Rusty Raven

[stutho]

I recently purchased a second hand raven (from SJS.)  Unfortunately there seams to be a large amount of rust inside the seat tube.  Is there any way to remove rust from the inside of the tubes - before I use Waxoyl.

Thanks

[tynevalleycommuter]

Seat tube may be relatively easy - you could try a rotary wire brush or abrasive wet & dry paper type 'flapper'on the end of a long flexible extension shaft. Other tubes would be harder to get into! The seat tube is probably the most vulnerable anyway as it is potentially the most open to the elements -

Follow that with some Jenolite (phosphoric acid)- available from auto spares places - which is supposed to turn the rust back into something stable which can be overpainted - before using the waxoyl.

I have never actually tried this on a bike frame, but this is based on working on old cars many years ago (when they used to rust a lot more than they do today!)

Best of luck!

[stutho]

Thanks for the advice Tyne Valley. Unfortunately I get the feeling that there is rust in some of the other tubes as well.   There is some in the head tube - not to bad, can’t see down the other tubes.  

The outside of the frame is in perfect condition!  It is hard to understand how it can be so bad on the inside.

Thanks again

Stutho

[graham]

By way of reassurance, rust is supposed to have about ten times the volume of the iron from which it came. So it probably looks a lot worse than it is.

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

Cover a rag in 3in1 stuff it down the seat tube and drag it out the bottom bracket, alot of the rust may just be some shot that hasn't been completely removed from the frame.  Then just spray some cavity wax into the tubes.

[paulhipwood]

I have just bought a second hand Raven Tour Sport.
I think I will have a look down my seat tube!!!!
What about the tubes you cannot see!!!!

The only consolation is when you remove the rust you are getting a lighter bike for nothing.
Go easy on the Waxoil - don't add too much weight.

Apart from the rust are you enjoyng the bike?
I have just came back from 40 odd mile ride to Malvern, absolutly lovely ride much better than work and the bike felt great.

paul

[stutho]

Well I used some waxoyl - looking at it again I don't think the rust is that much of an issue.  There is some rust there but it doesn’t look like its going to destroy the frame any time soon.

The bike is great especially the frame  ( - the rust ) compared to my trek 7700 the frame is MUCH more compliant and absorbs everything.  In short very comfortable.

Thanks to everyone who posted

Stuart