How to clean a Titanium bike (Litespeed)

A fellow viewer and Litespeed owner asked how I clean titanium bikes?
So this is what I do and it seems to work well on my bike and the bikes of my customers. Enjoy!
Any questions? Any requests? Just let me know!

[@MS4323]

Thank you, valuable info. Now to get to work on my litespeed.

[@peterwinkler8382]

Reginald, aloha from Hawaii! I ride a 2001 Litespeed Siena frame (with all new components and wheels). It's the best frame I've ever had (and lasted the longest). Your video is exactly what I was looking for. I ordered a Scotchbrite #7447 red pad (they have none that I could find on my island), and I have WD-40. I took the old decals off and may keep them off. It will look so nice when I'm finished! Thank you for your information. I think titanium is the best material for bikes.

[@reginaldscot165]

Totally agree about the frame! I am always jealous of people with classic frames. I was dreaming of owning a litespeed in the 1990s so I'm thrilled to have one now, but I'd still love to own the Siena, or Blade or Classic to add to my collection one day! (Of 1) Your bike will look great after you are done, just take your time and you will get fantastic results. 👌🏻

[@shekofriends]

Good as new. Thanks for sharing. Works fine on my Ghisallo.

[@anthonyfurio8408]

I am awaiting delivery of my first Litespeed (T5), thanks for the tips!!

[@reginaldscot165]

Great choice! ❤️

[@yossyadrianto7168]

Thank you for the info, can’t wait to try it into my T2….best regards from Indonesia…🙏🏼

[@reginaldscot165]

Ah the T2, my Favourite frame. ❤️

[@edinburghtumuran916]

Thanks for that lesson. Perfect!

[@wynmarkalcaraz1451]

Nice. Thank you for the information sir👍. I'll do it on my Ti bike.

[@montanajones8393]

Great video. I've had a couple of dropped chain incidents & now I know how to get rid of those scratches. Question: I have a carbon seatpost & I've found that with washing the bike & probably most likely from road spray as I've been caught a few times in heavy downpour that the seatpost doesn't slide in as easily when it was new. What can I do to remedy this? The seatpost has always been inserted raw with no friction paste & slippage has never been an issue. I pulled the seatpost out after those rainy rides & wiped everything down but when I re-installed the post, I found that it no longer went in smoothly.

[@Rekmeyata]

Your method is what I've been doing since I bought my Lynskey back in 2013, and it works great, it was the method that Adrenalin Bikes, where I got my Lynskey, recommended. The only different thing that I do is that I've only tried the red scouring pad once, and even then I probably didn't have to use it, all the other times I just polish it with WD40 about 2 to 3 times a year. The only time I will now use the red scouring pad is if a scratch gets on the metal, or a shiny spot, otherwise I don't see the point of using it. A lot less work to care for then a painted bike.

[@reginaldscot165]

Thank you for the comment! Yes it’s much easier to look after than a painted bike for sure. Happy cycling and thanks for watching. 👍🏻🙂

[@EarthSurferUSA]

WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement" as a light lubricant, (great for getting water out of dirt bike chains, for example, after power washing them, before putting the chain lube on.), and the 40 is the 40th formula developed finally for sale. After the scotch bright, try Lemon Pledge. Does not collect dirt, and keeps finger prints off for a long time, with a great finish.

[@reginaldscot165]

You are not the first to suggest lemon pledge 🙂👍🏻

[@WestcliffGoPro]

I literally love your titanium bike 😍

[@reginaldscot165]

Thank you! ❤️ That one actually belongs to one of my shop assistants. He just got it and he is madly in love with it. He has only had it 3 weeks but has washed it about 4 times 😂

[@WestcliffGoPro]

Reginald Scot don’t blame him 😂😂

[@reginaldscot165]

PS. You should aim to get a Ti bike one day, you won't regret it. 😉

[@WestcliffGoPro]

Reginald Scot I know. When I upgrade my current carbon fibre frame I’ll definitely be choosing a titanium one next

[@zukzworld]

Thanks for the video!

