Rust

[Fencer]

Hello everyone. First post for me on this forum. I currently have a NEXT (Walmart) bike, which is going on it's 4th year and is showing it's age. I'm noticing rust on the very tips of a few of the gears, on 2 adjustment(I think) bolts for the brakes, and a few light patches else where on the bike.

My question is when is it time to start replacing parts or the bike when stuff like rust starts showing up?

[nameused]

Hit is with some wd-40 and rub it off. Most of the time this will work. Otherwise take some sandpaper and sand off the rust. I think there's another thread on here about rust removal that goes into a lot of detail.

[DaveM]

Surface rust usually isn't a problem other than for looks & long term life of the bike. What you do want to watch out for rust is on cables, chain, bolts that hold the brake cable, or anything that looks like a crack is forming on the frame, bars, etc.

[RobAR]

If your bike parts are rusting - either you are not riding enough or you sweat a lot and don't clean up. Which is it, Fencer?

Welcome to BT!

[Fencer]

Not riding enough, I was lazy last year and put it in storage early and then brought out to find some surprises. And thanks for the welcome .

[RobAR]

(03-02-2011, 11:05 PM)Fencer Wrote:  Not riding enough,

Been there, done that too.

[Fencer]

I'm probably going to replace the bike regardless since it was bought 5 years ago when I was in junior high. The main selling point at the time for me was that it looked cool. Now I'd really like something that weighs considerably less than a Sherman Tank, has a rigid fork, skinny tires. etc.

[KC-Steve]

He-he, I like the Sherman tank analogy! But a newer M1 Abrams weighs a LOT MORE!

I also like people who are honest. Welcome to the forum.

I saw one of those used Next bikes for sale and admit it did look kewl with their paint job. Didn't buy it though.

Steve

[Fencer]

It still baffles me how they fit 45 lbs into a bike. The frame must be solid steel tubing or something.