Bicycle Mechanics - My New *USED* Litespeed...Titanium Polishing? Steel Wool??

Well, I broke down & got a different bike (used) - the panasonic will have to stay on the hangers for most of the year - last week I took delivery of a used Litespeed Classic. (2000, with full ultegra, I may need to do some minor 'maintenance upgrades') Way Cool!! And a TON lighter than the Panasonic which was about 15-20 yrs old.

My new bike has the brushed titanium finish. Except for about 2 small spots which are 'polished' from hangers, or minor falls, etc - no dings or dents, just slightly polished areas of otherwise nice brushed titanium finish.

My question to the resident experts: I read (probably on e-bay from sellers) that these spots can be 're-brushed' by something like steel wool. Does anyone have experience with this / does this work / will it hurt my new 'baby'?

I just washed the whole thing, these titanium bikes really do stay pretty spotless, it is really pretty, but the couple of polished spots are annoying - probably more to me than anyone else who would look at the bike.

Thanks guys - any info you can give me would help lots.

Congrats on your new bike. I've got a Classic, too. :thumbup:

I've never had the need to do it, but you might do better with sandpaper or emery cloth. I expect the steel wool would polish rather than scratch.

Actually, there is a new Litespeed owners forum (only a month or so old) at the LS web-site. You might want to post your question there, too (unless you already have).

try Scotch brite pads. There are different grades so you can match the original finish. Make very sure you are going in the same direction as the original finish.

Originally posted by Bobatin
try Scotch brite pads. There are different grades so you can match the original finish. Make very sure you are going in the same direction as the original finish.

And they will even work on mirror-polished stainless steel.

Originally posted by Bobatin
try Scotch brite pads. There are different grades so you can match the original finish. Make very sure you are going in the same direction as the original finish.

Definitely go with the Scotch brite. I have a '01 classic and remember reading somewhere (maybe even Litespeed's web site) to use the SB pads. I've never done it tho.

I too have tried the Scotch Brite pads. I think it is number "000" or very fine weave. Like others said, go the correct direction, around the tube rather the length of the tube. Do a little bit and don't get too aggressive. Best to test your application of pressure and direction on a less visable part of the frame. Try Pledge Furniture polish application on the clean frame too and it will gleam and resist road grime better.

I love my Litespeed Classic too. It's been a wonderful machine for the past 5 years. You'll treasure it as time passes.

Thanks for the info everyone. I have all of about 5 miles on the bike, I have been getting it tuned up & ready to rock, but the Wisconsin weather has turned cold again.

I tried to sign into the Litespeed owners group, and am awaiting the pasword. Did it take a couple of days for anyone else to get signed in, or did I mess up on my e-mail address?

Thanks again for the advice.

Oops - my mistake on the Litespeed website - I am now on & active on it. User Error...