Steel - scratches/rusting

[ScaldedCat]

My steel (Reynolds 631) Bob Jackson that I built up myself I treated internally with Framesaver, the outside gets a coat of wax periodically, I keep the seatpost well greased and fill the groove at the back of the seat tube/clamp area with grease to help stop water getting in there.
The bottom bracket is a Cinelli spoiler so has cut-outs that allow water to drain that way.
The bike is stored in the house and I leather it off if I come back from a ride wet. It also has guards fitted of course, as much to keep the bike clean as to keep me clean.

Having said all that I don't know of anyone who has had a reasonably well cared for steel frame fail due to rust. It helps to cover any paint chips with something like clear nail polish. I love good carbon and alu frames but I would expect to get through several of either in the lifetime of the steel frame.

[uforgot]

The same sentence that Lisa quoted is the same one that jumped out at me. Of course Carbon dealers are going to tell you that...

Anyway, my lbs will never ever sell me something I don't need. I asked about steel and rusting and he told me that it would probably take something like 50 years for a frame to rust to where I couldn't ride it if I didn't take good care of it, and was I going to keep it that long? He didn't even recommend frame saver since he didn't think it would "save" something that didn't need saving, but that's him. It couldn't hurt.

Going on 3 years with my Surly, not a spec of rust anywhere.

[warneral]

Just a lil update My dh finally broke down today. I'd been working LOTS of extra hours lately and I hinted how bad I wanted it. So today he went to the LBS and told them how much he wanted to pay. I didn't even know he was doing it and it is totally out of character. So guess who is getting a steel Indy Fab bike with Campy Chorus components? They're switching out the double for a compact and it should be ready mid-week!!

ETA expect a new thread with pics when my new baby comes home!

[OakLeaf]

Wow! How exciting, and how sweet of your DH!

[redrhodie]

Lucky you! You're going to love it! You should have them treat with Framesaver now while they're putting it together.

[Bike Writer]

just a lil update :d my dh finally broke down today. I'd been working lots of extra hours lately and i hinted how bad i wanted it. So today he went to the lbs and told them how much he wanted to pay. I didn't even know he was doing it and it is totally out of character. So guess who is getting a steel indy fab bike with campy chorus components? They're switching out the double for a compact and it should be ready mid-week!! :d

eta expect a new thread with pics when my new baby comes home!

sweet!