RyanReid

Well, I just got a Giant Iguana on Saturday and have taken it for a couple snowy, wet urban rides. I looked closely at it today and there is little patches of rust on the chain. I was wondering how to prevent this and remove the stuff that is already there. Any ideas? I still need to wear the bike in for about two to three more weeks before I take it in for its first tune up and I am not sure wether to wait or do something about it now. That is if there is anything to do

the wonginator

just make sure you keep it well lubed, and free of sand. surface rust is normal.

santiago

Get into the habit of wiping down and lubing the chain everytime you go out and you'll be doing wonders for your drivetrain.

RyanReid

Well, I think it just needs a little adjustment, but I have been having problems with both my derailleurs (front and rear). They are Deore and I know they are lower grade but I don't think I should be experiencing these problems after just a couple of days. I have not been abusing the bike so I don't see what the problem is.

the wonginator

again, rust happens. unless you don't ever get your chain wet, it's gonna rust. ideally you should be replacing chains at least once a season anyways.

FreeRidin'

Yes, they most likely do need a little adjustment due to cable stretch. This will happen with every new bike regardless of the components.

junkyard

Yes. Lube your chain often.

a2psyklnut

Actually, you SHOULD be experiencing these problems. Since your bike and its' cables are new, you will experience a 'breaking in' period.

Look at your cables. They consists of small wires wound around each other. As you use your bike and shift/brake you are putting tension on the cable lengthening it as it gets pulled tighter.

That is why most shops offer a free 30 day tune-up. If you are riding a lot initially, you don't have to wait the 30 days before bringing it in.

a2psyklnut

I never thought that much about it, but it makes sense. I can see where it's just the cable settling into the stops.

....learn sumtin new ever dey.

a2psyklnut

Sorry, my bad!

Try this.....

Think of your cable like a spring or multiple springs wound around each other. As you pull them, they tighten around each other and get longer...i.e. 'stretch'.

nah, it makes more sense that those who engineered a cable thought of all that already.

stuff settling due to the nature of taking apart and putting back together makes more sense.

FreeRidin'

That is pretty interesting. But could the same concept of the cable settling into the stops be applied to lets say those metal down tube shifters found on road bikes?

Punx

So you bought the Iguana. I still think you should of went with the Hardrock but your choice. Just lube it up how everyone else was saying.

RyanReid

Ya, I got the Iquana. I sort of stopped looking at the Hardrock and it was more between the Giant Iguana and a Kona Blast. They were both would have costed me $750 but the Iguana was $80 off from $830 so I got it. The components and Fork are better than the Blast and The Hardrock