Originally Posted by
Iride01
Knock the rust and corrosion off with a wire brush and then assess the damage. If the spokes and other places don't have large pits or are materially thinner in places then maybe just leave it be or spray some paint on it to make it look better or some preservative lubricant just to keep it at bay.
How much longer will the child be able to fit this size bike? Surely a new bike will be in the works soon enough.
I'd also think you'll find a replacement wheel less expensive than replacing all the spoke and nipples.
She's just big enough to get on it now so probably will be 2 full seasons of use at least. I don't mind doing the work rebuilding the wheels, it's a good excuse to hang out in the garage, watch the ball game and have some pints. I'll have to see how accurately I can get spoke measurements first without removing some. A while back I bought a couple spokes from a LBS and they were rediculously cheap, like 10 cents or so each with nipple. If that still holds true I'm looking at <$10, worth a phone call. Probably a lot faster and easier than a bunch of meticulous scrubbing and painting. Thanks