Rusted chain?

[keith]

Hey guys any idea as to why my chain on my road bike would be rusting? After a ride in the rain, or when it needs a clean I use soapy water, then paraffin, let it dry and than lube it nicely. Its only a couple of months old and is the standard chain that came on the bike (9 speed Tiagra). Is there anyway to remove the rust or should I look at getting a shiny new chain (my chain was never shiny silver, but a darker colour).

[JA-Q001]

Rather first clean with parafin and than soapy water. the parafin stays oily and can cause the lube not to take on the chain, also when taking of the excess lube, use it to cover the entire chain, meaning the side plates as well. If you want to remve it, then soak the chain in parafin then scrub it, maybe that would help.

[Johan Bornman]

The rust on the sideplates of non-plated (brown, not silver) chains is purely cosmetic. Clean the chain from time to time with a soapy degreaser (paraffin is difficult to dispose of) and oil every second link with any liquid oil.

 

That's all the TLC a chain needs. A bit of rust shows character.

[keith]

Thanks Johan. Will a 'silver' chain also rust in this way? Because surely this rust must affect the performance of the chain when it comes to shifting?

[Johan Bornman]

Thanks Johan. Will a 'silver' chain also rust in this way? Because surely this rust must affect the performance of the chain when it comes to shifting?

 

No, a plated chain wont rust as much, but it will still rust. Like I said, the rust is cosmetic and won't do anything other than look ugly. If you go to Europe or Seattle your eyes will hurt from all the rust on commuter bikes there. Live with it.

 

Contrary to popular belief, a worn chain will NOT affect shifting. Nor will a chain with cosmetic rust on the sideplates. Obviously, if the chain is so rusted that it cannot articulate, it will neither turn nor shift. In your example this is not the case.

 

[keith]

Thanks Johan much appreciated!

[keith]

So than the question is: If I do get a nice new shiny silver chain how do I prevent it from rusting? Other than proper cleaning, drying and lubing how do pros keep their chains looking so lekker???

[keith]

So than the question is: If I do get a nice new shiny silver chain how do I prevent it from rusting? Other than proper cleaning, drying and lubing how do pros keep their chains looking so lekker???

[JA-Q001]

They dont clean it, the mechanic does it for them about 3 times a week.

[mbaymike]

after every wet ride I clean the chain and lube it again...I stay in mosselbay so the salt air is always present.  ride with a 105 chain and have never had any corrosion problems....if you are staying at the coast i suggest you clean it more regularly than inland and get a good lube...don't skimp on paying for a good lube. 

[Dirtbreath]

Rinse properly after cleaning. Leaving a degreaser on the chain causes it to rust in no time.

[keith]

Thanks guys for the info. I think I shall get a new one for Christmas. Any suggestions as for which one to get? I ride a 2008 Merida with full Tiagra groupset.

[AndreZA]

Get the 105 on special from Chris Willemse.

[keith]

Mampara can I run a 105 chain on Tiagra?

[keith]

I've just checked their site and it isn't compatable with 9-speed, so that counts that one out!

[AndreZA]

YOu can basically run any chain on any groupset as long as the speeds are the same. The more expensive ones just get lighter and shinier.