Rusty Chain...

poolieboydave

Hi Guys

I've been an utter noob.

Haven't touched the bike for about 2-3 weeks, last ride was in wet conditions (but not a downpour). Didn't clean it when I got back and left it on my balcony. We've had some awful weather over the last few weeks and I've just realised that my HG73 chain is horrendously rusted. I assume that the previous ride has removed the lube and then the wet weather has been attacking a lubeless chain. Its daft, I even have some wet condition lube from a previous bike but haven't used it as I had seen some advice which suggested that you don't need to lube new bike chains until a number of rides.

I've taken it off the bike and scrubbed it with some Muc off but have had no joy.

The chain costs about £22 from Wiggle, should I just bite the bullet and learn a lesson for next time (i.e. buy a bike cover and ensure the chains lubed) or is there anything I can do to salvage what is a pretty new chain (only had the bike for 6 weeks!).

nicklouse

just lube it up and use it.

GHill

I've found that the chain cleaner tools (like the Park Tool one) do a pretty good job of removing an external coating of rust, depends how bad it is though.

The tool costs as much as a new chain though

BigLee1

nicklouse wrote:

just lube it up and use it.

I agree! It`ll just be some light surface rust that will probably wear off when you`re using the bike.

Skonk

As others have said, lube it up and ride it.

The contact between the chain and the chainwheels as you ride will remove the rust.

Just give it a good clean and re-lube it after the ride.

poolieboydave

Cheers all, I was a bit worried that the rusty chain might increase the speed of wear on the cassette and chain ring but you've convinced me!

.blitz

WD40 and wire wool or a suede brush can be used for removing surface rust on the sideplates.

soy_sauce

.blitz wrote:

WD40 and wire wool or a suede brush can be used for removing surface rust on the sideplates.

+1

WD40 on the chain, leave it for couple of minute before using wire wool or soft brush to remove as much rust as possible. clean the chain as normal using Mud Off or washing up liquid. dry it properly then put another coat of WD40 before lube it.

jayson

Ive found the best solution in that situation is get some parafin in a tupperware container and soak the chain in it overnight then clean it and lube it and its absolutley as good as new.

Done it loads of times and it never fails me.

.blitz

jayson wrote:

..in a tupperware container...

Eh? What?

joec1

just lube and ride... if it snaps it snaps... then buy a new one lol...

Shorty12

using a metal brush will increase rust as it makes little holes on the surface of the material which allows the rust to get into it.

stumpyjon

In future it will be worth spraying the chain with GT85 post ride, I always do that especially if I ca'nt clean the bike straight away. Usually use it displace water after cleaning as well. Normally I end up forgetting to lube it until just before the next ride.

trekex977

Or get a decent SRAM chain.

Had a HG73 on my bike when new. I rinsed my bike after a ride and wiped it down. I am normally quite anal about cleaning and lubing but in this instance it was dark and I was tired.(worlds smallest violin playin........)

I didnt give bike a proper clean till the next day. The chain was rusted, albeit surface rust.

I wouldnt get that with nickel coated sram chain.

Anyway I cleaned the hg73 up and put copious amounts of wet lube in a sandwich bag and put chain in the bag for storage.

2 Months later I have a bag full of brown sludge. I think these chains are only the budget end of shimano chains.

I will probably be corrected now.............

schlepcycling

You're buying chains from the wrong place if they're costing you £22, how about £12.99 from CRC http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=247