GWG

My wife and I just spent 2 weeks riding on the Oregon Coast beaches...between the Salt Spray and the Heavy Rain, we experienced.....our M2S E-bikes have really begun to rust. What is the best way to "stop" or "clean off rust" on Derailers and Brake Discs etc.???

Pointers appreciated. We had a blast but now to care for our Bikes!!!

GARY
Stanley, Idaho
Great riding here in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and no sand or salt.

crn3371

First give them a good cleaning so as to remove all the residual salt. After everything is clean and dry THOROUGHLY lubricate everything on the bike. If there are components that are developing rust you can use some fine steel wool or a scotchbrite pad to gently remove the rust. Whenever you find yourself riding at the beach again just make sure to rinse the salt water off immediately after riding.

GWG

Thanks,
Must get to scrubbing...Think I'll use scotch brite pads where I can,

GARY

Smaug1

For light rust, a wire wheel on a Dremel or similar rotary tool would be my first choice. If there are bigger areas, a wire wheel chucked in a drill.

Naval Jelly works wonders without any scrubbing or wire brushing.

speedy25

Cleaning with a detergent or other cleaning solution will not remove all the salt or its negative effects. THere are salt neutralizer products that can do that.

Inspect your bike regularly for corrosion damage. Spokes like to dissolve.

-SP

mpetry912 

I use Dawn Ultra in the wash bucket and add a splash of kerosene

A trick learned from the great Brian Baylis

no comment on wire brush wheels and drill motors to grind off the rust

/markp

m@Robertson

I live on the coast and often ride on paths surrounded by dunes, blowing sand and foggy, moisture-laden air. On occasion with a different bike I ride down the beach so... thats ground zero for salt and rust.

I have two cheap hand-pump bug sprayers from Home Depot. I think they are 2-gallons each. One is filled with a dilution of Simple Green detergent and water, based on the instructions on the jug. The other is plain water. After a ride I spray down with the soapy solution. Just all over the bike, without any real concern for the electrical bits, but not pushing my luck by directing any water streams at connections. Once the bike has gotten a once-over, I do it again with the plain water. This includes the drivetrain, so after a few rides I need to wipe the chain down with Rock And Roll and a sock. After the spritz and rinse, I park it in the garage and let it air dry.

No rust over time as a result. The low pressure of the bug sprayer is enough to get into nooks and crannies but not enough to cause issues with water penetration anywhere.

Worth noting: If all I do is park a bike in the garage and stay away from the coastline, there is enough salt just in the air so my non stainless bolts on a bike will show signs of rust in a couple of months. No need to go to the water's edge its in the air.

Speaking of which, if you have bolts - especially M5's like are on all of your rack and bottle bosses - they need to be stainless. When I say 'no rust' I mean it in that context. I have all stainless M5 and M6 socket caps everywhere.

Pop N Wood

Rode along the beach in LA for years. Not a whole lot you can do once the rust sets in. Keep it clean and lubed. WD40 was made the displace water (hence the name), it can protect surfaces (no brakes obviously) . Applying a regular car wax helps protect painted surfaces. Keep in mind washing with dish soap removes the wax. If you wax the frame get a cleaner specifically made for washing cars.

I have no idea where you are going to use a scotch brite pad or wire brush. Yikes.