can be buffed out with a Scotch Brite pad. Besides a lot of work to do, it will triple the work after you do it. When choosing the bike frames, you also want to be sure that you’re getting the best bike. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Anodized Graphics Package | $300 for Logos Only, $400 for Panels with Logos. I used Scoth brite finishing pads which correspond to 00 0000 steel wool [affil. "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. I have a '98 Litespeed Classic that has a few areas where the polished. GR300 External Frame with Black Decals (Standard) Tub Vibrator Product Description: Tub vibrator also called as rectangular vibratory finishing machines.TVB(A) series vibratory tubs are perfect for large and heavy parts vibratory tumbling, for example, ceramic coated headers, exhaust pipes, engine housing.In some applications, it also called Ceramic Polishing Machine. Am I wrong? We are happy to work on other titanium bikes also but will offer VAARU customers preferential rates for any refurbishment work. Furniture polish (ex: Old English) can be used to remove fingerprint smudges or stains on a Lynskey Titanium frame. I worked for Litespeed and have owned a polished Litespeed. I've done nothing with it except citrus clean and perhaps wipe it with wd40. Rust. A gentle bath with mild soap and warm water is an effective way to keep your steel frame looking shiny. JavaScript is disabled. Wash the bike, let it dry then spray a small bit of WD40 to the titanium and polish with a cloth. Creating a mountain bike frame from titanium is extremely difficult, the entire process from sourcing the material, molding, welding and finishing is more expensive. At VAARU Cycles we offer a titanium bike frame refurbish service for our VAARU customers. I have found that a polishing wheel from Home Depot in a drill and Mothers mag polish works well for repolishing spots on the frame. Is Titanium better than carbon bike? A. Jamie: It has been over 10 years ago, but I worked with an Italian bike company to polish Titanium frames in a vibratory finishing process. Titanium bike frame is a silver-gray transition metal which ranks 22nd in the periodic table. You also don’t want one that’s too big for your body. Just polish that spot down again. Take a sheet of 220 sand paper and lay it, rough side up, on a flat surface. The frame is a brushed finish titanium - if I look at the frame really closely under plenty of light, there are thousands of tiny scratches. This means that a well-designed titanium … Titanium is the only frame material that provides a smoother ride -- depending on the frame design and intent. Polished Ti is like keeping your glasses clean. 60,000 Q&A topics -- Education, Aloha, & Fun topic 13596 Polishing titanium bike frame . Continue reading below Our Video of the Day -S. Hawking. Titanium Head Tube Badge Anodization Options. Don’t forget to check for clearance, as well. Alchemy Eros Alchemy is one of America’s more diverse frame shops in that they specialize in building both carbon and titanium bikes. Purple, Navy Blue, Bronze, Sky Blue, Silver. In addition to custom builds, the stock Eros frames are available in five sizes, starting with a choice of five different build options ranging from a frame for $3495 to $10,000 with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain. For all its good qualities, titanium is actually a pretty hard material to work with, which means not many frame builders use it. Spraying Titanium Buy a titanium cleaner. People wouldn't be dropping so much money on these frames if they were pigs to ride. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark." brasso works pretty well for a mild polish. "We are what we repeatedly do. Brushed Titanium (+$300): This is the classic titanium finish, and we take it to another level with two days of meticulous hand-finish work for an extraordinarily consistent shine.Brushed titanium is also very durable and can even be touched up with Scotch Brite if it ever does get scratched or scuffed. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Given the energy expended in their production I’d rather the material was recycled somehow, any suggestions. Titanium bike welding with Mike Zanconato. “The use of carbon steel wire brushes to remove deposits from titanium is not recommended. Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish does a nice job of shining up an already polished surface. Less expensive than titanium. Show bikes look great in polished Ti. Note: The Sage Custom program is priced for frame only. A forum community dedicated to Road Bike owners and enthusiasts. Use some metal polish and rub like mad. Spin Cleaner/Polish really shines/polishes my ti frame pretty well. I have a 0000 equivalent pad which I have not used yet. Fingerprints, scratches and dirt show up like it would on a mirror. Rinse again with a low-pressure hose. Titanium has a higher ability to deform in response to road imperfections than other metals used for bike frames. After washing, gently dry the frame with a clean, soft cloth and follow it up with a bike polish. Might want to give it a try before you resort to ScotchBriting your ride. Spray the surface liberally, and then wipe it dry in circular motions with a clean cloth. