Protecting componentry from rust

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I've been wondering about this for a long time...

On every bike I've owned down the decades (including steel framed bikes and alloy framed bikes) I've tried to be conscientious about protecting the componentry from rust. I've generally used a thin wiping of grease on bolts and inside hexbolt heads and have maintained a thin coating of oil on chains and gears. But inevitably when things get wet and then get warm without being wiped dry - which happens when I'm commuting - sooner or later rust starts to appear.

It's generally been the gears and derailleurs that start to show rust spots first. There are so many nooks and crannies that to thoroughly dry and re-oil them would take a long time. I usually manage to keep the chain clean of rust by drying it when I get home and then wiping it through an oily rag - though the bolts for bottle cages, the fixings for mudguards and the mudguard stays themselves are particularly susceptible.

What if anything can be done to keep rust at bay? Is it possible to protect a bike so that it doesn't have to be wiped down after getting wet? Are there treatments for the 'at risk' components that will keep them safe?
 

Moodyman

Legendary Member
I find the standard bolts the worst for rusting - replace with stainless steel.

Also, full mudguards are great all year round, but especially in winter.

In winter, it seldom rains, but morning roads are always damp from the overnight mist & cold air. Full mudguards prevent drivetrain and frame from the road spray.

Other than that, a weekly clean and GT85 into the nooks and crannies keeps things ticking over.

A bicycle is far more exposed than say a car or motorbike so expect more rust.
 

tyred

Squire
Location
Ireland
I would just generally go with a spray with WD40 or similar, maybe a wipe over with an oily rag. Some of my bikes have steel mudguards and chainguards and I will alway Waxoil them underneath.

A mix of 50/50 diesel/paraffin seems to do wonders for a steel frame where the paintwork is FUBAR. A good tip for anyone with an old roadster and wanting to preserve the patina of age.

Sometimes, Lidl have aerosol tins of "Rust Preventive Spray" which seems to work really well.
 

Banjo

Fuelled with Jelly Babies
Location
South Wales
Keep the WD40/ GT85 type stuff away from wheel bearings headsets bottom bracket etc. .It can soak into the bearings,dilute the grease and trash the bearings quickly.
 
Mr Sheen! Wax is also a very good shield against water, but obviously depends on which parts you wish to rust proof.
I find WD40 very good for bolt holes, although like spray wax, it needs regular application to keep it sealed.

>If it stops the exhausts on motorbikes rusting it must be good.
Did you not run the thing? Never had a motorbike exhaust rust on me in 20 years and 4 bikes.

 
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