Salt

[country joe]

When going out for a run in the winter, shoud you spray water on the bike, on return to take of salt and dirt.

 

[roadiewill]

Yeah, give the bike a good clean cos the salt will just corrode it otherwise

 

[nilling]

What should I put on my fish n chips at lunchtime?

 

[Downward]

Will my bike be ok left unwashed for a bit ? I am leaving it indoors at work over the weekend.

 

[roadiewill]

Is it your 'winter bike'. Im less worried about my 'winter' bike getting worn out but if it were my best bike then I would clean it after every ride. Its probably better keeping it inside like you said rather than outside in a shed/garage.

 

[Arch]

Will my bike be ok left unwashed for a bit ? I am leaving it indoors at work over the weekend.

I think over a weekend will be fine. Especially if the chain is lubed ok. Some rust can form very quickly, but it's only very thin surface rust and will disappear with cleaning and some more lube.

 

[BIGSESAL]

What should I put on my fish n chips at lunchtime?

Salt and vinegar and red sauce and a pickel and a fork. That would do me nicely.

I would give the bike an extra good clean after a run on roads with salt/grit. A brush for the chain is quite a good tool.

 

[jimboalee]

Salt,,,, wrecks bikes.

Hose down immediately but DO NOT jetwash. This will blow the lube out of everywhere.

Assist the removal of crud with 4" paintbrush


Tip, Spray furniture polish before riding anywhere.

 

[Arch]

But if you have to leave it over the weekend, it will be ok, it won't have dissolved by Monday....

 

[Downward]

Is it your 'winter bike'. Im less worried about my 'winter' bike getting worn out but if it were my best bike then I would clean it after every ride. Its probably better keeping it inside like you said rather than outside in a shed/garage.

It is my only bike at the moment but I would like a Road bike for Summer - It's only 6 months old though so still want to keep it in tip top condition cause I won't have any worries about riding it all summer if I don't buy a Road bike.

 

[roadiewill]

You might wanna clean it then to keep it in the best shape possible

 

[Randochap]

What are you worried about corroding? i.e. What is the frame material? Surely it's painted, unless it's titanium ... but then you wouldn't have to worry about corosion at all.

Most of the components are likely aluminum alloys and stainless washers, etc. Nothing will rust overnight.

It's generally a good idea to keep one's bike clean, especially the drive train, but don't worry too much.

 

[Blue]

Salt,,,, wrecks bikes.

Hose down immediately.

I don't agree.

The last time I went on a group ride one of the blokes thought I had a new bike - before he realised that I had just decided to wash my machine for a change. Beyond wiping the rims, drivetrain and brakes I rarely wash my best bike. The machine is 4 years old and it hasn't fallen apart yet. I admit it doesn't look like it just came out of its box, but the thing still rides as well as the day I test rode it.

 

[Over The Hill]

I dont hose my car down every time I take it out and that has not rusted.

That said a light rinse of must be good but it will make it worse if it blows salt water into the cracks. So more watering can than jet wash.

I think any part will more likely ware out before it rusts away.

 

[Chris James]

Salt is pretty bad for your bike. The salt element of road salt will concentrate up as the water evaporates, leaving concentrated brine solution where it collects. This will corrode both aluminium alloys and steel.

You will get tell tale pitting and whitish corrosion products on rims, for example.

Depending on how well lubed your chain was, it will also leave a layer of surface rust.

The grit in the road salt will embed in your brake blocks and wear your rims worryingly quickly.

It is a good idea to give your bike a good rinse and a quick dry, or at least spin the wheels and pedals to throw off the worst of the water.