Nasty. best way I discovered is to use this stuff called JASCO literally takes hours out of the process. I've stripped 3 bikes with it, each took less than one days work. Just don't get it on your skin, highly corrosive. The good thing is that when it's done, you don't have any scratches from a wire brush or anything.
thanks for all the useful information. i'm beginning tear down on my riot right now, just need to find either jasco or zipstrip near by that isnt in a 6 pack for $70!
when i "strip my frame down the a raw color"(good enough?) and its a full sus, do i need to take out the pivot bearings? i suppose i should...how careful do i have to be/ how hard are they to put back nice and snug?