We're continuing to share valuable content on our blog for those who are passionate about e-bikes. Today, we’ll talk about a common issue – corrosion on bike frames. In this article, we'll explore different types of bike frames, effective methods to combat corrosion, and provide expert advice straight from the engineers at Delfast.

Choosing the Right Frame for Your E-Bike

Aluminum frames come with both pros and cons. One significant advantage is their lightweight nature, allowing e-bikes to accelerate quickly and climb hills effortlessly. However, this also means they have less rolling resistance, meaning the bike will stop sooner when you stop pedaling.

A downside of aluminum frames is that unlike steel frames, they don't crack before breaking. This poses a greater risk of sudden failure mid-ride. Steel frames, on the other hand, tend to crack first, giving you time to notice and fix the issue.

The key benefits of aluminum e-bike frames include:

• Lightweight design, improving acceleration and hill climbing.
• Almost no risk of rust, making them highly durable.
• Better speed performance due to reduced weight.

Carbon fiber frames also have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with the positives:

• Extremely light weight compared to other materials, making it ideal if you prioritize a lightweight bike.
• Excellent shock absorption properties. Riding on a carbon frame feels smoother than on an aluminum one, reducing fatigue on your arms and body.
• Repairable. Even a broken frame can be repaired and retain its original strength and rigidity.
• Long-lasting lifespan unless severely damaged or improperly constructed.

Now let’s look at the downsides:

• Higher price tag due to advanced manufacturing processes.
• Susceptible to impact damage. A small dent or scratch can compromise the integrity of the frame.
• Adhesion issues where two carbon parts meet, potentially causing them to bond over time.

Steel e-bike frames have several notable advantages:

• High strength and stiffness, ensuring longevity.
• Durability – a steel frame will last you for years with proper care.
• Shock absorbency due to its robust construction.
• Ease of maintenance; steel frames are straightforward to upkeep.
• Unlike aluminum, steel frames don’t suffer from fatigue accumulation, allowing for timely repairs if cracks occur.
• Welding makes repairing steel structures simple and effective.
• More affordable compared to other materials.
• Offers good vibration dampening during rides.

However, steel frames do have drawbacks:

• Heavier than aluminum and carbon frames.
• Prone to corrosion, requiring regular maintenance to prevent rust.

Titanium frames present yet another option. Their advantages include:

• Exceptional durability achieved through sophisticated manufacturing techniques.
• Very long service life with minimal maintenance required.
• Performs exceptionally well on rough terrain, smoothing out vibrations and maintaining speed on challenging roads.
• Relatively lightweight, making it suitable for touring and mountain biking.

On the flip side, titanium frames also have notable downsides:

• Expensive due to the high-quality material and complex production process.
• Difficult to maintain because of its superior strength and resistance to wear.

5 Tips from Delfast: Preventing Corrosion on Steel Bike Frames

No matter the type of metal, all bikes are susceptible to corrosion to some degree. Here are five practical tips from our engineers to help keep your e-bike frame corrosion-free for years to come.

1. Invest in fenders and frame protection. Riding an e-bike often exposes the frame to dirt, mud, and debris. A good set of fenders and frame guards can significantly reduce wear and tear, saving you money in the long run.
2. Store your e-bike indoors. Moisture is a major contributor to rust formation. Avoid leaving your bike outside where it can be exposed to rain or dew. Even covering it won't fully protect it from condensation. The best place to store your e-bike is in a shaded, climate-controlled garage.
3. Regularly wash and clean your e-bike. Accumulated dirt can lead to rust and corrosion over time. Make sure to clean the frame thoroughly, especially after muddy rides. Aim to wash your bike at least once a month if used occasionally and weekly if ridden daily.
4. Keep your e-bike well-lubricated. Lubrication prevents moisture from seeping into the frame, eliminating the possibility of rust forming. Pay special attention to bushings, bearings, and the chain, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
5. Perform routine maintenance checks. At least twice a year, inspect, clean, and re-lubricate all components to catch any early signs of corrosion before they become problematic.

Why Delfast Engineers Aren't Worried About Frame Corrosion

With a Delfast frame, you can rest assured knowing corrosion won't be an issue. Our engineering team continuously improves our designs to enhance rigidity and reliability. According to Delfast Chief Engineer Serhii Goncharov, the latest Delfast models feature upgraded St20 steel instead of the previously used Chinese metal.

Each frame undergoes rigorous treatment, including phosphoric acid bath and electrophoresis, followed by meticulous surface preparation prior to painting. Powder coating is used for painting, creating a chemical-resistant, anti-corrosion layer that also enhances abrasion resistance.

Additionally, thicker shock-resistant ABS plastic body kits were developed and introduced into production. These not only serve a decorative purpose but also protect the metal parts and interior of the frame from moisture, dust, and dirt. As a result, Delfast bikes experience less moisture intrusion and corrosion compared to frames from other manufacturers.

Additional Resources

Ready to order a Delfast e-bike? You can purchase one outright or opt for financing options directly through our website. If none of the available payment plans suit your needs, feel free to reach out via our live chat – we’re always happy to discuss alternative solutions.