I am fortunate to live in a Canadian climate where I can ride most of the winter (about 150 miles north of Seattle by air).
For years I used a 50% solution of Vinegar and water to hopefully reduce the effects of road salt.
A little research a few years ago netted the following: There are 3 types of salt used; Sodium Chloride (sea salt/ rock salt which is found in nature) and the 2 chemical based salts Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride. Some is turned into a brine, and sprayed on the road to prevent "Black Ice" from forming overnight. I suspect the chemical salt is used in colder climates, maybe on city streets, as it is likely more expensive then sea salt. The hiway departments and maintenance yards I phoned were pretty tightlipped about what they used, as it is not particularly friendly to the environment.
Then I found a product called "Salt-Away" made in Cali, and sold through Marine stores, Amazon etc. You can get a concentrate and mix up a 5% solution and share it with your riding friends. It is effective on all 3 types of salt, and is used among other applications to maintain the vehicles that salt the roads, plus marine use and sea-side construction etc. Water based. Safe on all surfaces incl. fabrics. More info at saltawayproducts.com.
My red Breva still looks like new after a few winters "out there".
I am not a scientist, so feel free to add your thoughts, as I am sure you will . And no, I don't own shares in the company!
For years I used a 50% solution of Vinegar and water to hopefully reduce the effects of road salt.
A little research a few years ago netted the following: There are 3 types of salt used; Sodium Chloride (sea salt/ rock salt which is found in nature) and the 2 chemical based salts Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride. Some is turned into a brine, and sprayed on the road to prevent "Black Ice" from forming overnight. I suspect the chemical salt is used in colder climates, maybe on city streets, as it is likely more expensive then sea salt. The hiway departments and maintenance yards I phoned were pretty tightlipped about what they used, as it is not particularly friendly to the environment.
Then I found a product called "Salt-Away" made in Cali, and sold through Marine stores, Amazon etc. You can get a concentrate and mix up a 5% solution and share it with your riding friends. It is effective on all 3 types of salt, and is used among other applications to maintain the vehicles that salt the roads, plus marine use and sea-side construction etc. Water based. Safe on all surfaces incl. fabrics. More info at saltawayproducts.com.
My red Breva still looks like new after a few winters "out there".
I am not a scientist, so feel free to add your thoughts, as I am sure you will . And no, I don't own shares in the company!