In article <lC3lf.1209$kt5.243887@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, B Paton
<bpaton@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Salt is deadly stuff for bikes. If you go, wash it thoroughly as soon as
you
> return. Be aware that it only takes a brief exposure for polished
aluminium
> parts too begin surface deterioration. Know too that the salty goo is
going
> to get packed into places you cannot easily clean: cable housing,
headset,
> bu****ng surfaces, etc.
>
> A thin coating of oil on your bike and fenders can mitigate some of the
> above mentioned problems.
>
> You might check your local Salvation Army/Goodwill store. Or, if you can
> make it to Haliburton, you can have the mid-70's Sekine that I picked up
at
> the dump on Sunday. It is in pretty nice shape, just needs new cables,
> housing and chain. Olive green and a sticker that boasts, "The Finest
> Bicycle in the World!"--built back when it took 2 chainrings to make a
> 10-speed.
> Blake
>
Another consideration: following rides where your bicycle ac***ulates
salty snow and slush, refrain from parking it indoors, or rather,
heated spaces. What's to be avoided is melting the build-up on a daily
basis - this speeds the penetration of salt, and promotes corrosion.
Better to leave the bike frozen, and the salt in the snow rather than
seeping into derailleurs or bearings. As noted, full fenders also
mitigate the buildup of road-spray in the BB/crank area, but do little
for the rear der/hub - the most susceptible area; and using much oil,
does have the disadvantage of attracting grit and particles to which
salt adheres.
There is no real answer to avoiding the destructive effects of salt,
one can only limit vulnerability. To this end, fixed gear bikes are,
IMHO, the best solution - ride them all winter; in spring, maybe
replace a chain or chainring/cog.
I second the suggestion of cruising thrift shops or - wrong time of
year for this suggestion!- garage sales for a bargain priced beater.
This happens to be the standard fixie conversion stratagem for the
financially embarrassed. Just lace up the dumpster bound relic of
yesteryear with a fixie rear wheel and you're good to go for a years -
or until the frame cracks.
Luke
|
