I dug up an old shimano rs10 wheel that I am thinking about using except there is about a millimeter of gunk, sand, oil, just this coat of crap pretty much covering the entire wheel. The result of years of riding the dirty streets of chicago.

I tried degreasing dish soap but that didnt do much. Im afraid to use something too strong for fear of destroying the bearings and whatnot. Any suggestions as to how I should clean it.