How to Protect Your Bicycle from Rust

Bicycles come in many shapes, sizes and varieties. There are recumbent bikes, standard bikes, women's bikes, men's bikes and children's bikes. Regardless of the type and who it is made for, a bicycle is primarily made from metal materials such as stainless steel. This is great for durability, but not so great when it comes to avoiding rust. Because the frame of a bicycle is its main component, it is imperative to take proper care of it and prevent rust from forming on it.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry storage area
  • Dry clean cloth (preferably cotton)
  • Degreaser spry product
  • Steel wool
  • Bicycle oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Store your bicycle indoors at all times when it is not in use. This should be done in an area that is neither wet nor damp. Also, keep it away from exposure to direct sunlight. Keep it in a room where the temperature is neither cool nor cold, as cold air will cause the bicycle frame to get weak over a period of time.

    • 2

      Each time after you ride your bicycle, wipe it off completely by using a clean dry cloth (preferably cotton) to get off any and all possible moisture.

    • 3

      Regularly treat all of the metallic parts of your bicycle with a degreaser product. Do this by spraying it onto all the metallic parts and allowing the bicycle to sit for half an hour. Wipe it dry with a clean dry cloth. This will remove any dirt and particles that may have accumulated onto the metallic parts.

    • 4

      Regularly examine the entire frame of your bicycle for any possible areas that are beginning to show signs of rust. If any rust exists, treat it immediately by applying some bicycle oil onto the rust spots. Proceed to gently yet firmly scrub the rust off by using a piece of steel wool. Be sure to get all of it.

    • 5

      Cover the spot where you removed the rust by spraying the area with some waterproof paint that matches the color of your bicycle. This will protect the area from rusting again and keep the rust from spreading.