Its currently 3 AM so i can't check, but my question is:does aluminum rust slower/faster than other metals? I've basically had this bike for about 6 years, but only rid it once. Its been sitting in my backyard under a roof (safe from rain) for 6+ years. Is it safe to ride it? Also, bonus question: Does having a bike on campus make life 10x easier?
Aluminium could fracture without warning especially as the bike has been neglected for so long -all rubbers would probably need replacing cables is it some sort of collectors item? If not and you are just using it on campus ditch it and get a new bike (from a dealer) nothing fancy maybe add a rack for your books
Simple all alloy including aluminium turns to talcum powder which left will go black this is when the metal is oxidising. If the black is visible then scrap anything with it on. Have rescued many old bikes so things such as cables, tyres, tubes and your chain should be replaced as these usually suffer, if you are lucky these might still work. The chain will often freeze into a memory so won't turn, if not oiled may need hacksawed off. Most old bikes will reawaken with a few new or old replacement parts, also if will start to loosen with use so check it plus the bike will be desperately dry so to avoid component failure throw as much lubricant at it till it runs out and rejects it. The bike should only be sleeping so once wakened and sorted it will be as safe as you left it, though do check your brake blocks as these can split and perish. Steel parts can be replaced with alloy or treated with Kurust which gives rust a modern black component look. Have just woken a twenty five year old bike, once rebuilt it runs like a new bike plus is now safe as it has had various items modernised, something recommended for older bikes.
There is something even worse than keeping a bike under a tarp and ignoring it for 6 years... that is to put the bike in a shed with pool chemicals EVEN IF the chemicals are closed. The presence of the chemicals will rot the bike away to an unusable pile of crap in a matter of months. You will have to take your bike to a shop to have it checked out. Depending on what college you are attending there may be a requirement that it be inspected and licensed.
The frame is probably fine, but any bike that sat outside for over 6 years will need a full overhaul and it is likely that many of the steel parts like cables and chain will need to be replaced. Bicycles make local transportation much easier, over distances of less than 5 miles they can be much quicker than a car and far more economical
