grantman18

I'm not sure if the problem was worn cleats, or just the old shoes I had, but both my ultegra and dura-ace cranks have marks on the drive-side arms from where the shoes rubbed the finish off. Since I got new shoes I haven't noticed my foot hitting the crankarms at all, so I was thinking of refinishing them.

Does anyone have suggestions for refinishing hollowtech crank arms? The blemishes aren't huge but those cranks are like works of art and they look really crappy with huge scuff marks on them.

I remember seeing a thread about restoring an old dura-ace crank but couldn't relocate it. But I do remember it taking a lot of work...any suggestions?

botto 

ride your bike.

grantman18

I do...a lot...that's why the cranks are messed up. But now that my shoes don't rub it'd be nice to have them look good again

botto 

then you should know that it's a tool, not a jewel.

grantman18

Something else in this thread reminds me of the word tool, hmm

DrPete 

So, is this pi$$ing contest for distance or accuracy?

grantman18

I just want some advice from someone that's polished or refinished their cranks

bitterken

Maybe it's just me, but having a bike looking well used makes it look good. You should see my race bike with dented shifter caps, dinged up RD, and scuffed up pedals - it's HOT. Your cranks are a clear sign that you actually ride your bike, not just park it in front of a coffee shop. Be proud dude.

But if it really bothers you, you can buff the the cranks to a mirror shine using a variety of polish and fine abrasives available at your local hardware store. Wax can be applied to help protect the finish.

Be warned however, this will rub off the protective layer (hence the wax) and the fancy Shimano labels on the crankarms and may cause you to want to polish your bike more then actually riding it. I really don't think it's worth it, but it's your bike.

Here's an earlier thread with some details -> https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=267606

skiracing

The OP isn't asking you for a philosophical point of view on how a bike should be used AND stop making assumptions about what sort of cyclist a person is based on their desire to maintain the look of the bike.

It seems this forum has a lot of miserable ppl that just want to pass on their negativity at every opportunity possible.

grantman18

thanks for the advice, much appreciated

bitterken

Oh, and a couple of additional things:

Removing the crankarms is going to be required, so make sure you have the right tools or take them to a shop.

The Classic and Vintage section of the forum is really good for getting restoration tips.

lukewall

that really is the best advice on this entire forum.

wfrogge

Volume

JeffS

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...um&btnG=Search

lukewall

And a lot of people on this forum are more concerned with aesthetics as opposed to riding bikes, just go to SSFG.

botto 

ppl?

michaelmc

PPL.

botto 

but this guy doesn't look miserable.

wanders

He keeps his crank polished.

RazorWind

Assuming it's an aluminum part, you could probably get it anodized somewhere - paintball supply places should know about this.

jimbud

I agree, I think if I was to ever to want to refinish the crankarms anodizing would be the answer. Check with any metal platers in your area.

Everest

I had a thread on polishing a 9 speed dura ace awhile back, but it's probably been archived by now. If you take the time they can come out looking great. First you will have to pull the cranks, and rmove the chainrings and chainring bolts. For supplies go pick up some mothers aluminum polish (I think it is called mag polish, it's used to polish aulminum rims on hot rods). Also pick up a chamois. Also go to a hobby store and pick up a bunch of sand paper, I picked up a package with various grits that was designed for airbrushed model cars I think. Regardless try to find the kind with a plastic backing that enables you to wet sand. Get a bunch of grits (the hobby kind goes to really high grits, you will need some that is so high it feels smooth). Find a sink that it's no's gpoing to care if you make a mess in. Submerge the crank in water and sand with progressively higher grits (ie start with the most abrassive to remove the anodizing then work your way up to the point where you aren't really taking off any matieral). Once you have the crank sanded smooth and all the blemishes removed dry the crank thourghly and polish with the mothers on a chamois, follow the directions on the can of mothers. Note you probably have to re-polish every couple months.

skiracing

You must be helping him do so...

Ih8lucky13

Talk about negative.

skiracing

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