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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 [on eBay or Amazon] and next I poured in vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon]. 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 links)

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
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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