Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Rust proof chains?

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 31 Posts

gmats

· Well-known member
Joined
·
3,239 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Aloha,

I was wondering if fellow commuters out there had issues with rust? Specifically the chain? It rains a lot here in Hawaii where I live and it's hard to keep up with cleaning and lubing the chain. What have you guys done out there in places where rain/ice/snow are constant and forces you to keep up? Is it just constant chain lubing? I see there's 8 speed stainless steel chains by Wippermann? Help with recommendations.
 
#2 ·
I generally find that the rust is just on the surface and wears away during normal use. You can dry your drivetrain as best you can after you get it wet, but you're not likely to get everywhere. You can try a wet lube to keep the chain protected, or you can just ignore it. Chains are relatively cheap.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thanks, I agree, lube and rags are cheaper but I'm looking for something a bit easier. You cannot imagine how often I get rained on here with my commutes. I'm looking for easier maintenance.
 
#5 ·
My commuter gets rained on all the time. I use finishing line wet xc lube that's for more extreme conditions. Never have any issues I dont even dry my chain off, ever. Simple kmc chain. As long as u use good lube dont worry about it.
Sent from my Nokia Stupid Phone using Tapatalk
 
#6 ·
I've tried a few to help with winter salt/ick. I got good mileage out of the KMC X9SL gold, twice as long time-wise as some others. Not sure if they make that it 8 speed. It has a Titanium Nitride coating. I didn't really notice if it tended to get surface rust less, I would guess yes, but I try to keep it lubed frequently to avoid not only rust but excess wear on other parts. I also tried a Connex (by Wipperman) 9sB black edition, which has brass rollers and some kind of black coating on the plates. I liked the look and don't recall any rust, but it was expensive and didn't last very long. That one is probably not available in 8 speed.

My policy is to refuse to buy anything called rust proof, rust-resistant, etc., if they don't tell you what's different about the material or coating. Some seem to be more hype than anything.
 
#7 ·
I use Phil Wood Tenacious Oil and never have any issues. This includes year-round commuting in rain and snow conditions. The chain is always greasy but never rusts, and I usually get around 10,000 hard miles out of it. I probably clean the chain and re-apply every 4 months (1,500 miles).

Your bike will be dirty, but that's a trade-off I'm willing to make.
 
#8 ·
gmats said:
Aloha,

I was wondering if fellow commuters out there had issues with rust? Specifically the chain? It rains a lot here in Hawaii where I live and it's hard to keep up with cleaning and lubing the chain. What have you guys done out there in places where rain/ice/snow are constant and forces you to keep up? Is it just constant chain lubing? I see there's 8 speed stainless steel chains by Wippermann? Help with recommendations.
Click to expand...
I run a Cn 7701 Shimano chain with a nickle coating....gets me through a long cold winter of salty slush ice and snow.
 
#9 ·
I see some horrendous chains at the bike co-op.

I tell everyone: if you ride regularly, then keep a rag near where you store your bike. When you get home, grab the rag, grab the chain in the rag, and spin the cranks backwards a few times. It takes 30 seconds, and even if you only do that once or twice a week it will make a huge difference to drivetrain prettiness.
 
#10 ·
gmats said:
Thanks, I agree, lube and rags are cheaper but I'm looking for something a bit easier. You cannot imagine how often I get rained on here with my commutes. I'm looking for easier maintenance.
Click to expand...
I hear you, but seriously just use a wet lube like NixFrixShun Chainlube ?NFS? ? NixFrixShun home of The BallersRide or Chain-L (Phil's tenacious oil works too.) You use far less of these lubes than the comparable "dry" lube like Rock n Roll or White Lightning. I spent 200 miles in the rain on my last rando and didn't have the slightest problem with rust or noise. What's easier than wiping down the external plates after you get home and re-applying lube every ~300 miles? Just keep a rag next to where you keep your bike.
 
#13 ·
Wipperman males a stainless steel chain and I did notice KMC has something called a "Rust Buster" chain which might help with the salt air that I'm guessing is the root of your problem. I live in Oregon, away frm the coast so I get lots of rain but no salt and keeping my chains healthy is just a matter of regular lubrication.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#14 ·
The rust buster chains are zinc coated (similar to galvanized nails). They work, but really no better than nickel/otherwise plated chains, so long as you lube fairly regularly.

For what it's worth, I live 10 miles from the ocean, and work is 5.
 
#15 ·
If you ride a bike in the rain, adopt a "put away procedure." Wipe the frame of excess moisture, remove the saddle and post, place bike upside down or in such a way that allows water in the frame to drain, wipe water from chain and apply lubrication. It takes less than 5 minutes and saves money and time down the road.
 
#18 ·
I use the kmc rust buster on my commuter through salt, snow, rain, etc and it has worked well along with not lubing it that often either. During these conditions for 7 months and 3000 miles still no rust. This chain was recommended to me by the one lbs who's mechanic rides a single speed, I will use these chains again!
 
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
About this Discussion
30 Replies
20 Participants
Last post:
BrianMc
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion