Bike Maintenance... spots of rust?

[Ajax_Gaz]

Been out today to sort out the puncture on my mtb and noticed spots of rust over various parts of the bike. Haven't seen these before and i've been out in the rain/mud loads of times in it, but could these new bronze patches be caused from road salt?

This has only highlighted my lack of understanding when it comes to properly maintaining my bikes so before i destroy my new carbon jobie i better get buying some proper bits and find out how to look after them properly!

I've got brushes, a degreaser and a spray lubricant, but in order of how to clean say a stinking mtb what else do i need to buy? Any recommendations as there are also so many products on the market?

Many thanks again for your help and advice guys!

 

[sabian92]

Especially in winter you need to keep it cleaner than usual simply because of the crap off the road, including the salt. If it's mucky a clean every day or 2 isn't unusual in winter - I've did it every day in October, for example, literally simply because it was wet and the muck on the roads seems to think my bike is a nice home to live on.

Good news for you though, carbon doesn't rust.

 

[Mad at urage]

I've always found Jenolite good (Hammerite do a similar and equally good gel product). Wax or paint afterwards.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Thanks both!

Mad@urage - Just how far north of cardiff are you? Do you know somewhere locally that stocks Jenolite?

I've had a read through the bike radar review below and have put some different muc off products in my shopping basket as welll as a pot of grease. Sometime on the weekend then i think i'll give the whole mtb a good clean out

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-how-to-clean-and-lube-your-bike-18259

 

[NormanD]

Invest in some GT85 and once you've cleaned and the bike is dry, give the whole thing a good spraying with GT85 and leave to dry

 

[Mad at urage]

I'm over Newport way at the moment, so a bit east of you (although in the middle of moving to Ceredigion). I've not bought it locally (been here just a year) but used to find it in Halfords - or the equivalent Hammerite green gel* does the same thing.

*Hammerite do Kurust, which turns the unstable rust into a stable black iron oxide and gives some protection from further rusting - but still usually needs covering, except for tools that are actively used; they also do a green gel - can't remember what they call it, that is just like Jenolite. It's the latter I find is less visible on stainless and chromed parts, as long as they haven't gone too far.

 

[Chrisc]

I use ACF50 on my motorbike and road bike. Keeps everything bright under any amount of road muck/salt. Added benefit of stopping any pre-existing corrosion developing any further.