Rusty headset
05-26-10, 08:19 PM
#1
extra bitter
Thread Starter
Rusty headset
My bike, an old Miyata, just got through its first Indiana winter. Salty roads are new to me, and to the bike, and I'm left with a fair amount of rust on the headset.
The original headset is presumably pretty low-end, as it's a low-end bike (Miyata ninety). I'm guessing that makes it non-stainless steel (?). If that's true, would a stainless steel headset hold up better? Alloy would obviously solve the rust issue, but is alloy ill-advised for a bike that sees pretty not-so-smooth riding conditions? I'm also happy enough to replace the headset annually with a cheap-o steel model if that's the best solution.
Thanks in advance for any input.
The original headset is presumably pretty low-end, as it's a low-end bike (Miyata ninety). I'm guessing that makes it non-stainless steel (?). If that's true, would a stainless steel headset hold up better? Alloy would obviously solve the rust issue, but is alloy ill-advised for a bike that sees pretty not-so-smooth riding conditions? I'm also happy enough to replace the headset annually with a cheap-o steel model if that's the best solution.
Thanks in advance for any input.
05-26-10, 08:59 PM
#2
The good looking one
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You might get more ideas in the Bicycle Machanics section.......
05-26-10, 09:25 PM
#3
Crankenstein
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Steel wool (VERY fine! like 00 grit/grade/whatever it is) should take any rust right off... or you could try oxalic acid (sold at hardware stores as wood bleach for decks)... very weak solution, let it soak for a few hours, rust is gone....
Check the Classic and Vintage forum for more info.
Check the Classic and Vintage forum for more info.
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"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
05-27-10, 06:29 AM
#4
extra bitter
Thread Starter
Thanks for the tips on removing the rust. But I figure it's worth replacing the headset with something rust-proof/resistant so I don't have to remove and reinstall the headset every year, particularly the head tube cups and the fork crown race. I'll try C&V and/or the mechanics forum as well.
