Last time I went I did not have a bike. This time I made sure to get one. I found a really great Beach Cruiser and I absolutely adore it! I added baskets and a rear rack. It's Beautiful!
Then I got the [BManUpdate] V12:#24:8.11.08: THE BIKE EDITION in my email inbox. And now am left with some serious questions after reading these bits of information.
"...but keep in mind the playa turns any bike into a rust bucket in short order, so don't bring your multi-thousand dollar mountain bike if you don't plan on either having it destroyed, or doing some serious cleaning and restoration work on it after the event."
"Do NOT bring a "good" bike to the event. Dig: the desert will reduce a valuable bike to a rust bucket posthaste. If you must use quality wheels, it's wise to set aside some coin and time to have it serviced upon returning home--it'll need the TLC. The playa is notoriously corrosive on unprotected metal, particularly after it rains."
I really wish I had read this before. I went to a used bike place to pick out a cheap beater, but when I saw this Beach Cruiser (a Sun - Retro Cruiser), I just had to get it.
These are my questions:
What has been your experience with what the Playa does to a Bike?
Why exactly will the Playa ruin my Bike?
Is there anything I can do to protect my Bike?
What will the Playa do to my Bike !?
What has been your experience with what the Playa does to a Bike?
Why exactly will the Playa ruin my Bike?
The "dust" of Black Rock Desert is - and I might have this confused- slightly above normal caustic in the chemical PH balance scale. It is slightly acidic, and acid on metal ussually creates rust. I am not suggesting that by Friday - the dust will have eaten your bike to a jagged rusty sculpture. Much like walking barefoot on the playa will "eat" your feet cracking the skin - hence treating with lemon juice or vinegar. Continue reading for some advice from my experiences.
Is there anything I can do to protect my Bike?
Upon returning home - hose the bike as much as possible, then oil the chain.
I dip my bikes in a large tub, rinse them off - oil the chain and double check the the cables (gear and brakes) and once the bike has dried - I hang it in storage until the next event.
During the week at BM - park, lock and secure the bike so that chances of it falling down is minimalized.
If caught in the rain - stop - do not move- except safely too the side of the street. The more you move the more the dust is glued to your tires creating a ring inches thick and with a lack of water - you'll have a tricky time rinsing it off.
After a dust storm - that rag you packed on the bike in one of those baskets be usefull for dusting off the bike after a dust storm. This includes the chain and sprockets. At your campsite, have a can of WD40 ready so you can squirt the cable hand grips.
A little preventative effort will go a long way.
When you park your bike - for example at center camp, make note of landmarks so you can find your bike. After a dust storm - every bike looks the same.
On deep playa - park and lock your bike a reasonable distance away from whatever you stopped to look at, so folks wont bump, cut or fall over your bike.
I typically lock my bike in one area and then explore the surrounding area without need to constantly move my bike around.
Have a good burn....
Fenwick
Why exactly will the Playa ruin my Bike?
The "dust" of Black Rock Desert is - and I might have this confused- slightly above normal caustic in the chemical PH balance scale. It is slightly acidic, and acid on metal ussually creates rust. I am not suggesting that by Friday - the dust will have eaten your bike to a jagged rusty sculpture. Much like walking barefoot on the playa will "eat" your feet cracking the skin - hence treating with lemon juice or vinegar. Continue reading for some advice from my experiences.
Is there anything I can do to protect my Bike?
Upon returning home - hose the bike as much as possible, then oil the chain.
I dip my bikes in a large tub, rinse them off - oil the chain and double check the the cables (gear and brakes) and once the bike has dried - I hang it in storage until the next event.
During the week at BM - park, lock and secure the bike so that chances of it falling down is minimalized.
If caught in the rain - stop - do not move- except safely too the side of the street. The more you move the more the dust is glued to your tires creating a ring inches thick and with a lack of water - you'll have a tricky time rinsing it off.