[@reginaldscot165]

Welcome 👍🏻

[@AOL0321]

I just got a Lynskey Helix Disc Road and saw that they recommended Lemon Pledge furniture polish? On my old DEAN titanium I used Simichrome polish, made by Happich in Germany. Many motorcyclists use this stuff for different types of metal.

[@reginaldscot165]

Very good.

[@Zozzle12]

On my two Ti bikes, over the past 23 years, all I have ever used for cleaning the frames is WD40. If you look up the MSDS sheet, WD40 is basically oil and paint thinner - (which is mineral spirits).

[@reginaldscot165]

Smart move looking at the MSDS. 👍🏻

[@iamlyam79]

Love your videos. I am patiently awaiting my Watia that I ordered the day they were released. I don’t understand why Litespeed doesn’t get more press. Moots and some of the other so-called boutique Ti brands seem to be the darlings of the bicycle press. I am fortunate enough to have a 1992 Kona Hei Hei Ti that I use as a monster all-road bike now with Rene Herse tyres so I know I can expect some magic from my new bike. Cheers!

[@user-kc2pc7zw9m]

Same here. I love my Litespeed T2. It is a fantastic bike.

[@rcg9573]

Agreed. Litespeed are an infinitely better value than Moots, They are built at the same level of quality, ride just as well as a Moots, and their brushed finish is a superior finish to Moots bead blasted stock surface. There’s no logical reason to pay $5K+ for a stock Moots when there are so many identical quality frames made by companies like Litespeed, No 22, Merlin, Mosaic, Enigma, DeSalvo, etc... that sell for far less.

[@cornpopwasabaddude4729]

Don't follow this video on how to polish titanium frame if you love your titanium bike. This is not poishing, it's grinding down your titanium by sanding down which will cause deep abrasion. Use titanium, metal or aluminum polished products to polish your frame. What you need is to remove tarnish from alloy, not sanding it down. The guy making this video doesn't know what he is doing & he even argue about it when he was told to use polishing product.

[@christopherchong3899]

Great lesson on WD40!

[@Velofil]

Great that's why we love Ti-Frames!! 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@reginaldscot165]

1 of many reasons 😁

[@garyhull7556]

Reginald, I have a polished titanium Bianchi. It's not the "mirror" finish you mention, but it's not "brushed" either. Looks similar to a "Chrome" bike, but again, not mirror finish. Can I use the maroon colored pad on this surface? Will it simply add more hairline scratches, or will it end up just fine? Thank you, and great video!

[@reginaldscot165]

Interesting, you will probably find that your bike was made by Litespeed/ or under their supervision as many of the titanium Italian bikes were a result of collaboration with Litespeed. What you are describing sounds like a mirror finish, Crome is like a shiny mirror right? But in any case no the red one won't work for you. It will just completely change the Look of your frame. If you are happy for that it's ok but if you want your original look it will take more work. To get a mirror/Crome look you will need to polish with a very fine abrasive. Something like a car paint scratch restoration liquid or metal polish and a soft cloth. Or to save time a sponge pad on an electric power polisher or drill. Do tests on the underside of the frame like the BB or down tube to check the results first. You can also use some types of toothpaste, but it's not as effective.

[@steveellis1191]

Mothers aluminum and magnesium polish. Mirror shine is back. 2003 polished classic.

[@sgustavo2968]

Hi. What's the widest tire that you can use with the T5?

[@reginaldscot165]

Officially 25mm, but I heard someone got a slick 32mm in one. However, the T5 isn't a gravel bike, if you want to go off road Litespeed have great gravel bikes for that. If for some reason you are looking for more comfort, no need, the T5 is extremely comfortable (the most comfortable road bike I have ever ridden) I use 23s in my titanium bike and I don't have any comfort problems. 🙂👍🏻

[@sigmase11]

Hi, I would love a titanium bike and wouldn't mind 2nd hand even Do you have a link to your bike shop please. Great video

[@reginaldscot165]

You can find us on IG at bikedoctor_bn But we are only a small bike shop located in Brunei so it might be better to look for your local litespeed dealer? You can find a list and map at Litespeedbikes.com

[@Pablomacintosh]

Have you had any problems with the WD-40 damaging the decals after multiple applications? Thank you

[@reginaldscot165]

Not so far. (4 years.)

