General Cycling Discussion - nu trek mountain bike got rust

hi all! it's my first post and i need your advice!

I bought a trek alpha 4100 like 3 month ago and only used it for 200+ kilometers for going to work and kept it in the house. I noticed that the gearwheel or cogwheel (not sure what's it called, but it's the set of wheels in the back) got little rust on it. All the rest of the bike was still nice and shiny, like the chain and the gears and wheels in the front. So, I went to the dealer complaining and he turned me down telling me that I should've been putting more oil on the chain and it's the weather and that this is cheap model, which i shouldn't compare to more expensive bikes. My problem is that how come I see my friends bikes back wheels are all ok after years and this got rust on it after such a short period of time. Is this normal? I've tried to clean it with this special liquid and put new oil but you can still see lot of spots of rust on the wheels. Please tell me if I should go back and complain or is this could be really my fault?

Please tell me what you think! Help out a newbie. :confused:

I haven't got any rust on my bike and its well over three years old and I 've done in excess of 15 thousand on it or maybe more I haven't had a bike with rust on it since I had a cro-moly frame set about eight years ago!!! my bike has been totally hammered to the limit and I don't maintain it as well as I should but it has never let me down!!! I am sure my Giant was cheaper than ur Trek!!!!! :confused:

Originally posted by iraszl
Please tell me if I should go back and complain or is this could be really my fault?

Sorry but its your fault, if you dont clean your bike after a ride in mud or rain, your stuff is going to rust. You have to maintain your bike, even the most expensive models can rust.

Steel cogs will rust. They're steel. There are steel parts in your derailleurs, pedals, crankset, and elsewhere on your bike that will also rust. Clean and lube your bike to prevent this. Maintenance is your responsibility, nobody else's.

RichC

I agree with the above. The rust on your cogs is not a warranty issue. The bike shop has no responsibility. Replacing your cassette, if it is necessary, should not be terribly expensive.

Try cleaning your cogs with citrus degreaser. Work the rusty spots over with a toothbrush. If it is just surface rust, you may be able to clean it off.

Keep your drivetrain clean, and your chain lubed. Use a good bicycle specific lubricant like Phil's tenacious oil, White Lightning, or any of the others mentioned in so many other threads. Apply the oil lightly, a drop on each roller of your chain should be enough. You don't need to saturate the chain. Spin the cranks backwards for a minute to work the lube into the chain. Then walk away and let it sit for a while...three minutes minimum, overnight is probably more than enough. Then, wipe the excess lubricant off of the chain. This will keep the lube from attracting dirt and spooge and wearing out your cogs faster.

You can clean your chain with the same citrus degreaser and toothbrush that you used for the cogs. You can also clean it with WD-40. Just don't think that it is lubed. WD-40 displaces lube. Keep whatever degreaser you use away from the hubs and bottom bracket.

All of my boyfriends maintain their bikes well. Keep yours clean and lubed. Replace your chain and cogs before they wear out. Ride nekkid and have fun!

;)

Thanks, I was afraid you gonna say this. Will do more maintenance in the future.

Originally posted by iraszl
Thanks, I was afraid you gonna say this. Will do more maintenance in the future.

You're welcome, although I didn't post anything originally. Questions are always welcome. We all understand that you are a newbie and we all appreciate the fact that you were open minded about the situation.

My advice? If it is steel, it can rust.

When it comes time to replacing your chain, consider a Sram Powerlink. This feature lets you get the chain off almost instantly. Then put the chain in a large Coke bottle containing degreaser. Shake the bottle, and the chain comes clean right fast! With the chain off, it's much easier to clean all the gears. One thing about the Powerlink, though. My LBS guy says you have to put on a new Powerlink every time you take the chain off. I haven't done this, and haven't had any problem with the Powerlink coming loose while riding. Extra Powerlinks cost $3.95 at BikeNashbar.

Originally posted by trmcgeehan
My LBS guy says you have to put on a new Powerlink every time you take the chain off. I haven't done this, and haven't had any problem with the Powerlink coming loose while riding. Extra Powerlinks cost $3.95 at BikeNashbar.
I'm not saying your LBS guy is wrong, but this is the first I've heard anyone say that. I'd be surprised if this really was required, making the Powerlink a one-use part.