After a dust storm - that rag you packed on the bike in one of those baskets be usefull for dusting off the bike after a dust storm. This includes the chain and sprockets. At your campsite, have a can of WD40 ready so you can squirt the cable hand grips.
A little preventative effort will go a long way.
When you park your bike - for example at center camp, make note of landmarks so you can find your bike. After a dust storm - every bike looks the same.
On deep playa - park and lock your bike a reasonable distance away from whatever you stopped to look at, so folks wont bump, cut or fall over your bike.
I typically lock my bike in one area and then explore the surrounding area without need to constantly move my bike around.
Have a good burn....
Fenwick
You could bring a different bike. I leave my good bike at home, and buy cheap playa bikes. Here's what I've done over the past few years:
In the few weekends before Burning Man I go look for mountain bikes for sale at garage sales. I look for the ones that people have kept in the garage for years and just want to get rid of. My rules are that I pay no more than $25 for a functional bike with inflated tires, and no more than $10 for a bike with deflated tires that may or may not require a tube change.
You'd be surprised if you just said to the owner of a bike with a $60 tag, "I'm only looking to spend $25 on a bike, would you let go of it for $25?" how many people would say yes. This year I'm bringing one that I got for $5 because the gearshift is broken, but it works fine as a cruiser.
Then I can spray paint my bike, modify it, or whatever and it won't be a problem if I lose it or it gets destroyed. I usually bring an extra garage sale bike because someone at my camp inevitably loses one or has a problem during the week.
TIP: The MORE you customize / deface your bike (which you should do anyway), the LESS likely it will be taken by someone else on the playa. If you have a nice bike that looks like all the other nice bikes on your block back home, you may lose it.
Come to think of it, I use the same principle for cars. I've stopped driving my car to BRC and instead have been renting a car to avoid all the damage playa dust does to my car. You never get it all out.
In the few weekends before Burning Man I go look for mountain bikes for sale at garage sales. I look for the ones that people have kept in the garage for years and just want to get rid of. My rules are that I pay no more than $25 for a functional bike with inflated tires, and no more than $10 for a bike with deflated tires that may or may not require a tube change.
You'd be surprised if you just said to the owner of a bike with a $60 tag, "I'm only looking to spend $25 on a bike, would you let go of it for $25?" how many people would say yes. This year I'm bringing one that I got for $5 because the gearshift is broken, but it works fine as a cruiser.
Then I can spray paint my bike, modify it, or whatever and it won't be a problem if I lose it or it gets destroyed. I usually bring an extra garage sale bike because someone at my camp inevitably loses one or has a problem during the week.
TIP: The MORE you customize / deface your bike (which you should do anyway), the LESS likely it will be taken by someone else on the playa. If you have a nice bike that looks like all the other nice bikes on your block back home, you may lose it.
Come to think of it, I use the same principle for cars. I've stopped driving my car to BRC and instead have been renting a car to avoid all the damage playa dust does to my car. You never get it all out.
Thank you Fenwick!
So... don't bang it up, wipe it down, oil it up, and hose it when you get home. Got it.
I seriously appreciate your advice, Fenwick. I will definitely keep a rag in the basket.
So I'm wondering if there is something I can do to protect it a little further from the acidity. Like maybe covering as much as I can with fabric or duct tape over fabric (which would be necessary to remove immediately if the bike got wet). Is there something I can put on the tires to protect them (would Vaseline protect the tires)? Or maybe even a type of spray coating that will protect all the metal parts.
Any Ideas?
I seriously appreciate your advice, Fenwick. I will definitely keep a rag in the basket.
So I'm wondering if there is something I can do to protect it a little further from the acidity. Like maybe covering as much as I can with fabric or duct tape over fabric (which would be necessary to remove immediately if the bike got wet). Is there something I can put on the tires to protect them (would Vaseline protect the tires)? Or maybe even a type of spray coating that will protect all the metal parts.
Any Ideas?
Drumtech...
