I want to by a 4130 BUTTED CROMO bicycle: will it rust?

Question

I want to by a 4130 BUTTED CROMO bicycle: will it rust?

Answer 1

Steel rusts.  You can minimize the problems by keeping the bike clean, store it in a clean, dry location and drying it after riding in wet weather or washing it.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Eventually it will.  However even an abused cromo frame will last years.  The tubes on your frame are thicker and more rust resistant than say, the panels on your car.  To prevent this I would just make sure that any deep scratches in the paint are covered up quickly, use clear paint if you cant find a match.  Also frames will have small holes in them, usually around the bottom bracket, rear dropouts and the bottom of the fork legs.  Make sure these holes are open!  You may think plugging these would stop rust but they are there to allow condensation to drain out of the frame.  I have a well used, abused cromo mountain bike frame that is now 20yrs old and has yet to rust.  There are many steel touring bike frames out there that have lasted 5 or 6 decades and are being rebuilt and used again and again.  I wouldn't worry about rust on a cromo bike.  If you are really concerned you can have your bike shop spray the inside of the frame with J.P.Weigle's Frame Saver.  I've never used it but has a good reputation.