Rust free bike.

Author
Discussion

350zStee

Original Poster:

354 posts

170 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Evening fellow PHer's.

This is no doubt a very newbie question, but I thought I may aswell ask.

I purchased a Boardman MTB Comp from Halfords 6 weeks ago, and have covered roughly 250 miles to date. I noticed today whilst cleaning it, that the chain, and various other parts of the bike are starting to rust terribly.

Whats the best techniques/oils/solutions to rectify this?

Many thanks.

timbo48

688 posts

181 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
The only place I'd expect rust to form on a half decent mtb would be the chain, possibly cassette if a cheap one, and various bolts (stem, etc). Most metal is alu so won't rust. The stuff that comes on a new chain, whether on a new 'bike or as a replacement, I normally get rid of and replace with a quality chain lube, and that's not WD40 or its like. Bolts that rust can be replaced with Ti if you're keen. Keeping the rot away means not putting it in the shed when wet and muddy and forgetting it until the next ride, and let's face it, we've all done it (knackered, cold and wet - you, not the 'bike ;-)).

Raven Flyer

1,641 posts

223 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Spray the chain and gears with any spray oil (WD40 or similar), after you have cleaned the bike and regularly if you leave it out in the rain.

A £3000 bike will rust, if it is left wet or out in the rain without an oil coating on the steel parts.

Edited by Raven Flyer on Thursday 3rd March 09:26

Chicken Chaser

7,736 posts

223 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Probably just oxidising where the water was left to stand. Doubt its taken hold in such a short space of time. Get it cleaned with car shampoo, dry off and on the bits which stick out or are hard to get at, spray with WD40 or GT85. Use same on chain and mechanical parts. Drives away water and protects leaving film of Teflon in the case of GT85

MrCippo

588 posts

194 months

Thursday 3rd March 2011
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Im in the same situatio but with a boardman hybrid comp, it started squeeking and you would say its rusting. I'll give it a good clean.

Raven Flyer

1,641 posts

223 months

Thursday 3rd March 2011
quotequote all
Steel chains are not unique to Boardman.

The Boardman groupset is SRAM shifters and chain rings with Shimano chain and cassette - the best combination. All Shimano chains/cassettes are steel and will rust if not oiled.

So will any SRAM and Campag chains/cassettes.

Matt106

383 posts

163 months

Thursday 3rd March 2011
quotequote all
It's worth investing in some chain lube rather than WD40. Don't get me wrong WD40 is great for removing rust and keeping stuff running but a proper chain lube will keep the chain protected from the weather.

Also after washing your bike make sure any bolts that could store water are dry e.g. stem, water bottle etc.


Parrot of Doom

23,075 posts

233 months

Thursday 3rd March 2011
quotequote all
My MTB chain always rusts after a gruelling ride through mud and muck. It doesn't take more than a day to go orange.

Just get a bottle of decent lube and keep the chain oiled. Simple.

HundredthIdiot

4,414 posts

283 months

Thursday 3rd March 2011
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Where do you keep it?

Funkateer

990 posts

174 months

Friday 4th March 2011
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Matt106 said:
It's worth investing in some chain lube rather than WD40. Don't get me wrong WD40 is great for removing rust and keeping stuff running but a proper chain lube will keep the chain protected from the weather.

Also after washing your bike make sure any bolts that could store water are dry e.g. stem, water bottle etc.
WD40 is good for helping to drive out the water from the chain links, then as you say use a proper chain lube (after wiping off the excess WD40).

HundredthIdiot

4,414 posts

283 months

Friday 4th March 2011
quotequote all
Funkateer said:
WD40 is good for helping to drive out the water from the chain links, then as you say use a proper chain lube (after wiping off the excess WD40).
Is this really a good idea? Doesn't the remaining WD40 do bad stuff to the lube?

I normally just wipe off excess water with a kitchen towel, leave or an hour or so then lube.

If I could be bothered I'd use a hairdryer.

shalmaneser

5,927 posts

194 months

Friday 4th March 2011
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HundredthIdiot said:
Is this really a good idea? Doesn't the remaining WD40 do bad stuff to the lube?

I normally just wipe off excess water with a kitchen towel, leave or an hour or so then lube.

If I could be bothered I'd use a hairdryer.
Nothing to worry about. i personally degrease, rinse in water to get degreaser off then squirt with gt85/wd40/tf2 to displace the water and then refit and lube with proper chain lube (finishline wet lube for me) when its on the bike.