Between 2014 and 2017 I rode this bike, a 90s Marin with Surly forks, across Europe, Asia and Australia. Originally it had a kickstand, but I removed it about two thirds of the way through the trip after deciding it was more of a hindrance than a help. After removing the kickstand, I noticed that it had slightly crushed the the underside of the stays behind the bottom bracket where it was mounted. As you can see in the photo, there is quite a lot of rust around the indentations in the tubing.
It has also rusted on the downtube where I got someone in Melbourne to weld on some shifter mounts. I did cover the bare metal with a clear coat, but it obviously wasn't effective.
My bike spent several years in storage and I have only recently started riding again. I want to do some more bike trips, but I would really like to know people's opinions. Should I get rid of the rust, repaint and keep using it, or does the frame need to be replaced? I'm inclined to keep using this frame as I have a sentimental attachment to it, and I think it would be difficult or expensive to find another one that suits my needs.
by BAKEDclock33
3 Comments
The surface rust is probably just that, but those dents are weird. Honestly, I wouldn’t ride it, but if you’re not sure, take it to a bike shop to check. The only way you’ll know is having it inspected or sandblasted and repainted to see what’s going on underneath the paint
It’s fine. Clean the rust with drill and wire wheel and spray paint over.
No way, chain stays see radial and linear stresses from the bottom bracket shell loading (notice how beefy BB are). Chain stays are often novelize to help resist these forces. Hitting a bump especially with touring loaded frame will not be pleasant. Sorry to say but take it to a shop and they will tell you it is now scrap metal..