rusty chain.

[tristantumble]

I just finished lubing my chain, and noticed the outer part is pretty rusty looking. The bike/chain only has 6000 Km's on it, is this normal? Is it safe to ride as is, or do I need a new chain? I only lube the inside of the chain, so not sure what is the proper method to take care of the outer part..if any...

thanks.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Lubing the outside of the chain would prevent it from rusting.

If it's just surface rust, the chain strength probably isn't compromised. I would ride it.

[DarkStaR]

...
I only lube the inside of the chain,
...

^^^ That's most likely the cause.

Can you clean the rust off?

[Greg]

What is that white stuff all over the sprocket and rim? Is that corrosion or salt?

[ducatiz]

get a nail brush, the kind auto parts stores sell to clean your hands -- plastic bristles -- spray the outside plates liberally and scrub with the brush.  use a news paper to catch spatter.

as long as the links move well relative to each other and the chain hasn't stretched too much it is usable.  if you have kinks that don't go away, then rust MAY have penetrated the orings. 

[tristantumble]

- the 'white stuff' is actually just a bit of dirt from the backyard, when it rains it gets on the wheels.

- so if i buy the brush, what would i spray on it before i start to scrub?

thanks.

[ducatiz]

- the 'white stuff' is actually just a bit of dirt from the backyard, when it rains it gets on the wheels.

- so if i buy the brush, what would i spray on it before i start to scrub?

thanks.

some people use WD40, dry it off and then lube.  anything really.

i just use the lube as a cleaner.  you waste some, but it ends up lubing better.

if you are really really anal, use wd40 to clean the chain (slow spray -- float the crap off) then dry it with paper towels and let it sit for a while to drip off, then lube.

alternatively, just buy a scottoiler and forget about it.