Drumtech, your right and my intention was to get a used cheap bike. Now I am realizing I really should have. I spent about three weeks on Craiglist looking at bikes and Garage Sales. There were some within an hours drive from me for around $20. I just don't have any more funds right now.
So... don't bang it up, wipe it down, oil it up, and hose it when you get home. Got it.
I seriously appreciate your advice, Fenwick. I will definitely keep a rag in the basket.
So I'm wondering if there is something I can do to protect it a little further from the acidity. Like maybe covering as much as I can with fabric or duct tape over fabric (which would be necessary to remove immediately if the bike got wet). Is there something I can put on the tires to protect them (would Vaseline protect the tires)? Or maybe even a type of spray coating that will protect all the metal parts.
Any Ideas?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Painted surfaces of a bike are better protected from the acidic dust - that is a hint. Rustoleum paint - try to avoid bright yellow as that might make someone think it is a community bike.
Tape? - the sticky residue left from tape be damaging to the surface.
If really concerned, use an old sheet and cover the bike when you park it - makes it easy to spot. Make sure sheet is clipped or attached to the bike as much as possible or the first serious gust of wind will reloace that sheet downwind a long distance away.
This will be the third year I bring my old junker I salvaged from a junkyard specific for festival use. Most I have ever done to it is replace the tires and tubing upon my acquisition of the bike from the junk yard. Rest of the year it is hanging upside down in a shed out of the way.
Earlier this past weekend I oiled the drive chain as I did not want the chain freshly oil to collect dust upon arrival at BM.
There isn't much more advice I can offer. An ounce of prevention......
Have a good burn
I seriously appreciate your advice, Fenwick. I will definitely keep a rag in the basket.
So I'm wondering if there is something I can do to protect it a little further from the acidity. Like maybe covering as much as I can with fabric or duct tape over fabric (which would be necessary to remove immediately if the bike got wet). Is there something I can put on the tires to protect them (would Vaseline protect the tires)? Or maybe even a type of spray coating that will protect all the metal parts.
Any Ideas?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Painted surfaces of a bike are better protected from the acidic dust - that is a hint. Rustoleum paint - try to avoid bright yellow as that might make someone think it is a community bike.
Tape? - the sticky residue left from tape be damaging to the surface.
If really concerned, use an old sheet and cover the bike when you park it - makes it easy to spot. Make sure sheet is clipped or attached to the bike as much as possible or the first serious gust of wind will reloace that sheet downwind a long distance away.
This will be the third year I bring my old junker I salvaged from a junkyard specific for festival use. Most I have ever done to it is replace the tires and tubing upon my acquisition of the bike from the junk yard. Rest of the year it is hanging upside down in a shed out of the way.
Earlier this past weekend I oiled the drive chain as I did not want the chain freshly oil to collect dust upon arrival at BM.
There isn't much more advice I can offer. An ounce of prevention......
Have a good burn
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Marscrumbs
- Posts: 543
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2004 2:45 pm
- Location: Bishop Ca
Extreme Horizontal
Being at Burning Man reminds me of living near the beach which can be corrosive over time. Chains take it bad but can be replaced. But I've been returning with the same beater bike year after year. Other than fat tires there really isn't a need to have a rad multi-speed mountain bike as the playa is the flatest place on earth. Have good breaks,it get crowded out there.
DON"T FORGET TO GET A KICKSTAND FOR YOUR BEATER. It's not essential but makes life nicer and keep your bike out of the dust.
Best Idea ever
Following my campmates example I got a adult tricycle from Kmart. Three wheel mean you can sit on your bike going zero miles an hour. I has a hugh basket for ice or whatever and decorates great, and no kick stand needed.
DON"T FORGET TO GET A KICKSTAND FOR YOUR BEATER. It's not essential but makes life nicer and keep your bike out of the dust.
Best Idea ever
Following my campmates example I got a adult tricycle from Kmart. Three wheel mean you can sit on your bike going zero miles an hour. I has a hugh basket for ice or whatever and decorates great, and no kick stand needed.
