Originally Posted by CliffordK

Rust is often unsightly, but frequently not structurally damaging until it gets really bad.

Nonetheless, the more Aluminum, Titanium, and Stainless on your bike, the less rust.

You can sometimes find old 26" Titanium frames or MTBs for sub-market values. Of course, security would be more of a concern than if you were carrying a Walmart beater.

I've wondered about stainless chains. I do get a few specks of rust on the chain of my rain bike, but you may have an application where a stainless chain would shine.

It all depends on your tolerance for the abused bike look.