Cleaning up old handlebars
#1
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Thread Starter
Cleaning up old handlebars
I have a classic Cinelli handlebar, probably dating back to the 60's which I'd like to sell. Can anyone recommend a method for removing all the sticky gunk that has built up from years of handlebar tape?
Thanks
John
Thanks
John
#3
Senior Member
I cleaned my cinelli bars with wd40. Spray it on after you remove levers and add generous amounts of elbow grease. If you have a plastic scraper, that helps too. Don’t forget to wipe wd40 at the end or tape won’t stick to it.
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Even better - mineral oil. Cheaper and doesn't leave an oily residue.
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I've found wood alcohol effective.
#10
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Thanks, all. I've ordered some acetone of eBay.
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Goo Gone or Goof Off work great. Wear gloves.
#12
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I always use rubbing alcohol, it takes some elbow grease but it works and is cheap. I also use it for normal degreasing as the odor dissipates quickly and I figure its the least toxic, readily available product.
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I am an acetone guy myself , although the fumes and such are VERY unhealthy! I have also used denatured alcohol it just takes a little more time and energy. I don't like using anything abrasive as a lot of handle bars have an anodized finish with a satin texture. I just did a set of 3ttt bars that were once wrapped with sticky cloth tape and left outside for a long time. The glue had turned to a resin and was not coming off with the alcohol , acetone and about 45 minutes and they looked great. Joe
#14
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olive oil and baking soda. a little elbow grease but comes out a treat and no harmful fumes or skin contact. Although if the glue has actually hardened you might need to work harder on it or go for a very mild abrasive like a light auto polisher paste
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Naptha and a rag.
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#19
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Thanks, but given the cost of crossing the Atlantic to get to Home Depot I think I'll look closer to home.
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Heat. Either a very hot hair dryer or paint remover on the lowest setting, held safely away from the bar to avoid overheating and messing with the heat treatment.
#22
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This sounds brilliant.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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This is a great treatment. Diesel oil is also working well in case glue residue is hardened too much.