Protecting Your Bicycle From the Elements

Protecting Your Bicycle From the Elements

Cyclists are often concerned about the quality of their bicycles' coatings.bicycle coating There is a valid concern that poorly applied coatings can interfere with road safety and increase the risk of accidents. A good quality coating must provide excellent road protection against salt spray, brake dust, corrosive rain, snow and bird droppings. Cyclists' concerns about water-repellant coatings are not entirely unjust. Unfortunately, hydrophobic performance coating has recently become a cause of concern in the bicycle industry because of a new problem arising from its widespread application. In this article, we will examine the phenomenon of water-repellant coatings and how they affect cycling safety.

The first issue to address is whether a water-repellant coating is a good or a bad thing.bicycle coating bicycle coating When applied correctly, a water-repellant coating increases the lubrication of bicycle parts by reducing friction between them. In addition, a well-designed water-repellant coating can also decrease internal heat buildup in bicycle brakes by allowing more cooling air to pass through. These benefits result in longer brake life and improved serviceability.

To understand how a water-repellant coating can affect your bicycle, you first need to understand how hydrophilic performance coatings work.bicycle coating bicycle coating Hydrophilic (or water-based) coatings are usually less viscous than most viscous fluids, including oil and grease. This difference in viscosity causes a unique property: a high degree of porosity. Porosity increases as a material's exposure time increases, meaning that more moisture escapes the coating after it becomes saturated. This increased moisture provides an ideal condition for bacterial growth, which can in turn promote corrosion.

Most bike shops ask customers to apply a water-repellant coating to their bicycles after buying a new model.bicycle coating In order to provide optimum protection, however, a bicycle needs to be properly protected from the weather, as well. Many bicycle manufacturers include a layer or rain cover included in the purchase of a bicycle, but it is possible to protect your bike without adding a protective cover. A quality water-repellant coating can be added to the outside of your bicycle without changing its appearance.

Bike shop technicians often advise that bicycle coatings remain clear after regular cleaning. If dirt or debris remains on your bicycle after every cleaning, technicians will often spray the dirt and debris with a high-pressure jet of water. The resulting steam is released as a powerful vacuum, which helps to dislodge and loosen dirt. These techniques can effectively remove contaminants and buildup without damaging your bicycle's finish.

Water-repellant coatings do not affect the way that normal cleaning practices or metal polishing treatments work to protect your bike's finish. For this reason, these coatings are an excellent choice if you want to clean your bicycle without having to use harsh chemicals. Water-repellant coating systems are available in two forms, either sprayable or liquid. Sprayable systems are easier to apply and can work well for most surfaces. The liquid variety is best used on metal bikes and bicycles with extremely glossy finishes.