A bike is always at risk of rust: from storage in a damp cellar or on a balcony, poor washing, or riding on wet roads covered with salt in winter. Corrosion shows up first on the chain, sprockets, bolts, handlebars, bell, cables and metal baskets.
Prevention is the best cure for rust, and it matters even more on older bikes with lots of steel parts. Here are simple rules that will keep your bike in good shape for years.
What you will need
Important: Keep lubricants off brake rotors, pads and rim braking surfaces. If any gets there, clean it off thoroughly before riding.
Step 1
Store the bike somewhere dry
Constant moisture and temperature swings are the main causes of corrosion. Keep the bike in an enclosed, dry, ventilated space out of the rain and direct sun. An open balcony or damp basement is not ideal, especially in autumn and winter.
If you live near the sea or a lake where the air is always humid, this point matters even more.
Step 2
Wash the bike regularly
Dirt holds moisture against the metal, and road salt speeds up rust dramatically. Wet the bike, apply a mild cleaning agent, go over it with a sponge and rinse. How often depends on how much and where you ride: after winter rides on salted roads, wash it every time.
Step 3
Dry and treat vulnerable parts
After washing, dry the bike thoroughly, leaving no water in joints or on bolts. Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to chainrings, cassette, bolts, handlebars, cable ends, the bell and metal accessories. It drives moisture out of small gaps and leaves a thin protective film against rust. Wipe off the excess with a cloth.
Step 4
Lubricate the chain
Apply WD-40 Bike Chain Lube to the dry chain while slowly back-pedalling, and give it a few minutes to penetrate the links. A properly lubricated chain runs more easily and is better protected against oxidation. Always wipe off the excess so dust does not stick.
Step 5
Check the bike during storage
If the bike stands unused for a long time, check it every few weeks: wipe off condensation, turn the pedals and shift the gears. Early rust spots are easy to remove before they eat into the metal.
Tip: Before winter storage, treat all exposed metal parts with
WD-40 Multi-Use and cover the bike with a breathable cover rather than plastic sheeting, which traps condensation.
What next
Repeat the moisture treatment after every wash and every ride in the rain. For precise application into pivots and locks, a WD-40 Smart Straw with its two-position straw is handy.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».