[shaggles]

I’ve had my bike parked in the garage of my condo building for about 6 weeks due to being out of town and bad weather. I just noticed the other day that my chain is rusty. There’s a drain pipe that leaks when it rains a lot. The floor is wet but my bike is always dry so I wasn’t worried about it. but i guess the water is hitting the floor and splashing up enough to get my chain wet. Anyway can I just clean the rust off the chain? Or do I need to replace it?

[Munch]

That’s going to depend on how long its been since you last oiled it, and how bad the rust has penetrated. Take a good look at the full length of the chain and see if its dimpled any… also give it some up and down movement to see if there is any stiffness in the movement. Not from the tensioner but from rust pinching the links. If its still easily movable then I highly suggest a good lubing and slow rides through parking lots to get the oil worked back through. Next time also make sure to try and keep oil on it anytime rain comes near.
Any time a bike is ridden in the rain most MoM’s I have seen recommends an oiling before riding anyways.

[Author]

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