How to Fix Rusty Bikes

Bikes damaged by rust may not look as snazzy as new bikes, but they can still function. If you’ve left your bike out in the rain, or you’ve happened upon a spotty orphaned bike, it takes just a little work to get the appearance of the bike back to a respectable state without using chemical rust removers.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Sandpaper
• Steel wool
• Lubricant
• Bike oil
• Primer

Instructions

1. Clean the frame. Bike frames that rust are made from steel alloys. You can be pretty aggressive in removing rust from this material. If your bike has heavy deposits of rust, scrape them off with a wire brush. Use sandpaper to remove the remaining flakes of rust on the surface. Fine steel wool with some metal polish added can erase rust that has etched more deeply into the steel. As it smooths the metal, the polish removes pits that could rust again.

2. Clean the chrome. If the chrome parts of your bike are so damaged by rust that the chrome is flaking off, treat them as you would the rest of the frame and scrub them free of rust. The chrome cannot be saved and will have to be repainted. Less severe chrome rust is easy to fix, however. Because chrome can scratch, removing rust from your handlebars and rims requires a gentler approach. Add metal polish to fine steel wool, and rub the rust stain in strokes. Keep going in the same direction, rather than rubbing in circles. This will prevent circular scratches from appearing in the chrome. After the rust is gone, buff the surface with a cloth.

3. Clean or replace the chain. A rusty chain may not be worth fixing if the rust has penetrated into the metal and weakened it. But if your chain has only surface rust, with no visible pits or breaks, you can get it moving again. Spray the chain with a lightweight lubricant (like WD40) and spin the pedals to distribute it. Allow the oil to work for a few minutes, then wipe the bike chain clean with a rag. Degrease with dishwashing detergent and add bike lube oil to the rollers of the chain.

4. Protect the bike against further rust. Your bike will rust again if the metal is left unprotected. Bare metal must be treated with an anti-rust primer. (Hammerlite and Rustoleum are two manufacturers of this kind of primer.) Once the metal is protected, you can give the bike a topcoat with any sort of paint. Store your bike indoors if you can, and wipe it down so that it is dry after each use.

Tips & Warnings

• Brass wool, less commonly found than steel wool, won't produce tiny steel particles that could add to later rust.

• Any kind of sandpaper will work, but sandpaper to be used wet will remove rust faster.

• Do not put too much trust in a rehabilitated chain. If you intend to ride your newly rust-free bike often, then a new chain is safest.