[@silentscientist2234]

Hi Ali , you dont remmember me but i went to your shop before covid spreaded Love from malaysia ❤️note : i went with Zainidi at Brunei

[@reginaldscot165]

Hi, whats your name? Maybe i will? And thanks!

[@silentscientist2234]

@@reginaldscot165 Afiq Faizul

[@benlemire2481]

Any concern about water spots with hard water? I assume you can just touch them up with the pad?

[@reginaldscot165]

I don’t think I have ever seen any? If you get any after a wash the polish with the WD40 makes everything shine anyway. 🙂

[@Pablomacintosh]

Hello, Have you had problems with WD-40 damaging the decals, after multiple applications ? Thank you

[@reginaldscot165]

Not so far. (4 years.)

[@shekofriends]

Wonder if I cud try the finest sand paper to make an initial removing of scratches on Ti frame? Love to hear from ur opinion.

[@reginaldscot165]

Is it a very deep scratch? I would avoid sand paper as it's probably going to remove more material then you need to get a nice Finnish. Personally I have needed anything harsher than the red Fibre pads 👍🏻🙂

[@shekofriends]

Reginald Scot Nothing serious really just cable scratches over top tubes. I try to see if I cud get one of these red magic pads from local hardware store. Thanks anyway for the video. Never thought about WD40. Coincidentally I used finishline degreaser yesterday as a final polishing layer. Seems looking brighter and shinier.

[@jamesmovius1362]

Lapping film or paper is better than scotchpad and sandpaper is a no. @@shekofriends

[@Dan89348]

Will the scouring pads affect etched details?

[@reginaldscot165]

Yes it will remove them.

[@dmojo4547]

What would you recommend for removal of deeper scratches?

[@reginaldscot165]

If the red pad won’t remove it then you have more serious frame Damage. Removing enough material to get rid of them might be detrimental to the frame. I’d ask the manufacturer first before doing something drastic and permanent. 👍🏻

[@johnrobertson5843]

Can you do this to a bike you stripped off all the paint to get down to The Titanium ?

[@reginaldscot165]

Sure, I don’t see why not! 🙂👍🏻

[@marcmancycling]

could this work on anodized sectionsofthe frame? what if im moving the sponge horizontally would it result differently?

[@reginaldscot165]

No and yes. So it will take the anodised colour off the frame! Because that colour is only on the surface. And yes the effect will be different if you go in a different direction.

[@marcmancycling]

@@reginaldscot165 ok got it. How about some wax that could cover it or atleast make it not that noticeable? Just like the wax for car paint scratches.

[@thecappy]

Man I want a Moots Ti bike. I'm stuck with my Al and Steel bikes for now.

[@reginaldscot165]

A Ti bike is a great choice, but nothing wrong with steel and aluminium, I have both and I love them. Also Moots are very well made, but you can get a Litespeed for less money, it will be more advanced and lighter. Just a tip 😉

[@rcg9573]

If you buy a Moots you will not be able to clean it like this vid shows because their stock finish is dull matte bead blasted finish. It is not the shinier brushed finish like a Litespeed. If you take a scotchbrite pad to a stock Moots finish you will create a brushed shiny area that does not match the parts of the frame you do not touch up. Litespeed’s and numerous other ti bike brands are built and ride every bit as good as Moots without Moots silly nosebleed pricing. There’s nothing superior about a Moots except for its higher prices. 😆

[@EM-wd2vg]

Does GT85 work also? Great tutorial by the way…👍

[@reginaldscot165]

I don’t know, I never tried it, it’s not something I can get here unfortunately. However just give it a try as it won’t do any harm to a Titanium frame. 😁👍🏻

[@sakitakungtyan]

I just ordered my T5. What size frame is that t5?

[@reginaldscot165]

52 TOP tube size S

[@Rekmeyata]

Oxide corrosion can be prevented by applying and rubbing in WD40 about twice a year, let it soak into the metal for about 24 hours then wipe it off, I have no corrosion or even decolorization or blotchiness of my Lynskey that is now 8 years old.

