[CR]aluminum corrosion & pitting

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: "Scott Sweeney" <goscotty@msn.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 08:11:56 -0700
Seal-Send-Time: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 08:11:56 -0700
Subject: [CR]aluminum corrosion & pitting

Hi, Does anybody know what causing "pitting" of alloy parts? I've noticed this pitting on the bases of Cinelli stems, and seatposts where they were inserted. These are typically greased fittings that are really puzzling me. I know certain detergents that are high alkali cleaners (high PH) are caustic to soft metals, that maybe the previous person cleaned the bike with some kind of cleaner that was corrosive. That is my only guess. I'm sure you've all noticed this too. Please note that what I'm talking about is "pitting" and not the typical scratches that take place. Anyway, I'd like to be able to prevent such pitting from occuring in the future. Any advice would be appreciated.
Scott Sweeney
Salinas, CA