{"id":19681,"date":"2022-11-17T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/?p=19681"},"modified":"2023-11-27T23:08:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T23:08:39","slug":"how-to-stop-bike-chain-rusting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/how-to-stop-bike-chain-rusting\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stop Bike Chain Rusting: Step-by-Step Care Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n The Short Answer <\/p>\n \n

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Prevent bike chain rusting<\/a> by keeping it dry and coated. After each ride, check cleanliness and apply rust-busting lubricant if necessary. For wet rides, use water-displacing spray, dry the chain, and apply lubricant drop by drop. Clean periodically with degreaser and brushes, then lubricate. Avoid lubricating a dirty chain.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A smooth-running bike chain is the heart of your well-oiled machine. Your energy is propelled by it. Its metallic silence provides you with a backdrop of pure joy when you are out in the countryside. The chain is your link to cycling bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This collection of parts is easily the most complex and frequently used of the metal components on the bike. It moves every time we pedal, is normally untreated and runs close to the surface we are travelling on. Bare metal running close to grit, rain and mud – your chain needs some TLC to stop it from seizing and rusting.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Do Bike Chains Rust?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The chemical substance of the chain alters with the addition of oxygen from the air. This process is known as oxidation. Adding an accelerant (found in the damp, moist conditions of a garage or lock-up) enhances the process. Your chain corrodes and rusts, if left untreated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rusting chain will quickly damage any of the other parts it comes into contact with. So, we\u2019re talking about your crankset, front derailleur, rear cassette and rear derailleur. The performance of those parts will be very seriously compromised very quickly and damage your bank balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the reliability of your bike will be a constant concern. Finally, the noise of a grinding chain is just terrible. Like, fingernails on a chalkboard terrible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does My Bike Chain Keep Going Rusty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oxidation, the process by which your chain rusts, is a constant process. Untreated metallic objects which are exposed to oxygen, will always be prone to rusting. Even if you left your bike indoors, in a dry garage, during the summer. Oxygen in the air will always interact with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your chain will keep going rusty if you don\u2019t maintain a regular, habitual programme of treatment to control the exposure to the conditions which cause rust. In essence, this is a drying and lubricating process. You need to force the damp out and in its place, keep the metal coated to continually repel it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The parts of your chain that rust are transformed into a new type of material known as iron oxide. It\u2019s easily recognisable as being brown or reddish-brown. Other metals react to oxygen and moisture in the air but we don\u2019t call it rusting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acid rain contains sulphur which creates iron pyrite, otherwise known as \u2018Fool\u2019s Gold\u2019. Silver is \u2018tarnished\u2019 and copper develops a \u2018patina\u2019 and these are all further examples of the corrosion of an exposed metal.<\/p>\n\n\n

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SOURCE: Unsplash.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

But it\u2019s mainly iron or steel that rusts. Why is that? The science part is that these types of metal are in a very low state of thermodynamic stability. A 2019 study<\/a> written by Muthaiah, Bhatia and Kannan talks about the differing conditions which exist in the environment that determine the rate at which metal objects decompose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some more expensive chains on the market which receive a surface treatment. As well as offering reduced friction to give it a longer life, it also provides a coat to keep away moisture and oxygen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the upper echelons of professional cycling, where annual budgets run into the tens of millions for some teams, you will find chains constructed from titanium, or even pre-treated for use only in dry conditions. You\u2019ll find that you get less than 400 miles out of one of these bad boys, all for around \u00a3134 \/ $154.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does WD-40 Prevent Rust on Bike Chain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WD-40 offers a handful of products to prevent the progress of rust. Their stable of lubricants, specific rust removers, pentrants and degreasers are well-known. Their multi-use product will protect metal from rust and crucially, displace moisture as well as offering temporary lubrication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spraying with WD-40 will drive out the moisture as part of the chain cleaning and drying process. It\u2019s necessary to ensure that as little of this spray comes into contact with disc brakes and any other braking surfaces. WD-40 is a very thin product which does wash off easily and is the subject of much debate about how effectively the standard product lubricates the chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Stop Bike Chain Rusting [Five-Step Care Guide]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preventing a bike chain<\/a> from rusting requires a routine of small and regular actions after a ride. You don\u2019t need to deep-clean your chain after every single ride, unless you are riding in wet, muddy or salty conditions every single time. Keeping your chain from rusting is not the same process as cleaning your chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The frequency and intensity of the treatment will depend upon the weather conditions you faced during your latest ride. Remedial treatments are available too if you fail to keep up this regular action. In most circumstances, chain maintenance should only take a few minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even wiping off mud and dirt and drying the chain will improve the chances of eliminating rust. If you are planning to clean your chain and your bike, it is sensible to clean the chain first, then move onto the bike, because cleaning the chain does spray gunk, oil and road grit<\/a> back onto the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n

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SOURCE: Unsplash.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Bike Chain Care Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to keep hold of the following for chain care:<\/p>\n\n\n\n