There seems to be lots of confusion on just which aluminum parts in a Nuovo or Super Record are anodized. This comes up when questions about how best to clean the parts when finding an old bike.
First, some anodizing info...
Definition: Anodizing is the successful development and control of a natural oxidation process that occurs when aluminum is exposed to the atmosphere. Electricity and chemicals are used jointly to produce a hard, transparent surface that is integral with base aluminum.
Anodizing Basics: Aluminum is anodized for corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, insulation from electricity, adhesion, or aesthetic enhancement.
Characteristics: Hard, comparable to a sapphire Transparent, similar to glass Insulative and static-resistant Wide variety of colors and finishes Integral with aluminum surfaces, non-flaking
Now, which aluminum parts are anodized and which aren't:
Hubs - no Pedal bodies - no Pedal cages - yes Headset - yes Rear derailleur - yes Front derailleur - no Cranks - yes Chainrings - yes Brake levers - yes Brake calipers - yes Shift levers - no Seat post - no
Incidentally, when the Super Record group first made the rounds of the trade shows circuit, the head set, chainrings, and bottom bracket cups were black anodized. The production versions were clear anodized.
The non anodized parts can be cleaned and polished (and protected) with Semichrome, Wenol, Mothers, etc.
The anodized parts can be cleaned with degreaser, solvent, WD-40, soap and hot water, etc.
A simple test to see if an aluminum part is anodized or not. Put a little dab of Semichrome (my personal favorite) on a white cloth and rub the part a little. If there is a black deposit on the cloth that means that there has been a chemical reaction with the aluminum. If the part is anodized, there will be no change in the polish on the cloth because there has been no reaction (and absolutely no damage to the anodizing).
Now the QUESTION: Why are some of the parts anodized and some are not? Class? Anyone?
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline, reprints & t-shirts)
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