jonwvara 

Do you prefer a mirror-like polished aluminum crankset, or one that looks its age? Why?
I should say that I'm in the latter camp, myself, partly because I'm lazy and partly because I can't shake the idea that polishing a crankset is too much like taking the copper polish to a collection of rare pennies. Not trying to stir up trouble--just wondering what people think.

Grand Bois

I'm for polishing everything polishable.

Wogster

It depends on the purpose of the bike, my bikes are all regular riders, which means they get what is required to make them the most usable. That means they get partly disassembled, cleaned, inspected, lubed and made ready for another season of riding. The only reason for polishing would be to allow the addition of a protective layer to keep corrosion at bay. AL parts don't need it, in fact AL like copper builds up a natural oxidation layer that protects the metal underneath, which is why pennies tarnish, silver and brass do the same thing. Steel parts do, so steel that isn't bathed in lubricants, will get paint touch up and polishing on a regular basis. Once every 4-5 years they get torn down and completely gone over, but this is to keep them in running condition.

Chris Chicago

I am of the same mindset as wogs. But sometimes when I see khatfulls work, or some of the other super polished bikes on here, I think about changing my mind. I just wonder if I got my cranks looking that nice how long it would last and how bummed out I would be when the luster went away. then, would I be hooked on polishing or not. I guess you don't know until you try it.

bradtx

jonwvara, For me it depends on the bike's finish. New paint/decals/detailed to the inth degree...polish all of the aluminum bits to match. For an original finish frame showing honest wear and tear just a good cleaning will do.

Brad

dbakl

I like to polish parts when I'm building up a bike, but I don't go to a chrome like finish, more like a clean, silver finish. I leave the scratches and stuff so it fits back into the patina of the bike. Sometimes I just wire wheel them for a softer look.

randyjawa 

The rider in me could care less about polish. I often times don't even use oil...


The custom bike builder demands polish, and as much as I can get my hands on...





The restorer in me insists it look original, as issued, one day one. But that can be pretty polishy also...

Oldpeddaller

Me too! Doesn't stop me from polishing them up like chrome but that doesn't last more than a few weeks before the surface starts to dull again, but still looks smooth and clean. So, clean and bright is good enough for me!



If the bike has original finish in good condition and no serious rust issues I might replace any damaged decals, or just leave it. If it's really scarred up, needs extensive rust treatment or has been really badly battle-canned, then I generally strip it to bare metal and spray enamel from scratch, "baking" the paint hard between coats on our dining room radiator.

Grand Bois

I didn't any polishing on my beater because I want it to look like just another neglected, beat up old bike so it won't appeal to thieves.

javal

Clean not polished. But I like a shiny bike just as much as the next guy.

ColonelJLloyd 

Fail.

Captain Blight

Once it's polished, it's easy to keep it polished. And dirt just wipes right off.

JKohler

What kind of bike is that? i love the lugs

jonwvara 

When you polish aluminum, you're removing the protective oxide layer and some of the underlying metal, yes? Any idea how long you can keep doing that before the crank (or other aluminum part) starts diminishing like a used bar of soap? Not that dramatically, obviously, but I'd think you'd eventually tend to notice it as edges that are supposed to look hard beginning to appear rounded over. Or will that never happen? Or will it happen, but gradually enough that it's something for the next generation of polishers to worry about, not us?

There are at least a few old-car types on this forum. From talking with my brother, who restores 60s Oldsmobiles, I have a vague idea that there are two (well, many more than just two, I suppose) schools of thought about old cars: the chrome 'em up hot-rod school, and the faithful restoration school, that aims to bring the car back to the way it looked the day it rolled off the assembly line, but no flashier than that. Is that at all analogous to the polish/don't polish school of bike crankery?

shnibop 

now hold on just one hot second. you did this in your garage? have you posted a separate thread revealing your secrets? looks stunning!


back on topic: polished










i've ridden hundreds of miles on a DA polished crankset and have yet to see any signs of negative effect. as previously mentioned, dirt and grime wipes off easily, if it does scuff or scratch, just polish it out. it doesn't take nearly as long, as someone who hasn't done it, thinks.

Charles Wahl

The higher the polish, the less surface area to corrode; thus, easier to keep decent looking over the long run, with minimal but regular attention.

Grand Bois

Jeunet Franche-Comte.

Me too.

Grand Bois

Must we have two schools? Can't we all just do whatever pleases us with our bikes?

cudak888 

A. I see no reason wherein the existing finish of any metal or paint finish on a bicycle shouldn't be cleaned and polished as best as they can. I see no cause for considering surface-rusted handlebars or oxidized aluminum hubs - two of many examples - desirable or recipients of legitimate patina. They aren't. Polish them as best possible - it is good for the part, and it is good for appearances.

B. There comes a point where certain rust spots, worn paint, and aluminum finishes will polish only so much. It is at this point that you leave well enough alone. This remaining, refurbished finish - with whatever cosmetic damage may remain - can be considered true patina, if the damage is structurally irrelevant.

C. Nothing was "aged" when it was new (save for Brooks saddles with that treatment, perhaps). If the original finish is intact and buried under oxidation, it has no reason to be left under there - at that point, "patina" claims are utter bull. Polish it.

-Kurt

noglider 

Grand Bois, anyone who appreciates bikes can tell that your beater is really a fine bike. And some bike thieves know bikes. I'm not predicting any sad stories, though. And I'm sure you know all this.

I once had my crank and freewheel and derailleurs removed from my beater. It was beatier looking than yours.

jonwvara 

You're right, we don't need schools. On the other hand, we seem to HAVE schools. But I think that's okay--otherwise our bikes would all look the same.

rootboy 

I think it depends on the part too. I wince a bit when I see folks remove that nice old pearly anodizing from Nuovo Record parts, etc. It was put there for a reason and I personally like the look of it as opposed to bright and shiny high buff. That said, I had to polish a set of NR brakes as the finish was compromised and a goner. They looked really nice all polished up but I still prefer the soft glow of the originals. For me I guess it boils down to; polish if you have to, but otherwise, leave it alone. 2 cents.

Oldpeddaller

Yes to both. In the garage and out in the garden on a blazing hot, windless day. I use grey enamel primer and this one used gloss white first coat, gloss torino red
enamel top coat and clear gloss enamel lacquer. I use an airless electric spay plant for bike frames, low pressure adjusted to give a 3 to 4" oval spray pattern. Tips are not to try to lay on too much paint at once, "dust" it on gently in thin coats. Let each coat dry thoroughly and if there are no defects that need attention, lay on another coat. If work is needed, leave the paint to harden for two days before lightly wet sanding out the problem. (This one went like a dream). between colours I stand the frame on our double dining room radiator for a week or so. This really does harden up the surface. Can't do a search mid-post without losing my text, but if you search for the thread under something like "Rescued 1966 Claud Butler" or under my user name you should find it.

Nice finish on those cranks and the hub, by the way! Did you use Mother's then Blue Magic polishes?

repechage

Way back I had to make this decision in real time, I had a bike with a 3ttt Record stem and bar with stickers from 3ttt, It was near impossible to maintain the shine without hitting the stickers, and the Italian tri color band on the quill needed to go to improve my position on a bike a bit too big... off they came. A problem 30 years on for the originality police but so be it.

We used to see some new bikes arrive from Europe with patina courtesy of the shipping lines...

repechage

A good photo essay for when a refinish is the right thing to do.