thx guys, some handy tips posted
i'm yet to buy stuff that's better than WD-40, i usually use what is at hand.
soaked in vinegar sounds like the go
Andy, it is all steel - stem and fork steerer
edit: or maybe not vinegar, seeing as the stem is made of steel, not alloy?
Last edited by le mans; 12-31-14 at 02:23 AM.