On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 07:01:33 GMT, "Richard" <[email hidden]> may have
Quoted message said:Hi, I recently purchased my first shocked bike- a hardtail- and I have 2 concerns about the
front end.
The first is that the upper part of the (Manitou Axel) stanchion tubes- mainly the right one- is
quite rusty from what appears to be little pits in the tube itself. I do have to leave/operate the
bike out in the rain often, so I expect rust in certain areas, but on the stanchions? Can one get a
pair of rust-proof shocks?
My opinions only, not an expression of The One True Way:
If the corrosion is not in the area where the outer tube slides over the inner, remove the rust and
paint the tube. If it's in the sliding area, install dust boots and try to avoid parking in the rain
if possible.
I do not know of a completely corrosion-proof fork assembly, although of course "rust" technically
is a term that applies only to corrosion of ferrous alloys and iron.
Quoted message said:My other concern is that when I shift my weight to the right or left somewhat in certain ways, the
front (and even back) wheel's rim rubs against the brakes, even though I just had the spokes
tightened. Is some rubbing normal, or does the wheel's spokes need to be tightened yet again? (The
brakes are a fair distance from the rim otherwise.)
It is quite common, particularly under a heavy rider, for the wheel to deflect under side loads and
come into light contact with the brake pads. This is often seen when the rider employs an aggressive
stand-up pedalling technique on climbs.
Quoted message said:Lastly, might anyone like to offer anything about rust-proofing a bike? (Titanium/Stainless-steel
chain, cables, and bolts?) From my standpoint, it seems as though there should be little reason why
a mountain bike should rust, save for money-making interests and costs perhaps.
The chain's first line of defense against corrosion is the rider; lube the chain with oil, clean it
when it's dirty, and don't leave it wet if you get into rain or other water-soaking conditions.
The insides of frame tubes can be coated with anticorrosion treatments such as Frame Saver, although
the opinions about the necessity of this vary. (I've never used any such product, so you can guess
what level of importance I accord to them.)
Stainless cables are common. and easy to find, at least around here.
Manufacturers seldom worry about corrosion-proofing a bike bcause the vast majority of buyers will
neither park nor ride a bike in the rain.
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