[@reginaldscot165]

I think 24 hours might be overkill, a few seconds seems enough to me, also... I'm not entirely sure WD can even "soak into" titanium as titanium isn't a porous as such. But, if you are happy with the result then more power to you! 👍🏻

[@Rekmeyata]

@@reginaldscot165 No, TI is not porous, the "soaking" word I used was due to lack of a better word, but it is to get the blotchiness to go completely away, it won't do that in a few seconds. The longer the WD40 sets on the metal the longer the blotchiness takes to reappear. At least that's been my experience.

[@skiddgabe]

i wanna try it in my alloy frame, do u think itll work? i want that titanium finished..

[@reginaldscot165]

Might not be a good idea. Aluminium has corrosion issues if it’s raw and if you scratch up the frame you increase the surface area and potentially speed up that process. But perhaps you can rub down the frame with some fiber cloth and then spray it with clear coat?

[@kevintainguyen5919]

I'm debating whether to get the litespeed rim brake ultimate or T5. Which one do you recommend? Or is it worth it to spend extra to get the t1sl?

[@reginaldscot165]

It depends on what riding you intend to do. T5 Endurance Ultimate Racing T1SL Racing/Climbing Is the T1SL worth the money? Well it’s currently on sale and I’m posting a video today saying it’s the worlds best bike. Hope that helps🤭

[@jamesmovius1362]

Neither- Reggie himself says these frames are weakened by the cold forming process Litespeed uses. Very 1990's tech.

[@johnrobertson5843]

What grit is that maroon colored pad ?

[@reginaldscot165]

It’s not a grit as far as I know, it’s a fiber. I believe all the red is the same

[@toriwangjanim4886]

How does the T5 compare to the T1SL you have? I got a T5 recently and I love it, but I wonder if I should've gotten the litespeed ultimate.

[@reginaldscot165]

The T5 I slightly heavier, less expensive and much much more comfortable! It’s the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. ❤️ The ultimate is considerably stiffer, I’m told even more so that the T1SL by the guys at LS. 🙂

[@toriwangjanim4886]

@@reginaldscot165 Awesome, thank you. That's just what I wanted to hear. I'll see if I can find an ultimate and swap over my groupset from my aluminum frame bike. One race bike and one endurance bike. I think I'll be set for the foreseeable future :)

[@emailyarabrandao]

how do i paint a polished alloy bike frame to look TITANIUM COLOR? does anyone know which colors to mix pleaseeeeeeeeeee??? thanks in advance!

[@reginaldscot165]

That’s an interesting request. I’m not sure it can be done with just polish as raw aluminium is a different Colour entirely. without some kind of chemicals?

[@angelynrivera5290]

Can i use the green one to remove the laser printed decals on my titanium?

[@angelynrivera5290]

Ive used the red one but the laser printed decals is not going away.. only few . Do you think i can remove it with the green pad?

[@reginaldscot165]

If you are referring to the logos on the sides of the frame I believe they are sand blasted ( New standard option) or possibly anodised if you paid extra. If you use the green it with just scratch the frame in a different way and you will end up with a strange looking patch? Although it may take time continue with the red, eventually you will restore the surface finish layer under the sand blasted material. Try using a long thick strip and change the angles of your strokes. 👍🏻

[@angelynrivera5290]

@@reginaldscot165 ok ok thank you so much for the advice and i will definitely try to continue with the red until i reach the peak 🤣😂

[@pgreenx]

I kind of like the scratches. Makes the bike look like it’s been used

[@TheShet3]

hello what is the name of the red sponge? where can i purchase it?

[@reginaldscot165]

red scouring pad, very fine. Any decent hardware/DIY shop. 👍🏻🙂

[@TheShet3]

@@reginaldscot165is it okay to use red scotch brite?

[@angelynrivera5290]

What do we call those pads?

[@reginaldscot165]

Red fiber pads. You can get branded or unbranded ones, try your local Hardware store. 👍🏻🙂

[@tommylerenard]

Thanks

[@reginaldscot165]

Welcome

[@johnnymees5927]

Carbon fiber or Titanium ?

[@reginaldscot165]

Titanium… always. 😘

[@Bigboytoyz_Atlanta]

Where can I sell my litespped Tuscany

[@reginaldscot165]

On Facebook, look for the litespeed owners page.

