7

My poor bike's chain lasted all of three months before it gave in to the winter floods where I live. Storing it indoors is not an option, and despite my maintenance efforts, the knee-deep floods that come once a month or so, rain every other day, and ocean only a quarter of a mile away has made it pretty much impossible to keep my chain dry. It's deteriorated beyond a useable point, so I have to buy a new one now. I'm new to bike maintenance on this level so I'd really like some advice on how to avoid replacing it again in three months.

1
  • 3
    Interesting situation. A few questions that may help us give better answers: Can you describe the options that do exist for storage? i.e., what outdoor areas are available, and do you have the option to install hooks or what have you out of doors in these places?) Why can't you bring the bike inside? And is spending a little money on the problem an option, or do you need a cheap/free solution? Apr 4, 2013 at 14:46

5 Answers 5

8

If you're getting knee-deep floods it's destroying the bearings along with the chain. You need to hang the bike up somehow.

2
  • 1
    Seems a little unfair that you should get 8 upvotes for an answer that is the same as my earlier one. :-P I know, I shouldn't care. :-) Apr 8, 2013 at 8:03
  • 1
    @JamesBradbury - That's because I have such a pretty face. Apr 8, 2013 at 11:07
6

While I agree with cherouvim that wet lube is a good thing for rust prevention, I would also ask if it's possible to store the bike higher up, perhaps with some kind of simple cover to prevent the rain and salt-spray from getting to it. Perhaps a couple of hooks on the wall and some rope or a simple bench or couple of large stones to stand the bike on.

Whatever magical product you treat it with, all parts of a bike are going to suffer from being repeatedly immersed in salt-water.

3

You need to start using a "wet" chain lube.

“Wet” chain lubes are recommended for wet riding conditions. They are generally 
made from oils and are not easily washed off by water.

Have a look at http://www.pinkbike.com/news/To-the-Point-Chain-Lube-2013.html for detailed chain maintenance information.

1

You can get stainless steel chains, but that won't stop the other components from failing, and they are typically not all stainless so will still rust a bit.

Have a read of This answer as it has useful information on rust resistant chains.

0

You could remove the chain from the sprockets while it's not being used. If you have quick release wheels removing it and putting it back on should take no longer than 5 minutes. Removed the back wheel, disengage the chain, and wrap it up around the seat post. If you have a single speed or fixed gear bike, this will be easy but it gets more complicated with derailleurs, but depending on their design it still might be possible with about 10 minutes of work. But it probably doesn't flood every day, so you should watch your weather forecast and only do this if you think there's a chance of a flood.

I would second @Daniel's recommendation of getting the bike up off the ground. If you have a derrailleur, yoo will at least have part of that sitting in the water along with the chain, and depending on the depth of the water, your bottom bracket and wheel hubs also. You can also purchase a stainless steel or nickel plated chain which might hold up to the water a bit better. If your spokes and wheels aren't rusted out then a stainless chain might be an easy solution.

2
  • 2
    Essentially disassembling the bike after each use probably isn't practical, but a folding bike would solve the problem if storing it indoors is an option. Just sayin'... :) Apr 4, 2013 at 14:43
  • It's not really "disassembling", especially if you have a fixed gear/ single speed. Sure you can't just get on it and ride, but it's not that big of a deal, and if it saves you buying a new chain every three months, it's probably worth it. With a quick link, you could probably just remove the chain completely, although I'm not sure how well they stand up to repeated opening and closing.
    – Kibbee
    Apr 4, 2013 at 17:24

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.