What is this stuff on the shifter?

[RoadRider400]

I am considering going to look at a second hand bike but there is some strange whitening on each shifter with one much worse than the other. Can anybody suggest what this might be and if the part will need replacing in the near future?

 

[ColinJ]

Corrosion from salty sweat not wiped off?

 

[Andy in Germany]

I am considering going to look at a second hand bike but there is some strange whitening on each shifter with one much worse than the other. Can anybody suggest what this might be and if the part will need replacing in the near future?

View attachment 670510

Have a look at the bike and see if it can be brushed off. Maybe it's nothing more than cobwebs: IV#e had a lot of bikes with some kind of white substance infesting the gears but once cleaned and oiled they work fine.

 

[Joffey]

Sweat. If it wipes off you are good to go 👍

 

[rogerzilla]

Ectoplasm. The bike is possessed, do not ride it or it will drag you to hell.

 

[sleuthey]

Sorry for being serious but it's Mould.

 

[Cycleops]

Difficult to tell from the poor picture but suffice to say it won’t affect the operation in any way and certainly won’t need replacement.
Minor corrosion of some sort. If it worries you try rubbing compound to remove, if that doesn’t work use fine wet&dry and then a rattle can.

 

[RoadRider400]

Thanks everybody.

 

[Chislenko]

Could it be....you know

 

[Poacher]

"Did you come on your bike?"