[@reginaldscot165]

Like and subscribe! 🙏🏻

[@jamesmovius1362]

Litespeed used to be the standard for Ti bikes, but that was 20+ years ago, and have not innovated since, sadly. Want proof? UDH? I still love the band Yes, but that was a long time ago... looks like Curve has the mojo now. I don't work for Curve... Reg- it called oxidation, not oxididation.

[@reginaldscot165]

No innovation? Have you not seen the level of complexity in the tube shapes on their latest bikes? And they still make the world lightest production road bikes now in Disc brake. Yes, other brands are using more 3D printing, but this is only an innovation in the sense that traditional cheap shaping is difficult and printing things in 3-D is easy. It’s also less strong currently. So while Litespeed continue to cold forge the tubes other brands have cut corners in production by using 3D technology for example. But this is only really a benefit to the manufacturers. I have a quick look at the video… I don’t remember saying oxidisation at any point. I did put a note on the screen saying it, but I did not hear myself say it. So please add a time stamp where I said that so I can check it. 🙂👍🏻

[@jamesmovius1362]

Ha- if you are explaining, you are not winning. Nice to frame techno-leaps like 3D printing titanium as cutting corners, when you very likely know Ti gets brittle when cold worked. Brittle, and then stress fractures. Makes it weaker. And you are proud of this? I get it, you are an entertainer of sorts, but don't get mad when someone might challenge your marketing noise with data. Aaaand here you go... www.osti.gov/biblio/5792669 Actually, your reply made my point much better than I did. Hilarious- 3D printing Ti is cutting corners. 🤣 Don't get me wrong, I love my Ti bike, but as a scientist, I loath BSers. 8:34 is your garbled oxidization nonsense. I hope 1988 is treating you well, mate! @@reginaldscot165

[@thomasbrigham6321]

Just use scotch-bright looks great every time 😂

[@reginaldscot165]

Well...it would work... but not the same results.

[@jamesmcguckin6288]

It’s important to note that one should avoid using any bleach or chlorine-based products as these can damage and worsen the look of titanium. After cleaning, dry the titanium with a soft, clean cloth.

[@reginaldscot165]

Good tip, they can be surface damaged by strong alkaline. 🙂

[@blengravers]

WD40, thank you space program. Love my Ti.

[@googler4520]

WD-40 is a light oil in a solvent base. It’s nothing magical, but, like any light oil, it will inhibit surface oxidation of metal, and provide a light lubrication to moving parts.

[@robertwilson3702]

The WD-40 trick looks good until you grab the top tube and then there’s fingerprints everywhere. I guess maybe I’m not doing it right, I don’t know.

[@reginaldscot165]

You probably will get fingerprints as you would with the raw titanium. This is because our skin has oil and acid in it. But if you polish the frame with dry paper after applying the WD it should help. And if you pick your bike up by the bar and saddle then you don’t have a problem. In fact it’s useful to see if anyone has been touching your bike outside the coffee shop. 😉

[@BertrandUgn-qm6ve]

eau qualité il serait de 2012, encore merçi.Bonjour, je viens d'acheter un titus vuelo ,je voudrais ravivez le titane des rayures , et ci une personne co

[@reginaldscot165]

Thank you 🙏🏻 🙂

[@akshaydhamale6321]

Even Tesla entered INDIA, don't underestimate the market, it's 2 most populated country after China. We need more global brands, when are we seeing you?

[@EarthSurferUSA]

A population of poverty is not a market, but factories do move to communistic nations for cheap labor and to get away from environmental regulations (which are designed to punish Western Culture). The way for a population to be come a market is to demand that communism give the citizenry back the free enterprise that free people created in the first place. communism only hates profit,---when we make it. It stole free enterprise from the citizens of the USA and Europe so it could fund itself. When we are free---we can compete in business, not just be a worker for a natinalized industry.

[@randydevoe4803]

Used Pledge furniture Polish on all my bikes for last 30 years…

[@jimbojet8728]

Using red Scotch Brite to clean/refresh Ti frames is not unique to Litespeed. Fortunately this method works on numerous other Ti bikes too, just try it and test it .

