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Maintenance guide

Care & Cleaning

Anodized titanium is one of the most durable finishes in cycling. Here's everything you need to know to keep your design looking its best for years — and decades — to come.

The fundamentals

What makes anodized
Ti so durable.

∞
Color is permanent

Anodized color isn't a coating sitting on top of the metal — it's the surface of the titanium itself, converted into transparent oxide. It doesn't chip, peel, or fade from UV exposure. The color will outlast the bike.

🛡️
Weather and corrosion resistant

The oxide layer is chemically inert and corrosion-resistant. Rain, mud, salt air, sweat — none of it affects the color or finish. Titanium was already corrosion-proof; anodizing adds an extra layer of protection.

⚡
The only enemy: abrasion

The oxide layer can be mechanically abraded by sharp impacts or prolonged friction with abrasive materials. Normal riding doesn't cause this — but dropping your frame on concrete or leaving it to rattle against metal might.

Quick reference

Do's and don'ts.

✓ Do this
✓Clean with mild soap and warm water after rides
✓Use a soft microfiber cloth — especially on polished surfaces
✓Rinse thoroughly after muddy or wet rides
✓Dry before storage to prevent water spots on polished finishes
✓Use frame protection tape on cable contact points
✓Apply a light wax (like Meguiar's NXT) to polished finishes for added water beading
✓Store your bike so the frame doesn't contact other metal parts
✕ Avoid this
✕Abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or Scotch-Brite pads
✕Harsh chemical cleaners, strong acids, or strong alkalis
✕Pressure washing directly onto the frame at close range
✕Leaving brake fluid or solvent-based products in contact with the finish
✕Chain lube over-spray on frame tubes — wipe promptly if this happens
✕Leaning your anodized frame against concrete walls or metal racks
✕Any metal polish containing abrasive compounds on anodized surfaces
Finish-specific care

Care by finish type.

Different surface finishes have different care needs. Here's what to know about your specific finish.

Polished titanium finish
Polished

Polished surfaces show fingerprints and water spots most readily — rinse and dry after every ride. Use a clean microfiber only. Apply carnauba wax monthly to improve water beading and add a protective barrier. Avoid any abrasive contact. Best for display or low-use frames.

Brushed titanium finish
Brushed

Brushed finishes are forgiving and our most practical choice for everyday riders. Wipe in the direction of the grain when cleaning. Light scratches often blend into the directional texture and become nearly invisible. No wax needed — just soap and water.

Satin bead-blasted titanium finish
Satin Bead-blasted

The most scratch-resistant finish. Light abrasions are difficult to see against the matte texture. Soap and water is all you need. The matte finish doesn't show water spots or fingerprints. Best choice for heavily-used or outdoor-stored bikes.

Long-term ownership

Your finish for
the long haul.

We've seen 20-year-old anodized Ti frames that still look exceptional — because the owner took the same basic care they would with any good piece of equipment. The finish rewards attention.

If you do develop a scratch that bothers you, contact us. Depending on the location and severity, re-anodizing a section may be an option — and since we have your original color spec on file, we can often match it closely.

Ask us a care question →
Cleaning kit recommendations
Muc-Off Nano Tech Cleaner
Gentle, bike-safe, won't harm the oxide layer
Any microfiber cloth
Essential for polished finishes — zero abrasion
Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax
For polished finishes — water beading and protection
Avoid: Simichrome, Mothers Mag
These metal polishes contain abrasives — avoid on anodized surfaces
Questions about your finish?

We're here
to help.

Have a question about caring for your specific finish or a scratch you're worried about? Email us — we love hearing from our designs in the wild.

Contact Us →Full FAQ