How to care for a steel frame? I'm considering getting a steel frame to upgrade from my aluminum xc bike. As it will be my first steel frame I'd like to understand if there is more after ride care required than my current bike. Usually after rides now I generally just wipe off the staunchions and wash only on the weekends. If I had a steel frame that had been rust proofed would I have to do much different?
I ride a steel frame fixed gear nearly daily in tropical conditions, and near the sea. It really puts the frame through its paces. As far as my experience goes, there's nothing that can be totally rust proofed.

Using any sort of metal lubricant on the inside of the tubes will certainly help prolong the life of your steel frame. Some may insist on using the tried and proven J.P. Weigle's Frame Saver. The seat tube and bottom bracket are where rust forms the quickest, as moisture gets to them easily. Always remember to lube them, especially after wet rides, as the lubricants can be easily washed away by tire spray and water seeping between the crevices.

Apart from the inside of the frame, do note that the quality of the paint/clear coat has a great impact on how "rust-proof" the frame is. If the paintwork is chipped, which can easily happen if you ride often, there's a chance that the frame will start rusting from the chip.

Do care for your steel frame as you did with the aluminum frame. It may be prone to more visible wear and tear, but as long as you take care of it, it's bound to last a lifetime. Steel frames are durable and great to ride on. It's worth the time to take care and maintain them.

As an extra precaution, I remove almost all the components, except for the crankset/bottom bracket, and give them a thorough wipe down and re-lube once every two months.