Rusting Crankset

[kspangler]

I purchased the Truvativ Rouleur Carbon GXP Compact crank less than three months ago and it is showing signs of what looks like rust forming on the polished metal surface.  Has anyone seen this before -- so soon after purchase?  The bike hasn't been ridden in the rain either and I don't live along the beach.  I even kept the crankset waxed to prevent such a thing.  Thanks in advance.  The company told me they'd replace it, which is in the works, but I don't want to get another one and have it rust too.

[DaveB]

Rust?  As in that red stuff we see on old steel components?  

The crank itself is all carbon and Aluminum and neither can form "rust".  The only likely steel components are the chainring bolts and the crank mounting bolts and these could be the source of your rust stains.  Another source could be your pedal axles if they are "Cr-Mo", not stainless steel or Ti.