E-Bike rusted

[Pix]

Is anyone having rust problems with their Trek bikes? The two we have are less than a year old, never ridden in the rain, always kept indoors when not being ridden and are well maintained. These are E-bikes that are ridden on paths, not mountain bikes that are used heavily. When I contacted my LBS this is what I was told, “We do not manufacture the bike we simply re sell it.” I did hear from the Trek rep who did offer to replace the rusted parts and stated the following, “understand that this not a warranty case and these parts will be offered out of goodwill only. Given the environment where you live, please understand that it could be at cause……. and this type of early deterioration of these parts cannot be identified as a general problem in any markets. I am simply afraid that the new parts might end up doing the same and therefore, have you lose your confidence even more in this product of ours.”

Take a look at these photos and let me know if you have also experienced premature rusting and pitting of any of the components on your bikes.

 

[Taylor57]

Do you live at the beach?

 

[Old Fart At Play]

My trek is 1 year old, wife's is 2 years old, no rusting at all

 

[arcom]

Do you live at the beach?

According to his profile, he lives on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

 

[J.R.]

Stainless steel parts can and will rust under the right circumstances. The name 'stainless steel' was a marketing name for a range of steels that resist rust and stains. All SS has iron content or it would be too brittle. Surgical SS generally has the least amount of iron, it is too expensive for general use and even it will rust in humid, salty air environments.

 

[PedalUma]

A few things. It looks like the disc area was degreased. Not having a film of oil on the disc is good for stopping but not good for oxidation in damp, salty areas. Two, yes, it is an Island surrounded by salt air. Finally, the area is subject to freeze/thaw cycles which promote condensation of moisture. Rubbing a light oil on the rusted areas will help - not on the outer disc contact area with the pads. Touch up with something like matching nail polish will also help where paint is chipped.

 

[Alaskan]

Have ever wiped down and dry the bike after a ride when it gets wet or applied a wipe on protective spray?

I live within a mile of a salt water bay, love riding along the shoreline but routinely wipe down after a ride and put a silicone wipe on every other week or so. None of my bikes have ever developed any corrosion and aside from a few scratches from drops or curbs, look remarkably like new.

With bikes, like all other metal objects, you do have to apply a modicum of care and maintenance or this is what happens.

The OP would be wise to accept the generous offer from Trek to replace the corroded parts and begin taking better care of his bikes.

Pedro's Bike Lust is a great product which when used regularly will assure a great looking bike with none of the corrosion like that in the pictures above.

Bike Lust

The Original Silicone Bike Polish and Cleaner Makes your bike shine like new and keeps it that way. Biodegradable formula cleans, polishes, and protects in one step. Also great for dropper posts, suspension, and for seating tire beads. The original bike polish, Bike Lust's proprietary...

pedros.com

 

[Dallant]

Rust Never Sleeps
That said, I’m not seeing any rust on any of my three Trek ebikes.

 

[arcom]

My ebike spends the summers in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, about 100 yards from the ocean. I learned very quickly what damp salt air can do to a bike, even when it’s under a cover.

The local Pedego bike store recommended Pedro’s to me for keeping the bike clean and keeping the rust at bay. It definitely works and is available on Amazon.

I use 75% industrial strength vinegar (acetic acid) to remove surface rust. I bought a quart of it from Amazon for about $15 and in two years I’ve used less than 1/3 of it. The method I use is to saturate a cotton ball with the vinegar, then rub the rust until the brown disappears. Any residual vinegar is removed with a water dampend rag, then the area is dried completely. For most parts, one vinegar treatment did the trick with no return of rust so long as I keep up with Pedro‘s.

HTH