What is the best anti-rust for your bicycle?

The best anti-rust for your bicycle is the attention you put in taking care of your bicycle.

A well lubricated bike can reduce mechanical problems. However, you should check that the moving parts of your bicycle are clean before you lubricate them. The lubricant will not be effective if the parts are encrusted with dirt, especially after a wet or muddy ride. Should that be the case, remove the old lubricants first with a degreaser. Read the instruction on the bottle on how to use it correctly. After spraying directly on the parts, you can use a brush to remove the dirt.

Then wash the residue off with soapy water. While you are at it, check the parts for wear or damage. After washing, dry the parts before applying the lubricant. You do not have to worry that you are not able to dry all parts on your bicycle. A good quality lubricant should be able to displace moisture still on your bicycle.

Regular lubrication can help a bicycle run smoothly as it reduces friction. That can prevent excessive wear and tear of parts. As the lubricant can also clean, the best time to lubricate them is the night before your ride the following day. If you leave it overnight, you will notice that any excess lubricant that dripped onto the floor is blackened with tiny specks of debris in them.

Another reason why you should not cycle on your bicycle right after lubricating the parts is that dirt and dust can easily stick to the lubricant. That will create friction on the moving parts and your ride will not be as smooth.

The best lubricant will not be effective if it is not applied routinely. Do you have a “Bicycle Owner's Manual” to refer to? In it you will find a schedule for lubricating parts on your bicycle. If you do not have one, you can easily find one online by doing a search for “Bicycle Owner's Manual .pdf”. This is a page extracted from one of the manuals I have.

Note that not all metal parts on your bicycle can be lubricated. You will find the additional information I shared in the following question I answered earlier useful.

When should you apply lubricant on your bicycle

Where do you keep your bicycle? Do you often leave it out in the open facing the elements of the sun and rain? If you cannot store your bicycle under a proper shelter, make sure that it is properly covered for protection against rain.

If possible store it hung up above the floor so that the wheels will not become rusted by water from the rain or being splashed on while the floor is being washed. There are many type of wall racks and hangers in the market for bicycles.

If you are not going to ride your bicycle for a period of time, there are also bags which you can buy to store it. 

Check out this bicycle from the early 1970s sent to us for repair. The owner kept his New Model Sprinter Cooper in the space under the stairs of his home.

This is the condition of the emblem on it.

This is the condition of the emblem of a bike we restored. It was kept outdoor. We did not know that it is a Raleigh until we removed the dirt and rust on it.

Read the information I shared at the following link if you think that the WD-40 Multi-Use Product that you often spray on your bicycle is a lubricant.

Can you put WD-40 on a bike chain with a chain guard?

When should you apply lubricant on your bicycle?

The best time to lubricate the moving parts of your bicycle, which includes your chain, is right after you clean it, especially, after cycling in wet or dusty condition.

According to instruction manual from Cylion the manufacturer for “Multifunction Chain Cleaner” and chain cleaning agents, it is recommended that you clean your bicycle after every 100km of riding.

However, if you look at your bike manual, you will see that there is a schedule for you to clean and lubricate the moving parts on your bicycle with grease, lubricant and chain lube.

So, even if you have not cycled for a while, you should try to follow the schedule to prevent rust and corrosion.

Grime and grit on moving parts will cause friction. You will know that you have to lubricate them when you feel that your ride is less “smooth” than usual. So, it is alright to lubricate them more often then scheduled. Use wet lube if you tend to ride in wet and dusty condition.

This schedule is a page from the “Bicycle Owner’s Manual” for Apollo bicycles.

If you do not have a manual, you can google “owner's manual for bicycle” to find one online.

The first thing you should do, if you have not lubricated your bicycle since day one you ride on it, is to wash the drive train. That will be the chain and the components that it runs through. Hose off any dirt sticking to the parts first then wipe it dry with a towel before you lubricate the chain and all the moving parts.

There are many type of cleaning set in the market. Here is one of the models from Super B.

Some cleaning agents and sets come with instruction on its packaging which will give you an idea how your drive train should be cleaned. I always keep a copy of such for product sold in my shop. This one is from Cylion.

If you do not want grit to stick to recently lubricated bike, it is best not to over lubricate parts to prevent dirt build up. For best results, you can lubricate your chain 24 hours ahead of your ride to allow liquid carrier of the lube or lubricant to evaporate. Before you ride, wipe off any access that you see. That way your drivetrain will stay cleaner after each ride.

Be careful when spraying lubricants to avoid getting any on your brake disc rotor or pads. You will know that it has been contaminated if you can hear a squealing sound when you brake. You can clean the rotor with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to stop the annoying sound. As a last resort, you can use soap and water.

How do I bike on city roads during rainy seasons?

If you plan to cycle everyday through the monsoon season, dress your bicycle for it first. 

Lubricate metal parts of your bicycle to prevent rust and corrosion.


Also use wet lubes on your chains as they are water resistant. This will reduce friction for smoother rides as it runs through the components of your drivetrain.

Have you installed a full set of fenders on your bicycle? If you have not you will definitely be splattered with mud and dirt cycling through puddles.

Also install a waterproof bag or one that has a rain cover provided on your bicycle. How big it is going to be depends on whether you need to shower and change your attire and shoes at your final destination. If you would like to keep yourself warm, also pack a flask of your favourite hot drink or liquor.

A small handlebar bag will do if you only need a towel to dry up or if you prefer wet wipes for a cleanup.

If you need to carry more than one bag or panniers as shown here, you will have to install a rear carrier on your bicycle too.

For better protection against splatters choose fenders that can be fitted closer to the wheels. Rear carrier like this can usually take weight load of 25kg if a bigger size bag or panniers are required.

Be seen while you are cycling on the road in the rain. Install front and rear lights on your bicycle and ensure that the rear lights are blinking very brightly. If you need more information about lights, you can read an article I wrote earlier.

Now we can talk about trying to keep yourself warm and dry as you ride by watching this video. It also provides many tips on how to keep yourself safe while cycling under the rain on the road

Ride Smoothly with Q20

First, let's remember what is rusting your bicycle parts which creates friction between the moving surfaces and makes your rides not that smooth.  WATER!

If you have been religiously lubricating the moving parts of your bicycle but you are still not happy with the result, it's time to change your lubricant.

I read that a typical lubricant contain 90% base oil and there about 10% of additives.  So, oil being lighter than water will sit on it which explains why metal parts on your bicycle will still be oxidized.  So, what you have to do now is to find one that is heavier than water so that it can dislodge any remaining moisture on your bicycle parts.

And this is what you should be looking for.

Need proof that it works?  Watch this video and promise me that you will not try it at home as I need you to keep coming back to my shop.