Amateur needs advice
 

Hi All.
I have 2 months old Trek Marlin 8. I have used it for commuting as its winter and felt more confident (amateur) riding it then my hybrid with thin tyres. Just after Xmas I have took it for a 30mile drive and my idiotism and lack of experience sent me down very muddy (knee deep at times) ways. I have finished the ride with the bike pretty much submerged in the water as some areas were badly flooded. It only went in for a split second and up to the top tube.
I have washed and dried the bike when returned home.
Rear cassette all scratched from mud and rocks - this shouldn't be a problem, right?
Noticed resistance when trying to move the crank with my hand, took it apart and noticed rust on the inside of the bottom bracket (Truvativ Powerspline, 73 mm, threaded cartridge) after I have removed it fair bit of water came out of the actual bottom bracket, now this is a problem right?

I cant take the time back as I am really annoyed with myself but I guess we live to learn and its all good as long as we dont make the same mistake twice. Will definitely plan my routes better from now on and maybe carry the bike instead of submerging it in the water.
Anyhow, cassette I will leave I think and replace only if it will start causing any issues which I hope it won't.
Bottom bracket I have no problem replacing. Will replace like for like at the moment as not able to replace the cranks just now.
This is my first bike with front suspension. Do I need to do anything with the forks? Take it apart to make sure there is no water in there?
Can someone recommend some mudguards please?

Thank you for your time
Mack

submerged to the top tube in muddy water?
you inspected the bottom bracket?
I'd bet the whole bike needs servicing, not just the fork
was it fun?

Hi
I was going through some flooded areas and at one point bike went into the water up to the top tube, front only. After that I turned back and went the long way round.
I have removed the bottom bracket.
I get what you saying, I better take the whole thing apart.
It was fun and it wasn't. When I was out there I did enjoyed myself but when I realised what have I done to my bike it wasn't fun anymore.
M

Betting the Formula hubs to your wheels will also need to be re-greased or bearings repacked, however you want to call it.

The Shimano MT-200 brakes will most likely need to be flushed with new mineral oil. It's been my observation some of these brakes, maybe not yours, can allow water in to mix with the fluid.

I just flushed my son's brakes on his Scott Scale, and am amazed how much water was in his line. But then again, I replaced this brake that had water in it, since it was seeping brake fluid onto the pads.

no worries, happens to the best of us :thumb:

Don't get down on yourself; some of us have done similar things, maybe more than once (don't ask me how I know). Just keep cleaning as you're doing; I wouldn't replace anything that seemed to be functioning adequately. Good chance your hubs and brakes are OK.

The best advice I can give you is don't ride through mud and water.

Thank you

Replaced bottom bracket, everything else cleaned, greased up and lubed. Everything working fine so far.
Fingers crossed.

You can now proudly declare yourself an off-road badass. I see no problem here, only potential.