Dirty wet ride
05-02-21, 06:35 PM
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Dirty wet ride
The other day, I was scheduled to get my vaccine shot early in the evening and I really wanted to get a ride in before then as I figure, it would probably the last one for a few days. The weather was a little crap but i didn't feel like Zwifting because I didn't want to over extend myself going into what could have been an exhausting 24 hours so I went out into the rain for a short ride. I pulled out the bike with fenders, took off into the rain and really enjoyed it.
When I got back home, I parked it in the garage with the other bikes, gave it a quick wipe down and never got back to the bikes for another 48 hours recovering from the shot. When I finally did go back out to see the bike, I noticed the wheels were filthy with this black streak around the rim like I had ridden through oil or something. A quick rub and it came off relatively easy but a pail full of warm water and soap to wash the wheels and frame, and the water was black.
Any idea if this indicates something is wrong on the bike? I suspect maybe the brakes were creating some weird residue as they were connecting with the rim? (rim brakes, of course). Is it possible oil from the chain some how splashed up on the bike?
When I got back home, I parked it in the garage with the other bikes, gave it a quick wipe down and never got back to the bikes for another 48 hours recovering from the shot. When I finally did go back out to see the bike, I noticed the wheels were filthy with this black streak around the rim like I had ridden through oil or something. A quick rub and it came off relatively easy but a pail full of warm water and soap to wash the wheels and frame, and the water was black.
Any idea if this indicates something is wrong on the bike? I suspect maybe the brakes were creating some weird residue as they were connecting with the rim? (rim brakes, of course). Is it possible oil from the chain some how splashed up on the bike?
05-02-21, 06:40 PM
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Probably brake dust, mixed with superfine miscellaneous road debris.
05-02-21, 06:46 PM
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if the bike had rim brakes, then this is standard behavior. It's just aluminum oxide... the result of wearing aluminum off while braking in the wet. I've dealt with this for a very long time.
Steve in Peoria
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05-02-21, 07:06 PM
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Yup, pretty standard. I usually give the rims a wipe down with wet rag followed by a dry wipe right when I get back from a wet ride. Easier to clean when the grime is fresh.
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05-02-21, 07:07 PM
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Yup, definitely rim brakes and that's good to hear. I have never experienced this before but then again, don't do much riding in the rain. Is it any indication that my brake pads should be replaced or anything?
05-02-21, 07:10 PM
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Not at all. If they're stopping you fine and aren't worn way down, they're good to .....go?
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05-02-21, 07:13 PM
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Yeah, it's why the sidewalls of my commuter bike tires all look like crap.
05-02-21, 08:06 PM
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you sure you didn't run over any zombies? zombie blood? 
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05-02-21, 08:07 PM
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Thank you all for letting me know this is nothing out of the ordinary and no reason for alarm. I diligently scrubbed the wheels, the frame, even washed the chain and cassette in the event it was something bad. Anyway, here's the bike that was the cause of such concern in case anyone was interested. A nice looking bike, if nothing else so I like to keep it in good shape.
