Originally Posted by
Proofide
Yet another integrity test for the LBS at which they seem to be doing badly. If you operated such a shop in an area where this were an issue, wouldn't it be good business to offer this service either free or at a nominal charge, before building the frame up, as a matter of course? As stated, steel bikes have been used here in the rainy north of England for decades without giving this a thought. The seat tube and its access into the bottom bracket is probably the Achiles heel, but I assume your BB bearings are either sealed or sleeved.
Before condemning the bike shop it might be useful to know more about the situation. The OP is planning to by a built-up bike so I assume it's a factory build which came to the dealer already assembled. The dealer would have to strip the frame, Frame Saver treat it and reassemble it. A charge of $50 for that service is pretty reasonable.
Frame Saver isn't essential for bikes ridden and stored in moderate conditions. Annual overhauls should be done to clean and dry out areas where water can gather and a bb shell drain hole should be present and kept clear. I have Frame Saver treated my '83 Trek steel framed "rain bike" but it is used routinely in wet conditions.