The gears on the extra wheel don't spin at all, and I didn't notice any place I'd be able to put a lock ring to remove the gears. Based on what you guys have said I suspect that that wheel is useless to me.
Do you really think its worth trying to replace the spokes on my wheel rather than just buy a new one? It looks like I could get one for $35 or so on amazon that I suspect would be better than what I have now.