Preventing rust when storing bike outside

Phonesis · 6 Dec 2017 at 16:57

Just moved into a new build where there's a partially covered bike rack area. Seemed like a no brainer to utilise it and not keep bike in my flat. In my last place, I was lucky enough to have a huge cupboard I was able to store it in.

So after a month of being outside, I realised earlier this week that it has noticeably started to rust. Mostly around chain. I was pretty naive about this as never stored it outside before.

Decided to buy a bike cover and also oiled the chain as well as I could. Also have the back of it closest to the wall in the pic to keep it as covered as possible. Real shame they didn't design the bike area properly and make it fully covered. I have raised it as a snagging issue but doubt it'll be addressed.

So wondering if this should help matters? The cover and oil? I guess I will have to live with a bit of rusting now. Just want to ensure it doesn't get dramatically worse.

Note: The other bike (not covered) isn't mine!

Bear · 6 Dec 2017 at 19:34

It will rust whether you put a cover on it or not as it is outside. Moisture in the air when at dew point will condensate on the surface of something colder ie. cars or bikes that have been sitting outside all night. You could spread a thin film of oil or grease on surfaces that might rust but the best thing to do is bring it indoors

Mark A · 7 Dec 2017 at 11:31

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/finish-line-cross-country-wet-lube-120ml/rp-prod1041

This is good chain lube that holds up well in the wet. It'll do a much better job than 3-in-1 types oils.

Phonesis · 7 Dec 2017 at 14:49

Mark A said:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/finish-line-cross-country-wet-lube-120ml/rp-prod1041

This is good chain lube that holds up well in the wet. It'll do a much better job than 3-in-1 types oils.

Nice luckily that's the stuff I have!

Indoor storage is a non starter for me sadly in this new place. Guess will have to live with the rusting and hope oil helps.

Mark A · 7 Dec 2017 at 15:01

If its an older bike and the wheel/headset/crank bearings are loose type bearings rather than sealed bearings it might be a good idea to strip it and make sure they're packed with marine grade grease. I ended up having to replace two wheels on a bike I left in my shed as the bearing race corroded.

Other than that there's not much more you can do. That oil should help keep the chain from seizing, but you will still get some surface rust, which shouldn't be a problem.

Phonesis · 7 Dec 2017 at 16:41

Mark A said:
If its an older bike and the wheel/headset/crank bearings are loose type bearings rather than sealed bearings it might be a good idea to strip it and make sure they're packed with marine grade grease. I ended up having to replace two wheels on a bike I left in my shed as the bearing race corroded.

Other than that there's not much more you can do. That oil should help keep the chain from seizing, but you will still get some surface rust, which shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks it's a 2013 Saracen Tufftrax?

BennyC · 7 Dec 2017 at 21:15

Bear said:
It will rust whether you put a cover on it or not as it is outside. Moisture in the air when at dew point will condensate on the surface of something colder ie. cars or bikes that have been sitting outside all night. You could spread a thin film of oil or grease on surfaces that might rust but the best thing to do is bring it indoors

QFT.

Same thing goes for tools kept in a garage or shed with an untreated surface like chisels.

lemonade · 14 Dec 2017 at 15:21

Been storing my bike outside for 2 years with a cover, only bit of rust on it is on some bolts, surface rust.

Most of the frame is aluminum or polycarbonate which helps. But by the type any serious amount of rust starts, most would have changed a a bike.

flea.rider · 14 Dec 2017 at 15:42

ok get some acf50 use it on the motorbike give everywhere a good coating .. job done wait till march wash it off