I don't buy bikes at the upper, or even the middle, echelon of prices.
Maybe high-end bikes have ti or platinum hardware, but the hardware on
the bikes in my price range tend to be shiny steel. At first. Then over
the a period of a year or so, the nuts and bolts start to rust. I know
it's mainly a cosmetic issue, but I'm riding along and the bolt in the
top center of the headset is looking at me like some dull rusty eyeball
.. . . when it used to be a cheery bright shiny one . . . and I wonder,
"Is there anything I could have done when the bike was new to prevent
this rusting?"
Well, now I have a new bike, and I'd like to know: is there anything I
can do to protect the hardware before it's Too Late?
- mike elliott