Rustoleum paint
I like the way my Bike is painted right now. I looked online and found that a 12 oz. can of CLEAR Rustoleum paint is around $4.
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ygmir
- Posts: 30403
- Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:36 pm
- Burning Since: 2007
- Camp Name: qqqq
- Location: nevada county
I'm pretty sure the playa is alkaline.....not acid.......and a mix of salts to boot. Carbonates and hydroxides, if I remember my chemistry/geology correctly......Sodium, potassium, calcium.
If vinegar bubbles it, it's alkaline......HCl would really set it off, I'd imagine.....
anyway,
you can neutralize the stuff when you get home with a vinegar solution, then, clear water...........air dry,
then oil.........
If vinegar bubbles it, it's alkaline......HCl would really set it off, I'd imagine.....
anyway,
you can neutralize the stuff when you get home with a vinegar solution, then, clear water...........air dry,
then oil.........
YGMIR
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
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motskyroonmatick
- Posts: 2057
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:37 am
- Burning Since: 2004
- Camp Name: B.R.C. Welding&Repair
- Location: Aurora Oregon
This will be my bikes 5th burn. It is a mountain bike and I only oil the chain. Everything still works. I do bring a spare chain in case mine breaks. I make sure the tires and tubes are in top condition before I leave.
Black Rock City Welding & Repair. The Night Time Warming Station. Crow Bar.
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
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Captain Goddammit
- Posts: 8589
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:34 am
- Burning Since: 2000
- Camp Name: First Camp
- Location: Seattle, WA
I think that any bike whose looks you're worried about after Burning Man should definitely not be brought to Burning Man. Besides, you'll take chances modding out a $50 bike you'd NEVER consider for a mountain bike with a comma in the price tag. Customizing a beater bike is fun as hell, and also, as was pointed out, makes it much easier to spot when you're wandering in a complete fog outside Center Camp trying to figure out which bike in the velocipede orgy is yours.
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Ugly Dougly
- Posts: 17612
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 9:31 am
- Burning Since: 1996
- Location: เชียงใหม่
Re: Extreme Horizontal
Most kickstands may divot into the dirt. At least that's my experience. I am looking for something like a snow shoe to put on the end of my kickstand.Marscrumbs wrote:.
DON"T FORGET TO GET A KICKSTAND FOR YOUR BEATER. It's not essential but makes life nicer and keep your bike out of the dust.
The bike shop that I bought my bike from will give me a free "tune-up" whenever I bring it in, which means they'll be looking at a little dust.
I bought a used bike last year, my first burn, brought it back home, hosed it down and it sat in the garage till now....looks great..... but then again it was a $50 bike....I dont think it is as harsh as they say....
then again I live in Reno and I dont think it is as hot and dry as they say either!!!! :twisted:
then again I live in Reno and I dont think it is as hot and dry as they say either!!!! :twisted:
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Captain Goddammit
- Posts: 8589
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:34 am
- Burning Since: 2000
- Camp Name: First Camp
- Location: Seattle, WA
You're worrying too much.
Many people bring their primary bike there.
Only reason not to is theft.
Decorating increases the odds of of someone thinking it's cute and stealing it.
Use a lock.
Diamond grade 3M reflective stripe really works on a bike.
Rustoleum is great stuff but stick to the industrial grades and use it when there is paint damage.
Want to protect it?
Wax it.
Best with a non-acid paste wax.
If it gets dirty, clean and lubricate.
Many people bring their primary bike there.
Only reason not to is theft.
Decorating increases the odds of of someone thinking it's cute and stealing it.
Use a lock.
Diamond grade 3M reflective stripe really works on a bike.
Rustoleum is great stuff but stick to the industrial grades and use it when there is paint damage.
Want to protect it?
Wax it.
Best with a non-acid paste wax.
If it gets dirty, clean and lubricate.