Originally Posted by
unworthy1
I think this "Criterium" (how's that for an optimistic name?) despite it being a lower grade bike actually has some potential to be made roadworthy (if you have wheels). before I went at it with a wire wheel, I'd strip all the alloy off and soak anything rusty in a pool of oxalic acid (which we hope you can find in AUS, here it's sold as Savogran wood bleach crystals, which you dissolve in warm water). Then see how much paint is left, you might get by with some touch-up. The gap in the seat lug is bad manufacturing: it never got brazed...probably will remain usable but I'd monitor it regularly and quit riding if you notice any change.
Yes I can get oxalic acid but its really expensive and hard to find. A local harware has store has 2kg for $45! It's rebranded as rust and stain cleaner but the ingredients list says 100% oxalic acid. Don't cringe but as i already have a geared road bike i was going to fixed gear this one. Was hoping that although
criterium is obviously marketing that the bottom bracket height might be slightly higher than normal.