MattMeister

Hey Folks,

I've been riding crushed limestone trails for the first time and am appalled by the amount of fine powdery dust that get's on the bike.

This can't be good for the sprockets and chain, nor for the STI shifters either for that matter.

Any ideas for the best way to deal with this stuff? Cleaning things in solvent after each ride seems like a lot of work but I'm not seeing any other good options. Or is it not a big concern with the low forces applied to bicycle components (I sure wouldn't want a motorcycle chain looking like my bike chain does after a ride).

Hope this is in the proper forum. Thanks.

sch

Dip the bike in 3-5% hydrochloric acid solution, works like a charm on limestone. Failing that low pressure water spray with use of a soft bristle
brush should get rid of most of the stuff. Followup with WD40 to the chain and other sensitive parts and allow to dry. If you have time, relube immediately. The only (ONLY) function of WD40 is to reduce the amount of water that is left, particularly in the chain. It is NOT a lube. If you are time pressed this will allow the lube stage to be left to later. Expect a fine patina or rust on the chain.
If your chain is lubed with something other than dry lube, this might be the time to switch to a dry lube. Occasional addition of carwash soap to the procedure will get the rest of the dirt. If this leaves some visible dust then you will have to be more rigorous about the cleaning procedure. Frequent rinse/wash cycles will mean more attention to cables, derailleurs and perhaps the BB and freehub. If the dust is really persistent on the bike then you will have to see if the trail dust goes away with some rains or whether you want to continue using this trail system. Steve

headn4thehills

vinegar works well on lime dust. I haul the stuff for a living and vinegar is what we use to clean it off our tractors and trailers. Limeaway works well too, but its a bit too corrosive, so give the vinegar a try.

deliriou5

there's a product similar to limeaway called CLR which should be available at your local target or walmart. it's very corrosive stuff so be careful. i had to use it when i parked under a drippy rusty bridge and i got lime caked all over my windshield. it worked like a charm... the stuff just dissolved away. but it washed the car REALLY well immediately afterwards.

sch

Limeaway is hydrochloric acid, diluted. I thought about mentioning vinegar but the whole idea is tongue in cheek. The bike would look like it had spent the winter in a Toronto snow bank caked in salt before very long with either approach. Water or soap and water are the only practical approach. :-) Steve

MattMeister

Thanks for the replies. I think my strategy will be:

1. Soap and water.
2. WD 40 on sprockets and chain.
3. TriFlow on chain.

Would be nice to see some rain around here!