post-rain maintenance?
#1
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Baton Rouge
Bikes: IRO Mark V
post-rain maintenance?
I had to ride in the pouring rain through lots of puddles for about 30minutes the other day. I laid my bike down yesterday and water came out... What maintenance do I need to do on it to get rid of the water, and prevent rusting of the inside of the frame?
#4
i smell bacon
Joined: Mar 2010
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Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
Steel is a very resilient material and will hold up for decades despite the formation of rust. There are some cases, however, where bikes undergo premature failure due to excessive exposure to corrosive elements such as road salt.
In the case of the occasional rain ride, however, I would just do what Squirrelli said. Dry the bike off to the best of your ability and make sure your chain is lubricated. It's also a good idea to put some sort of anti-sieze component in your seat tube to prevent your seat post from binding with the seat tube. Framesaver is also a product you can spray into your frame to prevent rust.
In the case of the occasional rain ride, however, I would just do what Squirrelli said. Dry the bike off to the best of your ability and make sure your chain is lubricated. It's also a good idea to put some sort of anti-sieze component in your seat tube to prevent your seat post from binding with the seat tube. Framesaver is also a product you can spray into your frame to prevent rust.
#5
Where are you guys getting that water does not contribute to the oxidation of any ferrous alloy? Its fairly common knowledge. Bikes frames are not mythical creations immune to rust. Moisture in the air, and exposure to water will accelerate the oxidation of iron based alloys. It may take a while for it to actually affect the structural integrity of the frame, but it will still happen. Basic chemistry.
#6
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
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From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
#7
I'm not worried about rust, but if I had a steel bike frame that was my favorite and wanted to keep forever, I would take it to a machine shop and give it an acid bath. After the frame is clean and clear of rust, protect the inside with linseed oil, and the outside with chrome/paint. That would be enough protection for the Amazonian Rainforest.
#8
Goes to 11.

Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Wichita, KS, USA
Bikes: 2015 Soma Double Cross
I'm not worried about rust, but if I had a steel bike frame that was my favorite and wanted to keep forever, I would take it to a machine shop and give it an acid bath. After the frame is clean and clear of rust, protect the inside with linseed oil, and the outside with chrome/paint. That would be enough protection for the Amazonian Rainforest.
#9
Chainstay Brake Mafia
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,007
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From: California
if you don't normally ride in the rain, i'd wipe the bike down with warm soapy water and a sponge, paying attention to the underside and making sure no dirt was accumulating. i might hit it with some spray car wax after that (basically wash it like a car). then check the chain and all of the axles for signs of water intrusion
if it's just a beater, dry it off and make sure the chain is lubed
if it's just a beater, dry it off and make sure the chain is lubed
#10
I'm not worried about rust, but if I had a steel bike frame that was my favorite and wanted to keep forever, I would take it to a machine shop and give it an acid bath. After the frame is clean and clear of rust, protect the inside with linseed oil, and the outside with chrome/paint. That would be enough protection for the Amazonian Rainforest.
#11
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Vancouver, WA
Bikes: IRO Angus
Nah I practically live there, it never rains 
In all honesty though I own an old ass schwinn letour with its entire life span of being rode has been in the northwest and has sat outside for years, I weight close to 200lbs and it holds up just fine still to this day so I wouldn't worry TOO much.. probably actually not at all

In all honesty though I own an old ass schwinn letour with its entire life span of being rode has been in the northwest and has sat outside for years, I weight close to 200lbs and it holds up just fine still to this day so I wouldn't worry TOO much.. probably actually not at all
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