Awesomeguy

I went out for my ride today and it wasn’t raining but had just stopped raining about couple hours prior (I don’t ride in the rain)

Although the road was wet, i obviously avoid puddles and such since I’m into road cycling but couldn’t avoid little small ones couple times due to the bumpy roads

With that said how concerned should I be about rust in such conditions ? If it is a concern should I be actively doing anything to prevent rust after riding in such conditions especially the drive train (derailers, gears etc ) but also the bike in general


my bike is pretty new and it’s my first bike since a child so I want it to last a long time , and ride well but with minimal effort lol, I’ll prolly get yearly tune ups

Moisture

Is your chain oiled?

If yes, nothing to worry about.

If no, still nothing to worry about. Carefuly oil every other link using some thick lubricant and enjoy the bike.

badger1

Bicycles don't mind rain!

If you keep your bike inside, in a dry environment, when it's not in use and don't 'put it away (soaking) wet' you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Your bike (Trek FX3) is aluminum (carbon fork?), and most all its components are aluminum/plastic/rubber, excepting probably cassette and chain; maybe chainrings; and a few (easily replaceable) bolts. Spokes are stainless.

If you're fussy, just bounce the bike a couple times after a wet ride, wipe down the chain with a dry rag, and put away. No need to lube the chain until it becomes dry/'chirpy'. You'll know it when you hear it!

I've been riding regularly for going on twenty years, often in wet conditions, including snow/slush/road salt. The above is my routine. No 'rust', across four bikes -- one of them had a steel frame. Drivetrains (chains/cassettes/chainrings) just wear normally.

Gresp15C

When I was a kid, if we were out playing, and someone said: "My mom says I'm not allowed to get wet," well, guess who got wet.

In my view, bikes are a lot less delicate than we tend to assume. They can get wet. I ride in all weather, and my bikes have not suffered for it. I bring them into the garage and let them drip dry. The only time that rust is an issue, is when the roads are salted during the winter. The chain can tolerate a bit of light surface rust, though it might be unsightly. There may be some plain steel fasteners that show a bit of rust after a season of all weather cycling, but that's cosmetic too.

For all weather cycling, there's always the question of chain lubrication, with different "camps" preferring thicker lubes, or dry lubes. That's worth reading about, since there have been plenty of threads about it, and it's not worth starting yet another one.

wolfchild

Nothing to worry about...but for an extra peace of mind you can spray some rust proofing oil inside your steel frame.

Sy Reene

Rust is even considered a special treatment or style for some. Badge of honor I suppose

banana jam 

if you like your bike and plan on keeping it for awhile, then gently rinse the gunk off it and dry it off. Keeping your drivetrain maintained will pay for itself in longer life of components vs. allowing gunk to accumulate and act like grinding compound on your chain/gears.

rsbob 

No full fenders on this but it gets cleaned after it’s rain rides. The rear wing works well and pops right off. Had a small repair after a slight off down an embankment on my mtn bike (where some snarky person will no doubt say, Where it belongs).

7up

I wipe my steel bikes down with 3&1 oil after a wet ride.

Awesomeguy

do you considered , a wet ride when riding in the rain? Or when you ride if it is wet out but not raining ?

RiceAWay

If you're riding a new bike, there are probably very few parts that can rust and they are mostly bearings. Your yearly tuneups should include checking the bearings so that isn't a problem. As a rule, bearings do not rust that rapidly and most modern roller bearings have seals on them not to end rust but to greatly reduce it. As for possible corrosion that can damage the paint of aluminum components such as the handlebars under the tape where the steel lever connections go onto the aluminum handlebar, the tape generally offers a fairly good protection from that unless you spend a great deal of time out in the rain. For the frame etc, heavy wax car polish stops most water damage. Also place this on the steel pedal shafts where it enters the aluminum cranks.

RiceAWay

I agree but these days most of the chain lubes are a carrier with Teflin in it. This offers little rust protection since it is designed solely to reduce rolling resistance of the chain links. So it you're out in the wet much keep a close eye on the chain and replace when necessary. You'll find the better chains are plated with a non-corrosive coating such as nickel.

7up

Riding into small water puddles from washing a vehicle as an example does not worry me curiously for some reason other than water spots. If I get caught out in the rain during my ride more then likely I will wipe it down.Acid rain has its affects IMO.I can only imagine the Side effects on carbon fiber.