Somewhat related- I’ve had a fairly new chain, used Chain Stripper, waxed - then it rusted quite quickly, even though I hadn’t used it much.
I live in a tropical climate, sure that doesn’t help, but my road bike inside that gets a bit of aircon every day seems fine.
Is there any way to save the chain? and strategies to have a waxed chain, but avoid rust? I’ll be positioning the bike a bit better to get at least a bit of wind every day, but I can’t get another bike inside.
What specific chain did you use? It has been brought up a few times that a number of lower grade chains lack anti-corrosion coatings and quality metals that make them much more likely to rust once the protective oil coating is removed for waxing.
Keeping the chain dry before rust can form is paramount but if you can’t do this your best bet is to spend the extra money on a top-tier chain that is more rust-proof.
As Carl Sechrist says, the particular chain is important. I live in Portland Oregon, where for much of the year, it’s wet. I have an older 11-speed bike, and I settled on the Connex 11SX. It isn’t cheap, but with the stainless steel inner plates and nickel-plated outers, it never shows rust, and the reusable connecting link makes rewaxing much easier.
100% ^this.
I’ve stripped chains before and it just doesn’t work as well as a new chain plus Strip Chip and waxing. I have to say, it’s pretty slick what Silca did there.
Worth the money for a new chain just to eliminate all the screwing around.
The chain that had issues: Shimano CN-LG500 - they’re advertised for longevity, but I assume that’s for chain wear, not rust, and I don’t seem to be the only one: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikewrench/comments/1r04p6u/rust_on_waxed_chain_is_it_cooked/
The chain I didnt have issues with: CN-M9100.
What do you all think about the recommendation in the thread above to just re-wax the rusty chain?
I am suffering from an outside-plate rust issue on a mid-range Shimano 11 speed chain. I use Silca super secret drip wax and, as the chain appears to still perform well with no additional noise or friction, I have just continued to apply the wax and lived with the shame of an unsightly chain.
I did have a close look at it, including removing the quick link and it appears that the rollers and contact points are rust-free and move well.
This tracks perfectly then, the 9100 being the nicest current XTR/DA chain and LG500 being the more basic workhorse. I think it was Dave on a Geek Warning saying that even he noticed anything lower-tier being a lot more prone to rust. The fact your bike with the 9100 chain does also get to be in an air-conditioned and lower humidity space will definitely help as well.
If it’s just light surface rust, the chain’s moving parts remain clean and lubricated and it doesn’t make noise I also don’t see a problem with just running it like Ken here.
Makes sense - I’ve overestimated the longevity claim. Probably cheaper if I get the 11 speed dura ace chain.
The problem with waxed chains is that once you’re used to it, you want it everywhere, even if it’s a rarely used bike.