Crabby Deb

I bought my Cannondale R700 from my LBS in mid-March. Not much of a chance to ride it-----I had less than 100 miles on it in 4 weeks when I brought it back to have a new seat put on. The mechanic pointed out that I had a HUGE amount of rust on the chain and needed it replaced immediately or I would have a major breakdown, hair would fall out, a curse would be on my family, etc....

I did have it replaced and was told it was because I live next to salt water. Oh great and wise roadies (yes, both of you), did I get taken or does this happen? No, I didn't get the bike wet and yes, I do wipe down the chain and use lube on it.

sogood

If you have lube, then it wouldn't have rusted. I strongly suspect you didn't lube properly nor kept it lubed.

CastIron

You may have been sold a bill of goods. Or not. Depends on the meaning of "huge". Consider it the penalty for improper maintenance and lesson learned. Sogood called it on the cause IMHO. Then again, that means the LBS degreased the factory chain and didn't bother to explain that little detail to you during the sale. Worth a polite chat with the folks at the shop.

Crabby Deb

The LBS folk just charged me the cost of the chain which was nominal.

This begs the questions:

If I'm riding the bike about once a week, how often do I have to grease it? That won't happen until winter again.

AND

How much rust is too much?

CastIron

Chain lubrication is a near religious topic in these parts. Really. Talk to your LBS about lubes they seem to think are best for your use and environmental conditions. Your needs are far different than mine. As to how much? If the rust doesn't scrub off with WD-40 (or other like solvent product that doesn't offend chain nazi's) in a few minutes with a brush or Scotch-Brite pad then it's a concern. Horrific failure in the making? No, but it sucks to blow a chain mid-ride. Learn to wipe your chain clean and then apply a small bit of lube every now and again.

One well regarded expert's view: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

sogood

You don't use grease. Use chain oil of various type. Grease is too viscous for the purpose. The frequency of re-lube depends on the ride distance, environmental condition and type of lube. I use a spray on lube and I typically do it twice a week over 200km. Otherwise you'll hear the increasing noise and lube when it happens.

You shouldn't have any rust on your chain.

sogood

Expert yes, but just don't follow his April 1 2007 post on his proprietary chain cleaning method.

cuski

You should break your rusty chain... and run.

v1ct0r

It also might help to clean your chain. This is what I do:

First, you need two tupperware containers that you won't use for food anymore. You'll also need a degreaser (I use simple green), mineral spirits and chainsaw lubricant. And a chain tool.

Next, place your chain in the first tupperware container with some degreaser and shake. After about 30 seconds or so, take your chain out and wipe off.

Next, place your chain in the second tupperware container with a ratio of 2 parts mineral spirits and 1 part chain lube. Shake for 30 seconds.

Now lightly wipe off your chain. Let air dry and you should be good to go.

I commute and work part time as a courier and this method works pretty well to clean off road skank.

Suggestions are welcome.

Crabby Deb

I've been using T-9 at the BSs recommendation. Seems to do the job.

Looks like I'll be studying the strange new topic "Zen and the Art of Chain Maintainence"

StupidlyBrave 

Mmmmm steamed blue crab, old bay, silly wooden hammers and cheap beer. Delicious...

Crabby Deb

Yep.

The water's about 25 feet from me right now and I can hear the waves. The crab pot is about 50 feet from me and down about 15 feet. #1 males, my deck tomorrow night if I'm lucky. I have metal crab hammers and Wild Goose beer (and no longer a rusty chain!).

Thanks for the advice V1ct0r. That sounds like a major spring cleaning.

screamtone

Nice

operator

Usually you lube when it gets noisy and you can't stand it anymore.

Rocke

I took my fiance/wife to Blackwater Refuge for a date, crab cakes, and a sunset... 22 years, I still remember those days on the bay. Eating Oysters in Balmer and Old Town, priceless.

Psimet2001 

Did you get taken? No.
Was the chain about to catastrophically fail? Probably not.
Should you replace a rusted chain? Yes.
How much/often should you lube? More than you did. I mean your chain was rusted for pete's sake (sorry Doc).

Best way to avoid rust on a chain is to lube it and ride it often. Justify your new time spent actually on the bike to your partner/significant other/nosey acquaintence by saying that you are saving money by performing preventive maintenance.

pedalada

I know this is heresy and people will ridicule me but. . .I never lube my chain, I ride them for 1000 or 1200 miles and toss them. I'm getting SRAM 971 chains for around 18 bucks which is about the cheapest drivetrain tune-up you will ever pay for. Occasionally I will smear on some automotive door-hinge wax if I get stuck in the rain for an hour. I think the whole chain-cleaner-device-solvent-relube routine is a joke.

Sirrobinofcoxly

My GF lives on the beach in Cali, and everything rusts there. The gate, the windows, the car, and yes, even the bike stuff rusts more because of the salty air. You just have to keep on it. Lube every ride.

Sirrobinofcoxly

It's not just your chains. You will be going through cassettes faster too. They get expensive.

pedalada

really? How much did you pay for your last cassette? How much did you pay for your last tire?