Rust on bike
04-20-23, 09:25 AM
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Rust on bike
I started on a road bike, then for the last several years I've been using a hybrid bike, which I still like but It's taken some damage and I'm really wanting a second bike and want to go back to a lighter road bike, so I'm crusing the aftermarket and I'm looking at one and it clearly has been stored in a damp place. there is light rust or patina on all the metal parts. is this really bad or can that stuff be oiled up and still function just as well. Not too interested in the look, just the function.
04-20-23, 09:34 AM
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I don't worry about surface rust. Only when rust starts pitting the metal beneath it is it a problem. And since steel usually fails in a slow manner, it'll take a long time for any pitting to be severe enough to be an issue.
That said, if weight is what you are trying to reduce, then maybe you ought to consider a new road bike. While they are out there, there aren't many vintage steel bikes that are going to get you a sub-twenty one pound bike. And if you are thinking of upgrading this old bike to newer components then that could pay for a pretty decent new bike too.
That said, if weight is what you are trying to reduce, then maybe you ought to consider a new road bike. While they are out there, there aren't many vintage steel bikes that are going to get you a sub-twenty one pound bike. And if you are thinking of upgrading this old bike to newer components then that could pay for a pretty decent new bike too.
04-20-23, 09:59 AM
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It's an aluminum frame I believe, 2011 Trek Alpha 1.5. but the cassette and chain have some rust on them
04-20-23, 10:19 AM
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No worries there just clean and lube and you'll be fine. (does not look like much wear)
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04-20-23, 10:41 AM
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04-20-23, 10:48 AM
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Are the prices on bicyclebluebook.com valid? They are running a fair bit lower than the prices that are being asked.
04-20-23, 11:04 AM
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This is rusty....
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...cassettes.html
I've had my kids bikes left out in the rain for days look like that and even had the links of the chain rusted up and not move like in the pic. But all I did was knock some of the rust off with a wire brush and then lube them with oil. Same for the freewheel The links would free up soon. Sure the chain probably won't last as long as it should, but it lasted till my kids outgrew their bikes.
Your pic would give me no pause at all if I wanted the bike. As with any used bike you should expect that the chain is likely worn whether rusted or not and might need to be replaced. So factor that cost into your offer if you can't measure the chain to know if it's in limits or not.
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...cassettes.html
I've had my kids bikes left out in the rain for days look like that and even had the links of the chain rusted up and not move like in the pic. But all I did was knock some of the rust off with a wire brush and then lube them with oil. Same for the freewheel The links would free up soon. Sure the chain probably won't last as long as it should, but it lasted till my kids outgrew their bikes.
Your pic would give me no pause at all if I wanted the bike. As with any used bike you should expect that the chain is likely worn whether rusted or not and might need to be replaced. So factor that cost into your offer if you can't measure the chain to know if it's in limits or not.
04-20-23, 11:26 AM
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Uh, yeah, not seeing a whole lotta rust there. Just gunk. Clean it up, re-lube and ride it. It will be fine.
04-20-23, 06:38 PM
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04-21-23, 05:30 AM
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04-21-23, 07:54 AM
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Buying dirty or in need of minor maintenance should get you a lower price (good). The photo looks totally fine and should look good as new after clean/lube.
04-21-23, 09:52 AM
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04-22-23, 08:50 AM
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Also remember it's the buyers in your local market that determine the value of something. Not the sellers. So if their prices are too high and they won't come down, then walk away and eventually you'll find a bike at the price you want.
I think a little cleaning and lube will get you back on the road.
04-22-23, 02:30 PM
#15
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I started on a road bike, then for the last several years I've been using a hybrid bike, which I still like but It's taken some damage and I'm really wanting a second bike and want to go back to a lighter road bike, so I'm crusing the aftermarket and I'm looking at one and it clearly has been stored in a damp place. there is light rust or patina on all the metal parts. is this really bad or can that stuff be oiled up and still function just as well. Not too interested in the look, just the function.
04-22-23, 04:23 PM
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I would replace the chain.
04-22-23, 04:31 PM
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04-25-23, 11:00 AM
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While I am not one to promote any frame material over another, it needs to be said that carbon doesn't rust. Just sayin'.
