Bicycle Mechanics - Why does the chainstay get chiped and rusted so quickly?

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mike
12-28-01, 11:00 AM
Ever notice that the paint on the rear chainstay gets chipped and rusted faster than the other parts?

Why do you suppose this is? I am guessing that the chain oil and road grime is acidic and attacks the paint and steel, but I'm not sure...

What do you know?

For that matter, why does the left crank get rusty on steel cranks faster and worse than the right side?

Hmm....

John E
12-28-01, 01:55 PM
That's one reason chrome stays were popular on high-end bikes, and the last bit of chrome to be phased out was the right chainstay. Even if you meticulously use the chain-hanging peg on the right seatstay, there are many occasions during which the chain will be dragged across or banged against the right chainstay. Your chemistry idea makes sense, as well.

I can't help you with your left-versus-right crank observation, unless you have a prevailing salt-spray wind, as I do, and always store your bike in a particular orientation.
mike
12-28-01, 04:43 PM
Originally posted by John E

I can't help you with your left-versus-right crank observation, unless you have a prevailing salt-spray wind, as I do, and always store your bike in a particular orientation.

BINGO, John. I think you found something there. The bikes I have with steel cranks also have kick-stands. The bike obviously leans left. MAYBE, that is why the left crank rusts more than the right.

Very clever, John.