Rode a fun event yesterday with a problem. Two river crossings.
The first crossing looked ok, and about 5m in the bike just dived into a hole. BB, and axles submerged. I avoided the second crossing thankfully.
Do I now have to strip the whole bloody thing?
PS Tell me what I want to hear... else I'll be cross. 😂
If you don't leave it too long it probably won't be a drama. Cranks out, seals off BB bearings, dry as best as possible ideally with an air line. Regrease bearings. Same for wheel bearings. Just don't leave it to fester/rust/seize with trapped water.
Blimey, this thread is a window into a different world....
You've washed the bike.... take the associated kudos and brownie points from those that don't even manage that, then move on
I agree, that wouldn't worry me in the slightest, other than lubing the chain at the end of the day I wouldn't bat an eyelid at a dip in freshwater.
Blimey, this thread is a window into a different world....
You've washed the bike.... take the associated kudos and brownie points from those that don't even manage that, then move on
Depends on whether you treat a bike as a throw away item you don't really GAS about, or an expensive purchase you'd like to keep in fine fettle for as long as possible with a little TLC. I'm in the latter camp, because I don't have the disposable income to be in the former!
I’d definitely be stripping it down and drying it out and lubricating. Mountain bikes are expensive.
You probably don't want to hear that any bearings below water level will need looking at.
I've never done pedals though and have got away with it (unlike my shoes)
Wheel bearings were worst due to 200m flooding and a dick delivery driver; that was all it took!
This thread is useful for compiling a list of forumites with two columns. Those I'd be happy to buy a second hand bike from and those I'd avoid like the plague! 😁
I have submerged my bike a few times and never bothered stripping it with no ill effects. cartridge bearings in all bearings tho
Brief submersion below 1m depth? I would (and have) cracked on, dried the bike and ignored it.
Sal****er or floating away down a river (don't ask...) for a few minutes - yes I've then cleaned and regressed. Biggest thing was seat post clean and grease. Both times the BB Hub bearings were dry and stuffed with grease, which assured me i was worrying about nothing.
Having ridden hoggers delight a fair few times in peak winter conditions, some freshwater wouldn't be a problem.
I wouldn't be overly concerned. Feel free to pop the bearings then clean and regrease.
Don’t bikes have little drain holes in the bottom of the BB and stays specifically for when things like this happens? I’d just leave it somewhere and let it dry out. Maybe remove the seat post. Just drain it and lube everything.
I’ve never stripped down a submerged bike and I tend to keep mine for at least 5-10 years. That doesn’t mean I don't look after them, just that bikes are things that get wet every day, either in puddles, washing, rain, etc.
This thread has just made me think of the username @futonrivercrossing.
On topic, I'd be quite concerned, but probably just leave it due to lack of time.
I've never bothered, not had a problem with the BB or pedals so far.
My only caveat would be an ebike. I’d definitely strip and dry that out properly as I don’t trust how waterproof they are.
Wot zerocool says. River crossings and deep submersion are just a matter of fact on many bikepacking routes. Salt water is a different matter of course.
FWIW I tend to keep my bikes for quite a while. They're definitely not "disposable" items and they get a bit of TLC when required (and a Spring going-over regardless).
I’d commute on it for the next few days so the water has more chance to get out. I keep bikes for years but have no time for stripping something because it’s got wet.
Thanks for the replies. Looks like the bike will be fully stripped tomorrow. An awful lot of effort for just a 20 mile event - not impressed.
So that’s: hub bearings, freehub bearings, BB, derailleur, pedal bearings, pivot bearings and pedal bearings.
Grrr!!!
If you honestly think the seals are that bad, what do you do after you’ve ridden it in heavy rain for a few hours?
How deep underwater did it go?
This wouldn't even register with me, I'd just keep riding it and chuck it in the garage. Unless it's an e-bike with AXS or something.
Both my bikes are in perfect working order and get washed occasionally.
I’ve an e-bike. Riding in the Lakes means it gets wet in summer, never mind winter. It’s been in water well over axle deep many many times ( I’ve had it 4 years ) it works just fine.
Don’t worry about it.
Kerry MacPhee's bike survived alright despite an overnight(?) submersion...
Went through at least 3 deep water crossings on the staveley 3 valleys challenge afew weeks back and the bike was fine, though I did spare a thought for the ebikers! 
If you honestly think the seals are that bad, what do you do after you’ve ridden it in heavy rain for a few hours?
How deep underwater did it go?
Spray is different to submersion having thought about it.
