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Cleaning Titanium Cassette

Q. For my mountain bike, I am using a Titanium cassette. After every heavy ride, mud/dirt & grease forms on the cassette. If I do not clean the cassette right away, the dirt sticks on Titanium which later on makes it very difficult to clean. I was in that condition lately; so I decided to put the cassette in a clean plate; then covered the entire cassette with baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and next I poured in vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil link] . I left it alone for 5 minutes and then rinsed it in water and the cassette looked almost like the day I purchased ir. Is this bad for Titanium?

Suzy Coldwater
bike shop - Florida
2006

A. Yes it is. it will erode the titanium and then whatever the cassette is holding up/together will break. VERY HARMFUL. Just soak it in sulfuric acid for a week or so. All dirt will be gone-no harm done.

John Mckconbak
- Young America, Minnesota, USA
2006

Ti Cassette

on Amazon

(affil link)

A. What percentage/strength sulfuric acid are you suggesting, John, and why would you think that sulfuric acid would be less aggressive than vinegar or baking soda? Thanks.

I could be in error, but I believe that only some of the parts (like the larger sprockets) are titanium, and other elements may be anodized aluminum or alloy steel -- so it's tricky to suggest immersing in anything strong.

But solvents (like carburetor cleaner), unlike acids, probably won't harm metal.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted is available for instant or longterm help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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