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General Category >> Technical >> Cleaning/maintaining an Aluminum frame
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Message started by mollyzdad on Nov 28^th, 2011, 11:06am

Title: Cleaning/maintaining an Aluminum frame
Post by mollyzdad on Nov 28^th, 2011, 11:06am

I'll be getting my first aluminum-framed bike this week.
What do you all find works the best to "clean up" a used aluminum frame, and then maintain the frame?

Anything I need to "look out for" with an aluminum frame?
I am new to this Forum....a great one indeed!
Many thanks,
Bob

Title: Re: Cleaning/maintaining an Aluminum frame
Post by rmillay on Nov 28^th, 2011, 1:30pm

Soap and water with a low pressure rinse should do nicely, followed by a little auto wax, if you're so inclined. Aluminum has fatigue problems, but usually only after high mileage. If you clean the frame thoroughly, look for cracks in the paint or clear finish near welds and stress points. If you sit on it and bounce a little bit, it shouldn't make creaking or pinging noises. BTW, any used wheels with a few thousand miles on them should be inspected for cracks, too.