A waterproof jacket works well in heavy rain (unless you're really unlucky), but lying in the bath with it on won't stop you getting soaked. You might get away with a very brief dunk, but it depends on how long for and how tightly it's done up.
But whether getting in the bath, or diving to the bottom of a swimming pool - if you've been there for 30 seconds, you'll come out just as wet either way. 🤷♂️
Your analogy doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Riding a bike at speed in heavy rain will fire water droplets at your bearings and it won’t matter unless the seals and/or grease are very poor. I’d expect hosing down a bike to push more water into seals than a brief dip in some water.
But feel free to waste your time and effort, it’s not my problem!
By the way, if I counted correctly, 3 said strip it, 12 said leave it. What answer did you really want?
Something like almost four years ago, the River Itchen had flooded over the tarmac at the Northam Bridge end of the sustrans boardwalk, only when I tried to plough through I discovered the water went over my Voodoo Marasa's wheel axles. The rear wheel was never the same again until the day it was replaced, while my PlanetX Das Boots' drawstring closures have always had a mildly salted crust resistance feel to them (even though I rinsed them when I got in).
I'd say that is wholly unnecessary. River crossings are a regular thing around here and experience has shown that if you have decent 2rs cartridge bearings you should be fine. If not and you are anticipating a similar situation in the future then yup, strip the whole thing and fit properly sealed bearings. Fwiw I go the the extra mile and carefully prise off the seals and fully pack with marine grease before replacing the seals and re-fitting.
If you are uncertain just leave it for a bit and see how things go- what have you got to lose?
No chance I'd strip it down after one river crossing, it'll be absolutely fine. I didn't after the multiple submersions in massive puddles followed by a proper hundred meter over axle crossing (sunken road to damn in elan valley). The wheels and BB are still on the same bearings which are still fine a year later. Frame has changed but it's bearings were also spot on when I inspected them before selling. If the water got up to the seat post I'd probably partial strip but only to allow it to dry. When I was much younger I'd did a full strip including fork but that was an RST mozo pro with air damping that had injested water and become hydrolocked.
I've regularly ridden through river crossings and floods where the water's been up to my brake levers. I've always thought of it as a good wash (me and the bike), and have never thought about stripping anything (me or the bike).
How do you strip a sealed cartridge bearing anyway?
With a lot of care, you can remove the seal, put fresh grease in and then replace the seal...
So that’s: hub bearings, freehub bearings, BB, derailleur, pedal bearings, pivot bearings and pedal bearings.
Tad dramatic. I ride all year round and sometimes end up riding through floods in the winter (i.e. bike doesn't dry well) and I have never touched any bearings and have no ill effects. Probably good to remove one side of BB as when I do that it usually has water in there after winter but then your frame may drain better than mine.
Worst thing about riding through water for me is getting my shoes wet...
But but, it's notable how long bb and wheel bearings last riding in winter vs summer. My mileage is mostly road and in winter it's wet (obv) and bikes generally need washing after every ride. Summer, a quick rub down with a baby wipe to remove the sweat and you're good to go. I rarely change bearings after a summers riding and frequently do after winter. Usual sealed bearings as used in most stuff these days though both GXP (uuugh) and HT2 on the BB. GXP is a bit more susceptible than HT2 but not as bad as BB30.
I would (and do) check your bearings out but I've the time and inclination to look after stuff. 👍
I've ridden my bikes through loads of river crossings in the past, never been a problem.
I rode through about 20meters of flood water once that was well above the hubs, the only thing I worried about was could I get to the end without stopping as it was got really hard to pedal!
My mileage is mostly road
Salt on the roads certainly plays a role here. I don't see any difference in summer or winter usage riding off road - not until it's so cold that the tracks are snow covered and the bike comes home cleaner than when it left 😂
Surely it's not a proper mountain bike ride unless you are up to your axles in water at some point?
Mine are regularly up to the axles and it would never occur to me to strip it. My oldest regularly used bike is 11 and still on the original BB and wheel bearings.
Personally, with the proviso that the bearings are decently quality 2RS ones to start with, I wouldn't bother, but if you're the sort of person who frets about this stuff, do it for your own peace of mind would be my take.
Even if the bearings do fail horribly in 20 miles time though, it's not like replacing a BB and/or some hub bearings is a terrible chore.
if your bike is looked after and everything greased it shouldnt be an issue. maybe just squirt some gt85 or similar into it.
Well sealed bearings will shrug this off - no maintenance faff required.
Poorly sealed bearings will fill with water and the water will then drain out again. As long as there was grease in there this doesn't really matter. Over time the grease degrades and you'll need to re-grease more often if the bike gets wet regularly (submerged or just riding in the rain).