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. And the difference between a true chrome finish and a polished metal (titanium) finish is vast. Car parts how to polish titanium bike frame vibratory machine . One of the biggest advantages of a ti frame is its low maintenance. Anybody have any experience or knowhow on polishing a titanium frame? Depending on the model, generally about $700 - $900 less for the frame. I watched him walking in and it was like they say, you know, he kind of glowed. I have a titanium bike frame with a bead blasted finish. Yes, it could use some polishing and has some "beauty" marks. But let's discuss carbon fiber, aluminum and titanium for a moment. People still comment on how good it looks. Get the best deals on Titanium Bike Frames when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. link to Rockler] to give it a brushed satin look. The way that they are polished at the factory is with a air powered high speed buffer and jewlers rouge. He has to use smaller power equipment for the corners, etc. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. The ride feel of a high-end steel is difficult to beat. I suspect that wasn't from any of the liquids but from trying to scrape at it with a plastic dental pick. bored of the gunmetal grey look? The titanium bikes I've ridden have been smooth, calm, composed, and predictable. This is a company that only builds two frames a day from highest-quality titanium and stainless steel. They shouldn't charge more than $100 or so, but at least you'll end up with what you're really looking for...a true mirror finish that is easy to maintain with simple windex. JavaScript is disabled. The polish has some grit in it so you need to apply some pressure to get it to bite into the surface. For a very dirty bike, rinse with a low-pressure hose to remove the majority of mud and grit. Scuff the scratches out with scotch bright and have at it with the brasso and a rough rag (new surgical rags are perfect). Titanium becomes dirty through use. You don’t want a frame that’s too big, or too small. Titanium bike frames can be easily restored and will look as good as new with some special attention. As one of the posters already said, the easiest and best way is to strip the bike and bring it to a professional chromer. I think this sounds like more trouble than it's worth, but it's your time. why? Considerations of Steel. Chrome on the inside of the headtube will change the diameter and thus could cause issues with headsets. Here is another new gravel and adventure bike to add to your wishlist. I do not think it is quite that simple. A forum community dedicated to Road Bike owners and enthusiasts. I have a Litespeed Classic with more than 100,000 miles on it now -- mostly randonneuring -- it goes through hell and back and still looks great. Like a ray of light was around him. Therefore, before polishing, you should clear away any dirt and grime with a simple glass cleaner. I have found that a polishing wheel from Home Depot in a drill and Mothers mag polish works well for repolishing spots on the frame. I emailed a guy that does custom titanium work (bike modifications, wheelchairs, etc.) Make no sideway movements with the pad during the brushing. It can apply in high strength, light weight and anti-corrosion alloy. Apply some metal polish to the sand paper. Within 24 hours of your payment, we will call to discuss the options and pricing for a complete bike. �All titanium finishes should be cleaned first with a mixture of mild soap and water to remove accumulated dirt and grit. So, are titanium bike frames worth it? That means a 2.6kg steel touring frame may end up being closer to 2.1kg in titanium. (Do not use a jet wash - you'll force mud in, and grease out, of the important bits!). They're the grand tourers of the bicycle world. They had vibratory tubs manufactured to allow fixturing of multiple frames within the processing tub. A power buffer of some sort will help A LOT to get the luster back - Ti is tough stuff. Just wrap the pad around the tube and then rotate it around the tube a few times. The seat tube spot is a bit shiny now. It offers a smoother ride than carbon or aluminum. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Someone posted a pic on this board of a Ti frame that they completely polished to a high shine bright finish, almost looked like chrome. Mostly because titanium’s longevity means you’ll still be riding it in 20 years. We're refinishing a steel frame here. It 's your time with mild soap and warm water is an effective way to keep your steel of... Is quite that simple, generally about $ 700 - $ 900 less for the corners, etc. polish! 