Does rust work like this?

I have a bare metal frame that, thus far, has failed to start rusting. I have a chain that is slightly rusty that I intend to use for saddle securing purposes, will the chain coming into contact with the metal of my frame start the onset of rust on said frame?

Rust isn't contagious.

From wikipedia:

Rust is a general term for a series of iron oxides, usually red oxides, formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture.

If that reaction can occur, rust will occur. Putting a rusty item on a finished (painted, protected) piece of metal won't result in the finished piece of metal becoming rusty... unless you chip away the finish and expose unprotected metal that can rust.

I have a bare metal frame that,

Apparently his frame is bare though..

If your frame really is bare festerban, it really shouldve started rusting if you are exposing it to air & moisture. The elements like chromium which may have been added to the steel to make the alloy (531, 4130 etc) maybe delaying the onset of rust just like with stainless steel. Most chains are not made of anything as good.

Having something more prone to rusting attached to your frame may actually act as a sacrificial anode, rusting INSTEAD of your frame. But im not too hot on my electrochemistry so youll have to look this up.

Apparently his frame is bare though..

If your frame really is bare festerban, it really shouldve started rusting if you are exposing it to air & moisture. The elements like chromium which may have been added to the steel to make the alloy (531, 4130 etc) maybe delaying the onset of rust just like with stainless steel. Most chains are not made of anything as good.

Having something more prone to rusting attached to your frame may actually act as a sacrificial anode, rusting INSTEAD of your frame. But im not too hot on my electrochemistry so youll have to look this up.

I think sacrificial anodes only work where the two metals are immersed in something, such as water, so that there is an electron pathway (direct contact between the metals) and an ion pathway (through the water etc).

immersed in England is enough to cause catastrophic rust

Is it an Aly frame?!

Is it an Aly frame?!

ha ha ha ha hah aha ha haha hahaah aha ahahahahahh

Once steel/iron is scratched it starts the reaction (kind of). Unfortunately I gave my Ramsden's A-level chemistry book to a friend as I really don't require it in my It field.

It's asleep

Is it an Aly frame?!

my first thought as well.

Nope it is a steel frame and it's been bare for about 5 months and bizarrely hasn't started rusting at all, very strange but not unwanted. However, I have just found and old and fucked inner tube that will cover the chain quite snugly so my original question is now moot (I'm still interested though as it hasn't been conclusively answered yet)

its aluminium, or its been rust proofed via anti rusting dip similar to being anodised.

It was a brand new Fuji Track, I stripped it myself with NitroMors and then started riding it

Actually it's more like 3 months (dunno where I got 5 from?)

There is a very rare bacteria that lives inside Fuji Tracks, which prevents them from rusting. You should occasionally pop out the seat tube and dollop in some yoghurt to keep them going.

love juice and sparkles help the bacteria too i hear.

its aluminium, or its been rust proofed via anti rusting dip similar to being anodised.

could be phosphorised.
frames often are stored unpainted.

love juice and sparkles help the bacteria too i hear.

Ah! All that 'special time' with my bike finally pays off!

I also have a bare fuji track which has resisted rusting for a while but is now beginning to get there.

Should i keep it completely destickered so the rust is even and manageable? If i put stickers on I feel like it will keep patches of the tubes rust free and therefore create weak spots where rusted areas meet clean (under the stickers) areas. Is this correct?

yes, it will create stress raisers where there is a dramatic change in wall section

Mix bleach and vinegar 50/50, spray on and wait.

cheers delta.

booga - what's that for?

It accelerates the rusting process of bare metal, something to do with chemical reactions. "Rat look" car enthusiasts use it to rust car parts for that vintage barn find look!

Er, personally I don't actually want rust. Oh and I solved the mystery of the non rusting bike. My bike was so covered in grime and crap that I simply couldn't see the rust, I gave the frame a quick wipe down the other day and there are actually a few small 2p size patches, dirty bike for the 'out of sight out of mind' win!