Bicycle Detail! A first for me

[Reddwarf]

My wife's bicycle is close to 20 years old. Hasn't been ridden is many years. The tires had dry rot and the brakes were shot. Our youngest son has started riding a bike so she wanted to ride again.

We went to look at new bikes and were shocked to see the going rate. You can go to Walmart and the like and spend about $200 or the bike store and easily spend $500. So, we decided to refurbish what we have. Put new tires, tubes, and brakes on the bike. The handlebar was covered in rust as were the rims and brakes. I decided if I can detail a car why not a bike?

My implements of rust and grime destruction:

PB Spray and Wipe
PB Pro Polish
PS21 Chrome Polishing Soap
CC Metal Polish and Wax
Clearkote Carnuba Wax Liquid
Brillo Pad
Toothbrush

Here is a picture of the rusty handlebars

I started out with the PS21 polishing soap and it was cleaning up some of the rust but very slow. I figured worse case I would buy new handlebars so I went to the kitchen and grabbed a brillo pad. The brillo Pad worked great! I used it first then went over with the PS21. That combo did a great job. I removed the old handlebar grips and installed new ones once it was finished.

After a little work

At this point I realized the bars must come off. Here is a picture after brillo and PS 21

Now a picture after the CC Metal Polish and Wax

Some before dirty bike photos

After the metal was liberated from the rust I applied the CC Metal wax. The painted parts were cleaned with PB S&W, PB Pro Polish, and topped with a coat of Clearcote Carnuba Wax (the only liquid wax I have)

Afters:

A lot of work but I am pleased at the end result.

 

[MR Prime Shine]

very nice

 

[Swanicyouth]

A few months ago I realized detailing stuff was overflowing out of my garage. I needed more room! So, bike had to go upstairs. It was fairly dirty, no pics though.

IIR, I used some Turtle Wax Shampoo (I've had sitting around for years) and Meg's APC+ in a foam cannon, Simple Green, Montana Boar's Hair Wheel Brush, and some RaceGlaze paintbrushes. All rubber was scrubbed spotless with Griot's Rubber Cleaner, since it was going upstairs in the house. When it was all done, I wiped it down with UWW+

 

[mrclean81]

That looks great. Amen to the bike shop comment. I went in the one here and was looking for something for my son. After a couple prices, I said no, Im looking for a bicycle..those are dirt bike prices lol. He got one from Target, and its currently laying on its side under a tree in the yard...guess its a good thing I only spent 100 bucks on it haha.

 

[zckid]

i really appreciate the effort and patience you put to get the bike like new.

excellent turnaround

 

[Pats300zx]

Awesome job on the bikes. You inspired me to pull mine out and give a "clean up"

 

[tropicsteve]

it's surprising how much time it takes to detail a bike. (same with motorcycles). nice save !

 

[RTexasF]

I appreciate the wheels most of all.....what tedious work! I'm sure she's proud of her new bike.

 

[Reddwarf]

Thank all.

Swanicyouth - Your bike is way nicer! Keep it looking good.

Mrclean81 - Yes, you are right. We bought my younger son a used bike. We looked at the Bike Shop and a new one was $350! The used one we found is in perfect condition and way less $

RTexasF - The wheels are a PITA. But at the same time rather gratifying.

 

[Bunky]

Looks a lot better !

 

[kmortensen1525]

Just make sure that all of the parts were lubed back up with some grease and chain lube after using degreaser! It will destroy the bottom bracket of the bike if it sits in there. But looks very nice and what a good way to show your son a new hobby! Bikes are expensive, I am an avid road cyclist for my college team and if its not money going into the car, it's for my bike!

 

[Addicted2Bling]

Nice work

 

[Custom Care]

great turn around, you have inspired me to add another project to my list. My wife has a bike that could really use some TLC sitting in the shed right now. I will take it out and detail it in a shroud of secrecy and save it as a "Get out of the dog house free" card.