Every time I ride in the rain, next day I notice a brownish /red stain about the chain. Is not oxidation red/brown. Is that really rust. Appears so. I am very fussy about my bikes; plus, I tend to really get motivated when the sun is out. Whatever that red/brown stuff is, it looks like rust. It wipes off easily. I wonder what might be going on inside of the bottom bracket, etc should I think i see rust on a chain.

I just hate sand with a passion. Every time I ride in the wet here bits of grit and sand get mucked up in my brake pads and drive me NUTS. Bloody Holland. Next bike is gonna have to have discs.

When was the last time you cleaned the bottom bracket out? Sounds as if it's time to take a look at the BB before it collapses on you...

Are you certain that the red/brown stuff on the chain is not oil or lube?

East Hill

I think what you are talking about is probably rust. In humid central Florida, I have found that my chain will rust if I do not clean it and relube it after every wet ride. Otherwise the chain rusts.

Here in Vancouver, we receive more than 1000mm of rain annually. My commuter is on the work stand at least couple times a week during the winter, mainly for chain and brake/rim (cleaning) maintenance.

Granted rain can cause premature wear on some parts if not properly maintained, but any justifications (reasons) for not riding in the rain, merely stem from one's dislike for it. Make peace with the rain. It brings forth life and renewal.

ditto.

wd40 and a toothbrush work just fine. then wipe down and lube.


i rode 25 miles in a downpour a couple of months ago. now my bb creaks. the irony is that i was riding home from a tune-up.

Rain bike!

worrying about it and not riding is surely worse than riding and wearing out a few parts a little bit sooner.

What's a bottom bracket cost? Unless your riding Campy (and for that I have sympathy for your pocketbook) 20-35 bucks? and chains? 15-30 bucks, unless you've been suckered onto 10 speed, and for that I have sympathy for your pocketbook as well.

Rain bike! and don't worry about it.

well , again for us rain is like 30 days a year. So we almost can avoid it and not feel cheated out of lots of riding. I'd say I suspect the red/brown stuff is likely a combination of oil/grease/clay? But rubbing it off , it looks sort of pitted and dug in like. ? It only appears during the few times i find myself in the rain. like today. Left too late.
Yes, four bikes I loose track. took out the long distance tourer today. (Fuji.) Been a long time since bb overhaul. Not sure how much overhaul I will get done before summer on our four bikes.

its probably rust, and its normal and no big deal

many chains arent nickel plated or coated with some sort of rust inhibiting layer

no need to get that worried about it really, I ride in stuff worse than that all winter---picture rock salt being spread all over the roads in enough quantity that it actually gets kicked up into small dust clouds behind vehicles, you can taste it on you lips when you ride !!

Hi cyclezealot-

If it's not rust it might just be iron oxide.

~ Blue Jays ~

Just buy a good nickel plated chain for around 25 to 30 dollars. I switched from the original chain that came with my bike to a nickel plated chain, there was a considerable difference in rain riding performance. The original chain would develop a "racheting" feel after just a few miles in the rain, whereas the nickel version has been consistantly smooth wet or dry for thousands of miles, and no signs of rust.

Well, rode back from Perpignan in the rain yesterday. Today the bike is a filthy mess. The iron oxide is on the chain. But, as said, it's no big deal; once wiped off does not seem to come back unless one again rides in the rain. Appreciate knowing about the fact nickel coated chains react better to rainy conditions. California here, rain is a rare concern. Never bought the cheapest chain, next time have to notice if they are nickel coated or not. Fussy bike owners notice everything, should the bike not be all shinny, new looking.
as to the ride itself. It was not that bad. I had the proper gear on. Did not feel cold and clammy. Would do it agiain, if necessary. Those wind gusts up to 50 mile an hour are killers tho. Had to stop once or else maybe feared the bike was going down.

That depends on which part of Cali you live in, here in Redwood country we've learned to live with webbing between our fingers and toes.

That's right! I'm ready for dry roads again though.

San Diego County. Think we get like 15 days of rain on average. Now , if one counts the fog.

I miss that area. I was a Marine in another life. When I moved away, we drove by the pier at Oceanside and people were on the beach in shorts and bikinis. When I arrived at Arcata, people were wearing wool sweaters and caps.

Lube and wipe, check the brake pads and rims, and a shot of WD-40 into the pedals and brake calipers occasionally. And I'll replace the chain more frequently.

If I were not to ride in the rain- then I would not get much riding in. Only thing is Post-Ride treatment of the bike. I ride offroad mainly and the bike will need a wash at the minimum. After washing and cleaning the chain- I spray it with WD40 or similar and leave it to soak in. I release the outers on the Cables and oil the Inners- or wash through the outers with WD40 or similar. Then lubricate the steel parts with once again that WD stuff- or similar. Leave the bike for a couple of hours-or days and wipe clean.

There is no effort in cleaning a bike- just a bit of time and while cleaning I am finding the parts that need adjustment, are just about to fail or need cleaning again.

And I buy that WD40- or similar in 5litre cans- I am a cheapskate.

I ride in the rain and have found a major benefit from changing lubes in the winter. My winter lube is less waxy and more viscous, It really stays almost fluid as opposed to the summer lube.
AND I clean and re-lube when the grit becomes palpable (usually about 3 rainy rides. I make every attempt to stay out of the cinders and dust garbage on the shoulders too.
Some soils are red. Is the dust and color of the soil in your area red. After all red soil is iron oxide too!