Submerged bike test results.

Here are the results of the two week submerged salt water bike test.  Three leading manufacturers were subjected to this test: Cannondale, Trek and Cervelo.  All three were aluminum frame bikes with Shimano components.

We start with the Cannondale.  The Cannondale performed the worst.  Extensive surface corrosion on the frame was present.  The Cannondale exhibited qualities of having a poor primer coat which resulted in the surface corrosion and exfoliation of the top coat.  The Shimano components fared well with moderate corrosion.  The C'dale did have a SRAM cassette which was ~85% covered with rust.

And then the Trek.  The trek exhibited no frame corrosion and appeared to be like new after a quick rinse and scrub. The trek was outfitted with Shimano's Ultegra components.  The components were covered with less than 50% surface oxidation, no rust was present.

The Cervelo also fared well.  The frame had an anodized coating which helped protect it from corrosion.  However, the Cervelo branded carbon fork was extensively rusted inside the headset.  The Cervelo was equipped with Shimano Dura Ace components.  The cassette and derailers exhibited minimal oxidation, but the bar end shifters were heavily corroded.

Results may vary from user to user and it is recommended that you do no try to duplicate these results at home. In addition, it is highly advisable to stay out of the path of hurricanes.