The bike frame might have some water in depending on drain holes - you might want to remove seatpost and invert and then leave to dry.
I don't think heavy rain is equivalent to bearings being submerged at all. Theres dynamic water pressure that will happen when submerged that you just won't get from rain. No bearing will have a perfect seal.
It's not going to fail within weeks, and riding it will probably be better than leaving it sat still with water in bearings.
I probably wouldn't strip my bearings, but I'd keep an eye on them. I've had one seperate before, and that was not fun trying to get that out.
I had one ride where so much clay-like-mud packed into the suspensio fork crown that it forced it way past the seals into the fork internals. Thats the only time I've stripped a bike after a ride.
Water is going to present zero issues for bearings on a simple submergence. I mean its not like the water did anything other than flow into a few voids.
The only way you are going to get grease out a sealed bearing is with a pressure washer, possibly not even without soap.
My commuter a city Ebike. I ride in heavy rain. I try to keep it out the rain if locked up but have been caught out on multiple occasions locked outside the family home(in the garden) and its been sitting for hours in torrential rain.
No problems in the last couple of years.
A simple dunk and thats nowt, so I wouldnt worry
Front wheel - some water behind the end caps, so I pulled the seals off the '2RS' bearings and there was some water in there too.
The end caps are quite good BTW - there's a rubber seal, plus I made sure there was grease in the labyrinth area... but they're not designed for diving.
Rear wheel appears fine, which makes sense - the front wheel went the deepest (felt like it started to float) which is when I bailed.
I'll get to the rest of it tomorrow.
PS Anyone ever heard of a 'cream' or 'custard cream' bearing brand? Can't make sense of the writing.
You seem to be stripping the bike even though the majority of people when asked said no need. Out of interest, why did you ask when you were clearly going to do it anyway?
Not exactly related, but somehow relevant.
My 9 year old daughter wanted a fidget spinner for her small hands.
We've been designing one together & I bought the cheapest bearings I could find off ebay - £8 for 10 delivered.
They were clearly packed with grease so did not spin freely They are metal ring sealed ZZ variants.
As an experiment I dunked one overnight in neat degreaser, rinsed it well the next morning & .....no difference. They were still packed with grease.
I ended up pulling the seals off with a scalpel and dunking them again overnight. That loosened most of the grease, but they still needed scrubbing with a stiff paintbrush to remove the remaining grease.
I doubt dunking them in a river for an entire weekend would have removed the grease.
You seem to be stripping the bike even though the majority of people when asked said no need. Out of interest, why did you ask when you were clearly going to do it anyway?
Well maybe he was curious as to what others would do and having weighed up responses, thought 'bugger it, I'll check anyway'.
People are allowed to choose their own path without it turning into a contrived 'them and us' scenario.
As above, I'd check but I'm finicky with my kit. I've ridden with others who haven't touched their stuff in ages - since the last time it went to the bike shop for 'a service' and having half the transmission replaced...
The only time I have input is when they have regular mechanicals due to (apparent) neglect. That pees me off as it's avoidable and we all get to stand around admiring the mess.
Now would be a good time to reccomend (As I have done before) this stuff - I've used it in professional environments and it became clear that a by product of what its designed for, its that its perfect for mountain bikes, particularly us lot in the Uk riding through rivers all the time!
If your gonna clean and re-pack bearings, use this. One cartridge will last you years and years so its great value too.
Fundmentally, the grease stays where you put it, even when you dunk it, spray it, pressure wash it...
- Excellent corrosion resistance to protect in humid, damp or wet conditions.
- Highly tenacious lubricants, with outstanding film strength, ensure the specialty lubricants stays intact even in severe operating conditions
https://www.rocol.com/products/sapphire-2-bearing-grease
Its bright blue too which makes it really easy to use.
If taking the wheels off (and looking under the end caps) constitutes stripping a bike, then I don't really know how to respond.
Fair enough. Sounded like you also checked the rear and were going to "get to the rest of it tomorrow" so had me thinking you were checking everything. I couldn't give a toss either way, was just interested why you bothered asking when you knew what you were going to do anyway.
Now would be a good time to reccomend (As I have done before) this stuff
Thanks.
I've so far resisted buying anything else (been trying to get through my tube of Comma NLGI 2 grease)... but I need something better. I've had better grease for sure (better, as in it stays put for longer).
Been back on the MTB just under a year (1100 miles) - perhaps it's time. 👍
My only caveat would be an ebike. I’d definitely strip and dry that out properly as I don’t trust how waterproof they are buy a new one
😉 🤣 🤣
