|
Bicycles
Bicycles are an ideal application for TC-11. You can use TC-11 to (a) remove rust and restore bicycle chains and drive train
components , (b) provide an exceptional lubricating film to your chain, and
(c) provide a rust inhibiting film to the inside of your metal frame or any
metal components on the bike.
Rust Removal
- Surface Preparation
Prepare surface by removing built-up dirt and deposits using light abrasion (brush, sponge or towel). For best results, use the TC-11 Degreasing Surface Cleaner™, another quality citrus-based cleaner, Simple Green™, or dish soap and water. Allow surfaces to dry.
- TC-11 Application
Shake can well (4-5 times) before use. Apply a heavy film of TC-11 to the
surface.
- Surface Abrasion
Upon application, rust particles will become suspended in the TC-11 film. Scrub the surface to loosen the rust. Please use the appropriate tool for the surface you are trying to clean.
- Wire Brush: A stainless steel wire brush works well on metal and unpainted surfaces where there is no risk or worry of scratching the surface. This includes the chain, chain wheels, derailleur and freewheel.
- 0000 Steel Wool. 0000 steel wool will not scratch metal or most porcelain or ceramic surfaces.
- Cloth/Paper Towel. For delicate
or sensitive surfaces, you may use only a cloth or paper towel.
- Remove TC-11 Film and Rust
Remove the TC-11 film (which has the rust in it!) from the surface using TC-11 Degreasing Surface Cleaner™, Simple Green™, another quality citrus-based cleaner, soap and water, or a paper towel/clean cloth. The rust deposits and stains will be removed at the same time, leaving your surface looking almost like new. Stubborn deposits may require a second-application of TC-11.
Chain/Drive Train Lubrication
TC-11 provides a superior lubricating film that lasts more than twice as
long as its competitors.
After you clean off your existing lubrication product (using a parts washer or chain cleaner, clean it to the bare metal), apply a medium film of TC-11 as you spin the pedals and run the chain over your chainwheels and freewheel. Pay special attention to the derailleur pulleys where gunk and grime can accumulate. Spray on the freewheel cogs
. Let the film take hold for at least 30 minutes before using the bike on the road or trail.
The next time your bike is ready to be cleaned, TC-11 can be easily and completely removed using a product like Simple
Green™ - without taking your chain and parts off your bike. Unlike other lubricants that form a wax film or are Teflon-based, TC-11 can be easily removed from your components and it will take all the accumulated dirt and grime with it. We like to use a chain-cleaning tool like the one made by Pedro's™ and fill it with Simple Green™. For the freewheel and chainwheel, you can use a toothbrush or paper towel (with Simple Green™).
You will be amazed that your metal parts will look brand new with little
work and effort. The key is that TC-11 has kept all the dirt and grime from
attaching to your bike parts so that when the TC-11 film is removed, off
comes all the grime. And you don't need any solvents to completely remove
TC-11.
TC-11 and the Rest of Your Bike
If you have metal parts, bolts or nuts on your bike, treat them with a thin coat of TC-11. You can do this by spraying a film of TC-11 onto the part, waiting a couple of minutes (as you spray other parts on your bike), and then wiping off the part gently with a
cloth or a paper towel. For spokes, rims (inside only, not the sidewalls where the brake pads contact the rim), hubs, stems, seat post, brake calipers, and other parts, we like to spray TC-11 onto a rag and then wipe down the parts. A little TC-11 goes a long way and you will avoid rust on your critical parts. You should also put a drop or two (easiest with our Precision Applicator) on the spoke nipples to prevent them from rusting and corroding. These applications can be done in 3-6 month intervals; depending on the conditions you use your bike. And yes, you hammer heads that like the mud and muck, you need to reapply after each complete cleaning.
For those of you with metal bikes (cromoly, steel, SL, SLX, 853, etc.), it is best to apply a thick film of TC-11 to the inside or your frame and fork. This will last for about a year and will prevent your bike from damaging rust and corrosion inside where it is hard to spot. We recommend that you do this 24-hours before building up the frame so that any excess product can evaporate.
|