Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Steel is a wonderful metal (alloy actually) in that rust grows fairly slow but is easy to slow further. I see no real concerns, based on the photos. But that's likely not what the OP is thinking...
What would I do? Hight road or low and little? Low and little is to spray inside the tubes some sort of protectant (like Frame Saver or even WD40) and clean off the external rust spots then dab on some sort of paint/finger nail polish. The high road is to take the bike completely apart and dip it into Evap O Rust (or another industrial rust convertor) to chemically change the current rust. Apply that rust inhibitor already mentioned and reassemble the bike with appropriate assembly compounds (anti seize, grease, assembly paste if needed). The even higher way is to repaint the bike...
IME rust is rarely a structural concern and usually cosmetic, except for a few aspects. Like the seat post fit in the frame, same for a quill stem in the steerer. Both of these could galvanically bond to the steel if they are made of Al (or Al alloy), a very frustrating problem to get past. Most of the rust problems I see are with the fasteners and components. The safety and function will suffer if these are left to rust. Cables in housing, spoke nipples, der pivots and the like. All these could be cleaned in a solvent first (to clean off road grime) then examine for condition, replace if needed and lube on reassembly. Long term protection is more about routine servicing (cleaning and relubing) than a one time effort. Andy
Hi, Andrew!!! Thank you sooo much. I’ve read your post twice, and I find it very informative and comprehensive.
I really appreciate it. Especially when you said you see
“no real concerns,” I sighed with deep relief.
Earlier today, I asked a bike workshop that specializes in repainting, and they told me a repaint would set me back about $280. I suppose an OA bath is included in the job, but that’s way too expensive for me.
Today, I also tried the easiest method of cleaning rust by rubbing it with tin foil dipped in water. Soon after, I regretted doing so, because I realized I didn’t have anything like nail polish at home.
Eventually, I thought of peanut oil (commonly used in Chinese cooking) and sprayed a little on the frame, hoping it would form a thin film to stop moisture from intruding into the bare steel.
I guess I’m probably not that adept at fixing things on my own. Next month, if possible, I’ll take the bike to a more affordable workshop and see how they approach these issues. One mechanic said that welding a piece of metal to the seat tube would cost me 50 CNY ($7), which sounds very appealing. I’ll keep you updated when I make my next moves.
Cheers!!!