I have been wanting to get a steel gravel bike to enjoy some of my local trails that are a touch far to keep riding on my hardtail, about 20 miles of road riding to and from. I was able to snag this guy off of Marketplace for $200. The problem is that the previous owner kept it on the back of his semi truck and basically every exposed metal component is corroded.
I have verified that everything still moves freely, it seems to be some light surface rust, I am really hoping I will be able to salvage most parts. So far, I have determined that the chain is not worth trying to salvage so I ordered a replacement. The cassette seems to have a coating of rust as well, it seems much more likely to be saved but I may just order a new one if needed. I am not too worried about the hardware since all of it should be simple enough to clean up. It seems that one of the brake cables got corroded so I ordered a new jagwire set to replace them. The rotors are rusted and hopefully salvageable, the calipers may just get replaced with some TRP brakes.
Does anyone have any tips for removing rust? This is my first project involving rust, I am fortunate enough to have avoided it on cars and bikes in the past but I will say it is a bit intimidating. I am hoping this does not end up being a huge mistake haha. I am willing to take the gamble, the frameset is perfect and worth $200 to me. The wheels also seem to be in perfect condition. The whole groupset is the Sensah 1×11 rebranded as State which I am happy about since it would be very inexpensive to replace the whole set. The front brake and lever seem to be working fine. The rear brake cable has a lot of resistance but the caliper and lever both seem fine. The shifter and derailleur both work fine (but the hanger is bent so that will need to be either fixed with the alignment tool or replaced).
All bearings like the BB, wheels, and headset feel perfect with no resistance or play. There are a few paint dings on the frame that have some very light rust so I will need to address that as well.
I am hoping this is not going to be some insane project that will take forever but I am ready and excited to put some work into this bike. It is a cool chromolly steel frame that was neglected and abused and now it is in a loving home. Any advice on things I have not considered or techniques I should try would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
by mnoodles
4 Comments
It doesn’t look worse than a typical aluminum bike stored outside. A wire brush on the cassette and sandpaper on the brake rotors, replace all cables and housings, clean the brifters with WD-40, clean and lube the jockey wheels and pivots on the derailleur, Clean and lube pivots on the brake calipers, clean and lube the hub bearings if they are loose ball, if not just a little cleaning and grease under the bearing covers to prevent further ingress. It will be good to go.
I have the same bike, and the only corrosion that’s actually given me problems is the seat tube likes to corrode to the seat post, making adjusting the saddle height nearly impossible. The grade of steel they used doesn’t seem to progress beyond surface stuff, otherwise.
The YBN chain these came with isn’t great, so no loss. Get the $17 sram 1110 and don’t look back.
The off-brand BB aren’t great, either. Definitely upgrade that to a Shimano when that starts to eat itself.
If you want a really nice upgrade, the Sensah HRD hydraulic 1×11 groupset is 100% worth it for the improved brakes.
Nice purchase for $200. Enjoy your ride.
Brass wire brush/wheel/cup on a Dremel or drill will clean the surface rust off the components nicely, you can save a few bucks and just scrub with wadded up aluminum foil and water or liquid cleaning agent, but it takes longer and is more effort. Dry it off the good when done.
that’s not rust that’s… *highway patina*
AL frame with surface rust is not that big a deal. I’d be curious about the headset bearings, but if they’re smooth and loaded correctly ride them until they aren’t. Everything else is going to be sealed up. Remove the seatpost and maybe friction paste it.
You can store it with the seatpost out for a bit if you think there’s still water in there.
New chain and cables, go ride.