Steve said:
Message: 1 From: NortonMarg@aol.com Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 11:01:11 EST Subject: Re: [CR]Advice on reviving old Campy gum hoods? To: chuckschmidt@earthlink.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Silicone products are supposed to help preserve rubber by keeping it from oxidizing and turning to goo. The downside is it is left feeling slippery for a while. I haven't tried them for this application yet, but Armor All makes a number of products that have promise, take a look on the shelf of your local auto parts store. Stevan Thomas Alameda, CA
I replied:
Two points: 1- Armor All comes in two flavors: shiny and matte (or words to that effect). Matte looks a lot better on bike hoods, especially gum color. 2- Both make the hoods slippery, your hands or gloves can carry it to the surrounding bars, and this is potentially dangerous, particularly if on the tops and returning suddenly to the hoods to brake. Beware! If your hands slip off the front of the hoods, the next stop is your face on the stem. If one hand slips, you will embark on a small radius turn.
Ed Feinberg
Newton, MA