GordoTrek

i used to have a 97 and i loved this bike, in my ignorant youth i sold it to my brother for pennies, thinking i made a fortune.. ive been kicking myself ever since

fast forward, i found this heap at my local coop.. was in pretty rough shape, tires disintigrated, chain was broken and seized, had to cut it off. front derailleur was shot, luckily i had a new replacement, , every peice of steel on the thing was rusted.it looks like it was stored in a waterfall. at least the rims and frame were aluminum,

anyway ive cleaned it up and after re-cabling, lube/greese, brake pads i made it rideable, new tires are on the way, my question is the alloy rims are oxidized pretty badly, and every time i brake i get a grinding sensation... ive looked over the brake pads and they look ok, the rim looks like it needs to be polished or buffed, should they be replaced or can i save them??

sorry no pics, i know its a cardinal sin..but its not much to look at really...

GeoKrpan

Congratulations on your resourcefulness. I guess you could just sand the rims with some fine sandpaper.
Trap it between the pads and rim and ride the bike, saves elbow grease. Sand the pads a little too.

bobotech

i use those sanding blocks that I get at Harbor Freight to sand slight imperfections out of alloy wheels. I have made some that looked awful end up looking like near new.

GordoTrek

thanks for the info, i have some dry wall sanding blocks that i might try, plus some 0000 steel whool and ultra fine sandpaper...never tried sanding alloy rims ...should be interesting... the bike is great besides the brakes..and the tires.. right now ther rear tire is bulging after the sidewall fell apart, and i just noticed the front is starting to do the same...i want to use it as a family ride to pull the kids, with the trailer and tagalong