Steel frame protection (inside)

[DWM]

Hi All

I have just bought my first steel framed bike (a Genesis Croix de Fer 20, Reynolds 725 tubes). The bike will be used in all weathers so I was thinking about protecting the inside of the frame.

Putting aside whether or not it is worth doing (it will make me feel happier and therefore worth it to me!), would the following protection wax from Toolstation would be suitable;

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/d60/Lubricants+&+Sprays/sd2795/Protection+Wax/p41925

The description on the manufacturers website sounds promising;

'Cured wax renders a plasticine-like, water-repellent film which is almost colourless. Saltwater and heat-resistant up to +100°C. Excellent flow properties also make it suitable for inaccessible areas.

It sounds very similar in principle to the bike specific treatments that are available, but for a fraction of the cost, and more importantly I can pop to a shop a get some tomorrow.

What do people think?

Cheers

Dave

 

[mjr]

Sounds good. I've used Waxoyl on one frame, so I've no problem with automotive treatments for this. Can you let us know how it goes, please?

 

[Citius]

Can you let us know how it goes, please?

Yeah - can you get back to us in 30 years and let us know if the frame is still ok....

Even without treating it - and even if you plan on keeping it for the rest of your living days - the frame will be fine as is.

 

[mjr]

Yeah - can you get back to us in 30 years and let us know if the frame is still ok....

Meh, I meant if the can did something strange, but you knew that

 

[Smokin Joe]

Best thing you can do is to put a smear of silicone sealant round the seat post/tube junction and along the clamping slot. That's where water will enter your frame as it gets flung up from the rear wheel.

 

[ayceejay]

I saw one of these the other day although SJ's suggestion would work as well

 

[Drago]

Dynax UC. comes with a long lance which helps with even coverage.

 

[DWM]

Best thing you can do is to put a smear of silicone sealant round the seat post/tube junction and along the clamping slot. That's where water will enter your frame as it gets flung up from the rear wheel.

It was discovering that the inside of the seat tube was wet after getting soaked on Wednesday morning that prompted me think about. The slot on my frame faces forwards, I have full mudguards, and still water had found its way inside. I have applied a good covering of copper grease around the seat post which will hopefully go someway to blocking the openings up.

Thank you all for your comments. I may give the Toolstation stuff a go and see what happens.

Cheers

Dave

 

[DWM]

Bought the stuff on Sat, and sprayed a few things to test. The good news is that it dries to a nice waxy film. The bad news is that once you spray it on a surface it doesn't really flow, so is no good for areas that cannot be reached directly.

What I think I will do is just coat the bottom bracket area as I assume this is likely to be where any water entering the frame will end up. I guess that will be better than nothing!

Cheers

Dave

 

[steveindenmark]

I never use water to clean my bikes just a rag which I dampen with car wax to wipe most of the gunge off it. I then wax it like a car. I dont have rust on my bikes and I ride Winter and summer.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've used WAXOYL on a couple of old steel frames that I restored a few years back, but they were already 20-30 years old and the stuff was gratis so I thought I may as well.

 

[Nibor]

I used this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...ion-progold-steel-frame-protector/proglube218 on my recent build seemed to flow well and left a good even coating.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Even without treating it - and even if you plan on keeping it for the rest of your living days - the frame will be fine as is.

Can you expand on that please?

 

[Citius]

Can you expand on that please?

I mean you don't need to waxoyl it and the frame is properly built up and looked after (ie not left in the sea), it is not going to destroy itself by rusting from the inside out. Hope that helps?

 

[fossyant]

Yeah - can you get back to us in 30 years and let us know if the frame is still ok....

Even without treating it - and even if you plan on keeping it for the rest of your living days - the frame will be fine as is.

Light oils will do the job. I've oiled all my steel frames and they are still going strong at around 25 years later. I do tend to coat the BB shell with grease. There is always a lovely oily smell when ever I remove the BB or seat post.