[theslowcyclistxx]

Hi!

I am considering saving up for a Ritchey Outback steel gravel frameset. However, I cannot store it inside anywhere, which means it has to go outside all year. My current mtb (old 26 carbon) has the same condition and it does perfectly fine without any rust. Yet, I am a bit concerned about the frame rusting, although Ritchey support said it was lackered in some way that would prevent rust unless the paint goes off. What are your experiences – should I find some other frame, or will the frame be fine even after mud and dirt?

Thanks!

Topic

[theslowcyclistxx]

Thanks for the feedback! So

Thanks for the feedback! So your recommendation is more or less that if I buy a quality frame, look at bit after it, perhaps put it under some form of cover from the rain, and dont care much about whether the looks will deteriorate (which I am happy with since it decreases the risk of it being stolen), it should be okay to ride in the mud for many years to come without any risks of it breaking due to rust inside / outside the frame?

[LastBoyScout]

I have had a steel frame

I have had a steel frame (Claud Butler) rust through in the past – found out by putting my finger through the seat tube!

It’s replacement, also steel, has spent much of the last few years as my lunchtime shopping bike, stored in the outside bike shed at work. Drive chain has rusted, but, so far, that frame is ok. Will report back if we ever return to the office!

[Nick T]

There’s more vulnerable bits

There’s more vulnerable bits of steel on a bike than the frame. As long as the paint’s good there shouldn’t be many issues as long as you do your maintenance, some sort of cover from rain would be advisable though 

[OldRidgeback]

Well my old MTB has lived

Well my old MTB has lived outside for much of its life and if rust was such an issue, it’d be a heap of orange coloured dust now. 

Clean your bike regularly, spray WD40/GT85 over exposed parts and don’t worry about it. Yes, you may get some surface rust but not so much that it’ll be an issue. As long as the steel is good quality, it won’t rust to nothing.

A major reason in why Fiat (and Lancia) cars got such a bad rep for rust in the 70s was because Fiat traded the rights to the 124 model to the Russians who turned it into the Lada. In exchange Fiat got a load of very low quality steel that was ultra vulnerable to corrosion.

[Author]

Replies