How long does steel last?

[Pikey]

So my new crazy n+1 idea is a steel tourer on the cycle to work, something like the kona sutra. Loads of people at my club harp on about how comfy / reliable / easy to fix the are.

My only worry, despite the steel is real crowd, is how long the frame will last if looked after? Is the usable life significantly better than alloy?

I would be riding it mainly in the dry, of touring and utility use and it would be kept in a dry but non temp controlled garage, how long before it rusts through orange and falls to bits, or will it out live me?

Sorry, I haven't had a cromo frame since I was a kid, and rust didn't exist then...

 

[Pennine-Paul]

The frame on my fixed gear bike is 31 years old and is used in all weathers,still going strong, I'm sure there's plenty out there much older than mine too.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'll have to get back to you when I have an answer - I've only had mine 16 years. (Raleigh made of 4130 cro-moly)

 

[smokeysmoo]

FWIW whenever I've restored an old steel bike the frames have never had any significant corrosion inside them, and prior to re-building I've always treated them internally with WAXOYL.

I'd do the same with a new bike TBH, but maybe that's just me?

 

[rualexander]

20 years plus if you're not that fussy about keeping it clean and dry, maybe double that or longer if you take good care of it especially over the winter.

 

[ianrauk]

certainly nothing to worry about.

 

[icky]

If looked after there's no reason why you shouldn't right it into your Will .

 

[simon.r]

FWIW whenever I've restored an old steel bike the frames have never had any significant corrosion inside them, and prior to re-building I've always treated them internally with WAXOYL.

I'd do the same with a new bike TBH, but maybe that's just me?

No, not just you

 

[MontyVeda]

it's not a bike frame... but it's still standing. Steel is real!

 

[biggs682]

steel is real thats for sure

 

[Roadhump]

Just happened to clean up my 16 year old Rockhopper today. I don't use it that often nowadays as I also have a newer bike, but I have given some hammer in all conditions in the past and have always stored it outside in a dry garage, but have often left it mud splattered for a few days before cleaning it, and never dry it off after washing it. It has a steel frame and a couple of rust spots but nothing serious. Still looks good and I am confident it will last many years yet.

 

[Colin B]

Judging by some of the old frames I see in the canal from time to time I'd say a while . I was always tempted to drag one out on a hook and see if I could build something from it but always worried it may be against the law as it was likely they may have been stolen .

 

[Pikey]

FWIW whenever I've restored an old steel bike the frames have never had any significant corrosion inside them, and prior to re-building I've always treated them internally with WAXOYL.

I'd do the same with a new bike TBH, but maybe that's just me?

I've heard a few people say they use that, do you just spray it inside the tubes?

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've heard a few people say they use that, do you just spray it inside the tubes?

Yup, and don't forget the forks as well.

 

[Newman8]

My frame is 30 years old.
Almost all the parts have been replaced but the frame will probably last another 30.
It's a great ride too.
I love modern gears & brakes, etc, but I don't see anything in a newer frame that would benefit me.