Sunset_Va

Just purchased my Trek 7.2 Disc last week, and going to Ocracoke Island,NC next week.

I am really wanting to take my new Trek to get in some riding around the island, don't intend or wouldn't even consider riding surf side, but part of me is concerned about rust starting.

And we all know, once it gets started...I am sure rinsing it off each day, and storing it inside at nights would help prevent salt caused rust.



Take an older bike or Trek? Or am I being silly?

Wanderer

Wax it all up, and ride it! MHO....... well, maybe two coats of wax, and then do it again when you get home.

There's an even better product for protection, if you want to take the time. Rejex - hard to find, can't be beat. You won't believe how slippery the paint feels after 2 or 3 coats!

Clean it really well, polish it, then Rejex. Any dirt or water spots will be under the protection, so clean and dry well first!

squatchout

If you're talking about rust from the ocean air, I wouldn't be too concerned. Take it and enjoy it. Wash it when you get home after your trip and you should be good to go.

Chamaco

I live in Puerto Rico and most of my rides are along the coast and haven't seen any rust yet, just a little surface rust in the rear cassette which is gone with a rag and some WD-40.

swoodjr1

spent a week with my 18 year old bike on the NC coast a few months ago. No signs of rust to this day and I did nothing but rinse it off once when we returned home.

Rsmith11

Oh definitely ride that bad boy, you didn't pay $500 to have it sit while you ride something else!

Sunset_Va

Well, , its in the bike rack ready to leave in the a AM...thanks for all the advice!

Gonna do a lot of riding!

Sunset_Va

Happy to report no rust, had a great time and rode , rode , rode.

Ocracoke is bikes, golf carts, and pedestrians that don't know where to walk in traffic.

I did rinse off the bike at the hotel each evening, wiped down, and stored it in the hotel room overnight.

downtube

Have you been to the outer banks? I lived in Ocracoke and Hatteras for 2.5 years. After 2 days of leaving my bikes outside I could see all the steel parts begin to rust. It is the most corrosive environment I have ever lived.

Thanks,
Yan

downtube

Good call keeping it indoors over night!

Thanks,
Yan

Sunset_Va

It was very hot the time I was there, with super high humidity levels, almost unbearable.


Every morning, I would ride up the bike path north toward the beach, and there was a ocean mist very visible, much like light fog inland.

I am sure it was saline, i also washed the bike off with soap and water after I got home.

There were about 1,000 bikes on the island, mostly rental bikes. The new ones were okay, but some of the well used ones were quite rusty. I think I was the only person wearing a helmet.

downtube

I changed a few things about my riding style on island...one never wear a helmet, and two I only rode in flip flops. Many locals ride barefoot, I tried that and couldn't handle it.

Next trip take a 4x4 and ride on the sand in Hatteras Village, there is an off road highway system at the end of the island.....its huge. I think they close large parts during the season, so check the online road closure system.

Also the point in Buxton is special....it is the place where the Arctic north current hits the Gulf stream. You will find tons of fish ( and fisherman ), and dolphins, birds feeding on the fish. And a natural barrier in the ocean. The waves from the south crash into the northern waves way off shore ( truly a special sight ). On a windy way it is really special!

Thanks
Yan

Sunset_Va

Years ago, my family went to Southern Shores, and rambled around many of the places you mentioned, also up at Duck and Corolla. After seeing all the expansion on OBX, anything north of Manteo would not interest me in terms of vacation time. Ocracoke was some place I had always wanted to go, even though I had been nearby over the years.

I talked with the motel owner about rental bikes, which they had. He told me every 3 years he goes mainland, and buys new bikes, and sells the old ones locally for $20. Of course, the bikes are not high end bikes, and I can understand the reasoning of locals not owning high end bikes, and not having a dedicated bike shop on the island.

I have strayed from the original topic, and didn't even take a picture of my bike at Ocracoke!
Perhaps I should visit Tangier Island.

Regardless of where I am, I am wearing a helmet. Having a previous head concussion taught me to wear one, even if others don't, thats okay, because its their risk, not mine.