Caring for a muddy bike...

[FST4RD]

Hey all,
It's been pouring down with rain at home here for the last few weeks. This hasn't stopped me biking to work everyday and going out riding on the local tracks.
Only thing is I have a 93 DB Apex with full XT737 and struck a few issues.

After I'm finished riding the tracks me and my bike are covered in mud, my rear mech doesn't shift well and the chain sounds and feels all gritty. I do clean my rear mech and chain after most off road rides by removing, pulling apart and regreasing. Should I be doing anything else?

Also I'm running XT cartridge pads and they are wearing down so so quick, I've almost got no rear brakes left. Is this normal?

Also having a 17 year old steel frame should I be worried about it rusting from the inside out? Should I be doing something to protect it?

Not used to this long spell of rain and so much mud everywhere, but I'm loving it! Haven't rode in this much mud in a long time and forgot how much fun it is

 

[drystonepaul]

Sounds like an average British Winter/Summer you're having there right now.

In terms of your pads, XT cartridge pads, indeed any pads won't last long if it's gritty and muddy. I used to carry at least one spare set with me on longer rides as it wasn't uncommon to eat up a pair on the rear quite rapidly in the sandy Peak District grit.
It's also worth keeping an eye on your rims too, as Shimano pads are effective due to them being abrasive. Combined with the grit I would normally wear out at least a rear rim each winter too.

Your drive train will also take a battering. In winter I usually run two chains in rotation. That is that I'll remove the chain at the end of a dirty ride, (SRAM powerlinks are great) and clean the bike with a hose, brushes and hot soapy water. Then I'll put on my nice clean and lubed second chain so the bike is pretty much good to go again. Any pivots and moving parts get a squirt of GT-85 to displace water.
The dirty chain meanwhile will go in a jam jar of degreaser, and will get some attention with a toothbrush when it's gone dark outside, ready for it's next outing.

Nowadays I have a relatively cheap modern aluminium hardtail with disc brakes for most off road winter duties. I also have a retro steel bike with modern parts and full mudguards for commuting and general road duties in winter. I'm planning on getting the new 11 speed Alfine hub for a truly low maintenence bike though too.
Aluminium bikes are generally more resistant to corrosion hence my choice above, but all my steel bikes to get an internal coating of Waxoil or Frame saver. I also find that a light coating with Silicone spray on the frame helps to stop mud sticking to the frame as much as well as helping to prevent corrosion.

The worst stuff in terms of corrosion though is road salt, which is why it's really important make sure you keep on top of your bike and kit washing routine.

 

[ekiborter]

Sounds like an average British Winter/Summer you're having there right now.

In terms of your pads, XT cartridge pads, indeed any pads won't last long if it's gritty and muddy. I used to carry at least one spare set with me on longer rides as it wasn't uncommon to eat up a pair on the rear quite rapidly in the sandy Peak District grit.
It's also worth keeping an eye on your rims too, as Shimano pads are effective due to them being abrasive. Combined with the grit I would normally wear out at least a rear rim each winter too.

Your drive train will also take a battering. In winter I usually run two chains in rotation. That is that I'll remove the chain at the end of a dirty ride, (SRAM powerlinks are great) and clean the bike with a hose, brushes and hot soapy water. Then I'll put on my nice clean and lubed second chain so the bike is pretty much good to go again. Any pivots and moving parts get a squirt of GT-85 to displace water.
The dirty chain meanwhile will go in a jam jar of degreaser, and will get some attention with a toothbrush when it's gone dark outside, ready for it's next outing.

Nowadays I have a relatively cheap modern aluminium hardtail with disc brakes for most off road winter duties. I also have a retro steel bike with modern parts and full mudguards for commuting and general road duties in winter. I'm planning on getting the new 11 speed Alfine hub for a truly low maintenence bike though too.
Aluminium bikes are generally more resistant to corrosion hence my choice above, but all my steel bikes to get an internal coating of Waxoil or Frame saver. I also find that a light coating with Silicone spray on the frame helps to stop mud sticking to the frame as much as well as helping to prevent corrosion.

The worst stuff in terms of corrosion though is road salt, which is why it's really important make sure you keep on top of your bike and kit washing routine.

Perfect advice... this thread can now be closed lol.

;]

 

[FST4RD]

Thanks drystonepaul
I think I'll go out after payday and get another chain. I do run the Sram powerlinks... love them!
Will look into the frame saver as well...