[@reginaldscot165]

That's true, as long as it's brushed Finnish you are looking for. 🙂

[@rcg9573]

This method described in the vid works on brushed finished ti frames only as he correctly noted. It would not for example work on any duller bead blasted finish like say a stock Moots frame finish or an Ericksen.

[@akshaydhamale6321]

I humbly, earnestly, sincerely would like to request you that Please start selling your Titanium Bicycles in INDIA (MAHARASHTRA STATE, PUNE CITY), hardly any Titanium brand exists here. It's disappointing that it is not available here. Decathlon is stealing the show here but 6061 Aluminium is not even close to Titanium used in your bicycle.

[@reginaldscot165]

You need to talk to Litespeed my friend.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Here is what you need to make Ti. frames to sell. You need a Tig welder using argon gas for the shield. You need a frame fixture and purge the tubes with argon for welding. You need a band saw to cut the tubes to length. You need to bend the chain and seat stays with a set of dies, ore even by hand with a tube bender. You need a Bridgeport mill and hole saws to miter the tubes to length. You can purchase the Ti drop outs and the cable stops, (making the cable stops on a lathe and mill is an option). You need the skill to make all that stuff and weld. And you need freedom from a dictatorship. You need the USA constitution, but keep government out of your business. That is where the USA messed up. :) I worked for Nuke Proof in Michigan USA in the mid 90's. One guy (Mark Cramer) made all the frames.

[@bikeman123]

WD40 was invented to clean ballistic missiles 😂didnt know that. I guess the US military like to keep things clean before they kill stuff.

[@reginaldscot165]

It’s probably against the Geneva convention to kill something with a dirty Missile… 🤪

[@nightshade9977]

Bleach and pressure washer.

[@reginaldscot165]

Ha ha. 👍🏻

[@nightshade9977]

@@reginaldscot165 😂

[@cornpopwasabaddude4729]

Here is an advice for buying used titanium bicycle. Make sure the seller agree that once you find out that the frame has abrasion from the owner using sand paper to polish the frame instead of using polishing product, the owner is liable for safety if the frame ended up having cracks from used. Also, the owner has to pay for return shipping once you find out he lied about not polishing the frame with sand paper. The way to find out if the owner sand down the frame is to shine the light at about 25 degree angle. You will see the shadow instead of straight like the rest of the tube, then it's considered damaged. When you are making this video, you are making money from it. When you are making money from it, you become professional. Your misleading message platforms will be liable for the content you carry on KZbin. Your title says How to clean a Titanium bike (Litespeed). But your instruction is sanding down the titanium which will cause the material to be an abrasion means that the surface layers of the titanium has been broken. Thin-skinned layer of the wall tubes are removed from sanding down & more prone to weaken from abrasions which can lead to serious accident from broken frame. Manufacturer will void warrantee of the frame. Nothing should be alter or modified after the frame is out of the factory & into the consumers' hands. You will be sued by viewers if you continue this video.

[@reginaldscot165]

Ha ha good one! You had me going there for about 2 seconds, I actually thought your comment was serious. 😂 But if you are serious (surly nobody is that stupid?) don’t worry, I asked Litespeed and this is how they polish the frames in the factory. They even told me what pads to buy. 🙂👍🏻

[@cornpopwasabaddude4729]

@@reginaldscot165 : This show how ignorance you are. Once the factory polished the frame & that polished should be stopped from there on. They will tell you how stupid you are by doing this to their product & don't you ever call them for any replacement.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@cornpopwasabaddude4729 You don't understand the difference between sand paper and scotch bright. The manufactures do. Scotch bright is the most common way to bring a nice finish back to the Ti. tubes,---by the manufactures. I worked for one in the mid 90's, and we all talked (Nuke Proof, Light Speed, Dean). But we used Lemon Pledge to finish it off instead of WD-40, (fingerprint free finish that lasted a long time. I can't wait for your delusional story about Pledge). The reason why your life is a mess, (and I know it is), is because you make up reality instead of discovering it,---and it is reality kicking your butt. Professionals on YT. Boy, that is rich. 1 out of a million. lol

[@lenkomsa1399]

😂