bike: domane al5 gen4
so i went out for a ride and hit the highway. it started raining heavily. i couldn't find an exit until miles later and i was already drenched to the core. so i felt like ill just ride back home through the rain since it didn't seem to stop.
came home really cold and thought let's have a warm dinner and then clean it. left it outside for a while and a couple hours later i come back to clean it. it was dark and my lights weren't working well. cleaned it under torch light. then when i bring it back inside i see that the chain has become brownish and rusty. im really scared right now as to what im supposed to do. have i damaged it and have to replace it? or will it be fine? will the brown tinge go or is it permanent?
for now i dried and lubed it up. i might have to clean it again tomorrow?? guys????
by bhuvann31
7 Comments
Use “wet” chain lubricants. Clean your chain, dry it, apply lube
That’s it
And honestly, it doesn’t take a lot of lube. Must be the 5th year with this bottle
https://preview.redd.it/nlj2pexx9lnf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a35a7dbb338ae5f1c01269d8fdb90df2240f48c1
You should remove the rust before re-lubrication. Vinegar or WD-40 should work on a light coating of rust like yours. While almost any lubricant will come off in heavy rain, a ‘wet’ chain oil will be more resistant. So, you had a nice warm dinner while your bike was outside cold, wet and shivering? Staring at you over the top of my reading glasses.
i actually live on the coast where the humidity is very high. this happened in an interior area so im worried what might happen when i go back?
it rains heavily half the year and the other half is very hot. yet humid the whole time.
Lube your chain. It will be fine
Your chain is old. It’s tome to replace it. You can use it like that but new chain is a lot better
Happens when lube is stripped out of chain after getting too much rain on it. It’s a bummer but should mostly be aesthetic damage. You can remove surface rust with rust remover if you insist. Always wipe chain and apply lube after riding through rain. I personally try to avoid rain as I use wax based lube.