nayr497

I have a set of Mavic Open Pro rims that I've ridden for around a year. I have a purely cosmetic issue with them, but want to see if anyone else has had this happen.

On the rear rim there are little abrasion marks on most of the braking surface. I don't run a brake on the rear. I do have one on the front, but the front rim is clean and looks new.

I can't figure out what these little pock marks are from? Maybe a thin coating on them that is wearing down/off? But again, I don't brake on this rim. I clean them with rags and occasionally a little rubbing alcohol. None of that explains why it would only happen to one rim.

Nothing functionally wrong, just wondering why my sleek, smooth rim is breaking out. Puberty maybe?

crushkilldstroy

Just on the braking surface?

Do you ride in a place with a bunch of moisture/sand/salt/fire?

fordfasterr

You should have got a disk wheel...

crushkilldstroy

Blah.

Anyways, I'd like to see a photo of the abrasions. If it's what I think it is, you should be able to get rid of it with a Scotch Brite pad.

Aluminum gets these little white cloudy bits on it when it oxidizes. Normally, the brake pad will rub this off of the machined surface. Seeing as you have no brake pads, I'd venture to guess that you just need to smooth the stuff off.

Another answer would be to mount a rear brake and "scrub" off some speed on a nice long downhill. I bet that'd clean it right up.

bexley

Are you happy with them otherwise?

I just placed an order for two of the regular (non CD, non ceramic) silver Open Pro's.

The online customer reviews for rims and tires are always all over the place, so I just went with these by reputation--even though local bike shops reacted like they've never been asked to order Mavic OP's.

crushkilldstroy

I have a pair that have been nothing but great. I've actually got them laced to Suzue Jr's (seriously) with a good build and I haven't had to true them in like 5 years.

nayr497

Double blah on that stupid response about a disk wheel. Why bother typing and posting that garbage?

Thanks, Crushkill. I think you are onto it. "Little white cloudy bits" is a perfect description. That would make sense since I have this only an the rear where I don't have a brake, but the front rim is shiny and smooth. Hmm, I wonder if a Scotch Brite pad would be too abrasive? I wouldn't want to scratch them. I also thought about extremely fine steel wool. I could always carefully test out one spot, or go with the brake suggestion.

Bexley: I've had mine for one year. Laced them myself to some Formula hubs 3x. Had to tighten up the spokes/true once after a few months of riding but other than that they have been wonderful. The silver ones are really great look and perform well. I don't normally show brand allegiance, but I've had nothing but positive results with Mavic rims.

Thanks again, Crush. It is nice to ask a simple question and get a simple, clear, direct answer.

c0urt

actually, have you had the rims trued.
i scratch rims when i true them, i leave little marks on the braking surface. usually no one notices because they run brakes

DasProfezzional

Not rightly sure what that would be. I'd say corrosion (or whatever -sion it is that happens to aluminum,) but that's just a wild guess. My rims had some pretty tenacious discolorations on them after this winter: I chalked it up to road salt.

barba

Oxidization is likely right. Could you post a picture?

It gets cleaned off of your front rim because you use a brake.

nayr497

I'm about to head out for a ride, but I'll try and post a picture later. In the past I've had trouble posting pictures, but I think I can dig up the PM someone sent me explaining how to do it...

Yeah, little white cloudy bits is pretty accurate. You can't see them unless you are close and in the right light. Nothing awful by any means, just a little annoying...and I'm just curious.

Court...I true them myself. Nope didn't scratch them, but thanks for the idea.

The road salt idea is a good one too, but the front rim is fine...

bexley

Don't use steel wool. If you need something that abrasive, go for a softer alternative like copper.

But I think >600 grit wet-dry sandpaper would be best for you, followed by some aluminum polish. Polish on its own is enough to remove light oxidation and most kinds are purported to slow down oxidation afterwards, though just for a limited time.