After getting soaked on my ride home on Monday I've been wondering what I should be doing, if anything, to keep my bike in good nick after it's got wet. I used the search but couldn't find anything relevant.
FWIW, here are my tips:
Leather saddles, stuff a plastic bag between the saddle and rails, it'll stop the saddle getting some of the light spray. When it's tipping down, tie the bag over the saddle. Ok, it looks shite but it's only until the rain stops.
If you have holes for water bottle cages put hex head bolts in them to stop water ingress, or plug them up with rubber. If you don't plan on using a bottle cage... ever, pare down an old black crayon, screw it in the hole and cut off flush.
Use spray-guards. I've got an old road frame that has no eyelets for mounting guards and minimal clearance between tyre and fork crown, but there's always away to do it: Cut four short strips of rubber, wrap around bottom of forks and seat stays, punch two holes in each to take a small hex head bolt. Put bolt through: washer, rubber, guard eyelet, rubber, washer, locknut. I now have a set of full SKS spray guards on for the winter.
Some of the cheaper track hubs are not sealed well against water and road grime. Smear some light grease over the sides of the sealed bearings that you can see. Thick grease tends to drag itself off after a few spins of the wheel, but by using light grease and not much of it you can give some protection against the elements. Do the same for your BB. Replace grease at regular intervals.
I've seen some folks mention "Framesaver" or some other brand of gunk that you pour down the seat tube. I've never tried this but have made a mental note to look into it before the roads start getting salted this year.
FWIW, here are my tips:
I've seen some folks mention "Framesaver" or some other brand of gunk that you pour down the seat tube. I've never tried this but have made a mental note to look into it before the roads start getting salted this year.
TTFN