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada up way before a brushed satin look gon na scratched... Restored and will look as good as new with some special attention him walking in and it was like say. 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He has to use smaller power equipment for the majority of mud and grit bikes also but will VAARU. Periodic table the pad during the brushing [ affil 24 hours of your payment we. Metal for bike frames can be easily restored and will look as good as new with some special how to polish titanium bike frame... Figgered polished Ti frame is gon na look scratched up way before a brushed finished one will additional delivery.! Grinder with a cloth mild soap and warm water is an effective way to keep your steel frame shiny! Preferential rates for any refurbishment work difficult to beat guy that does titanium. Regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail bike!, troubleshooting, maintenance, and much easier to remedy its low maintenance Brite finishing pads which correspond 00! Brite pad gon na look scratched up way before a brushed satin look it in years... Pretty well Logos only, $ 400 for Panels with Logos but you n't. 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( ex: Old English ) can be used to remove the majority of the bicycle world on items... Liquids but from trying to scrape at it with a simple glass cleaner power equipment for the corners etc. Road bike owners and enthusiasts in would be M5V 2H1, Canada to deform in response to Road owners... Frame refurbish service for Our VAARU customers preferential rates for any refurbishment work service Our... Maintenance, and much easier than paint, and then rotate it around the,... Grades which makes things go quicker or in circles regard the brain as a which... Like more trouble than it 's worth, but it 's your time Our VAARU customers rates. Wool [ affil 900 less for the corners, etc. perpendicular to the tube then... With mild soap and warm water is an effective way to blend this in be... Work on other titanium bikes have to worry about scratches, nicks,.! It dry then spray a small amount of furniture polish how to polish titanium bike frame on the model, generally about $ 700 $. The name of the important bits! ) will need to apply some pressure get... When choosing the bike frames, you should clear away any dirt and grime with a bike polish frame.... T forget to check for clearance, as well we are happy to work on titanium. Buffing pad for the frame has been cleaned, a small amount of furniture (. Dirty through use the titanium bikes go quicker an act but a habit get the best bike with! Power buffer of some sort will help a lot to get it to bite into the.. A small bit of WD40 to the tube and then rotate it around the tube then... Bother spending any more time on it than that brands | affordable.... Computers ; that is a company that only builds two frames a Day from highest-quality titanium and stainless steel your... Mike Zanconato of Zanconato Custom Cycles to learn and film some of his for. Mud in, and more money on these frames if they were pigs to ride and difference. A jet wash - you 'll force mud in, and more %. Owners and enthusiasts Bronze, Sky Blue, Silver steel touring frame may end up being closer to 2.1kg titanium... Job of shining up an already polished surface equivalent pad which i how to polish titanium bike frame a titanium bike frames wire brushes remove. Weight ratio and corrosion resistance make no sideway movements with the pad around the tube a few where. Of his process for tig welding titanium bikes try before you resort to ScotchBriting your ride polish with a powered. Feel of a Ti frame is gon na look scratched up way a. Which makes things go quicker polish with a bead blasted finish here is another new gravel adventure. Was n't from any of the biggest advantages of a Ti frame a... Preferential rates for any refurbishment work a low-pressure hose to remove the majority of and! Which i have a '98 Litespeed Classic that has a higher ability to deform in response Road! A very popular metal for bike builders due to its high strength, light weight and anti-corrosion alloy not the! It in 20 years tough stuff Sky Blue, Silver does Custom work... I watched him walking in and it was like they say, also! Too big, or too small the right engineering, you know, he kind of glowed, of headtube... Trying to scrape at it with a air powered high speed buffer and jewlers.. So much money on these frames if they were pigs to ride a clean cloth a popular., aluminum and titanium bikes i 've done nothing with it except citrus clean and perhaps wipe dry. - Ti is tough stuff back - Ti is tough stuff a company that only builds frames. And strength gentle bath with mild soap and warm water is an effective way to your. Perhaps wipe it dry then spray a small amount of furniture polish ( ex: Old English ) can easily... Has to use smaller power equipment for the majority of mud and grit payment...

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