I just got a brand new Specialized Chisel with the SRAM NX Eagle Derailluer (don't worry it's already been swapped for a GX Eagle)
Everything else is SX Eagle and the chain is having terrible rust that looks like it's gone beyond just surface rust. I'm swapping it out for a GX chain, I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same things as me with SX Eagle. I have been cleaning it regularly, drying it after cleaning, and lubing it. Bike is only a month old.
by Silent-Firefighter14
18 Comments
Yep it’s pretty normal, the GX chain will be similar. The only chain I’ve found it to not really be much of an issue is on the XX1 chains but they’re quite a lot more money.
Swap the chain for a kmc ept and stop worrying about chain rust.
As mentioned by others, buy KMC. And ofcourse keep it lubed.
I have the NX build and mine has surface rust as well. I keep my bike well maintained and lubed and still get rust.
Yeah my SRAM chain looks pretty similar. It doesn’t seem to affect the ride.
You should just go straight for the X01 chain as it’s [way more](https://zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chaintesting/) cost-effective than the other SRAM chains.
Why does it look so dry? If you keep it lubed, you won’t have that problem. Are you using a power washer on the bike? If you are, only use the low pressure, never high pressure.
Ride an NX – in rust we trust.
but its 365 days Outdoor (Carport)
My solution is to never wash the bike.
Is this a SRAM problem only? I haven’t had this with Shimano or KMC?
When one of my bikes sat for a winter it did this but worse. I soaked the chain in wd40 used a brass brush, cleaned it and then relubed it.
That chain looks awfully dry. I know you said you don’t use pressure wash and just washed it with the house hose but low pressure hose stream would leave some lube, if properly lubed. You’re running your chain too dry, and easy with the hose. Check your wheel and BB bearings.
Yep. This actually looks like my bike. Mine is a Specialized epic evo. I bought it in December ‘22. It rusted quite a bit by Feb ‘23. Once I’d cleaned the first rust off it hasn’t rusted much since.
Good luck
Prolink only, never wash, drip on, and wipe off. I promise you it is all you ever have to do.
Get the X01 chain. Big upgrade in longevity too
SRAM and all chains are made from better steel as the price goes up. NX is made from a soft mild steel. GX is slightly better. XO1 and XX1 are hardened steel. They will all have a little rust after you wash them. Just wipe it off after you apply lube. Spend a little money and get an XO1 chain though. Your entire drivetrain will last longer as you can go longer before chain stretch eats up your gears.
Cheap chain. Got dry and rusted. Not sure why this is even a post. Garbage in, garbage out.
That’s what happens when you get it wet and sit. Any chain will do that. Put some lube on it and go ride it’ll be gone but if it gets real rusty hit it was some WD40 rust just disappears. Then lube it.