andyinsb

The spokes on my '82 Univega Specialissima are covered with surface corrosion. I'm going to be riding with a group of my new coworkers soon, and being vain, I want the bike to look a little less...rusty.

I've tried steel wool and gotten little benefit, so I'm thinking of either replacing the wheels or replacing the spokes.

There's a community DIY bike shop nearby with folks on staff who could show me how to replace the spokes. I'd be happy to put an afternoon into it, and I like the idea of keeping original parts where possible, but if this is a kind of project where a beginner is unlikely to get a good result, or if it would take more than a few hours, I might be more inclined to replace the wheels, depending on the cost.

Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on this? The wheels are 27" with Araya aluminum rims, and I use 1 1/4" tires, if that helps.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

Piff 

Aluminum foil and some coca cola should do you right.

It should rub/scratch off relatively well.

There's no reason to replace anything unless they're ridiculously corroded. Upload a picture?

High Fist Shin

I have used WD40 and extra fine steel wool #000. Works like a charm. Spray down your wool with the WD40 and scrub away.

-Shin

Lazyass

I just use a green scratch pad then polish them up. The scratch pad gets the corrosion right off. Not sure why steel wool wouldn't work for you, that's kind of odd. I use my dremel with a wire brush on corroded nipples/rim eyelets and it gets them real shiny, you could use it on spokes as well.

Lazyass

Now that I think back, I remember a long time ago I got some wheels with a good bit of rust on the spokes. I just wetsanded it right off.

Salamandrine 

Are they galvanized spokes? It's been so long, but IIRC that's what they were using then. I do not miss those things. I've heard ammonia is a good cleaner for galvanized steel, but I've never tried it, so proceed at your own risk... Maybe vinegar and a scrubby sponge would work.

I had an 83 Specialissima. The post placement was such that I could run either 27" or 700c wheels. You may want to check that. Those frames are great, but the stock parts were just pretty good IMO. Araya rims from that period were not that great. (ducking and running.... ) I would strongly consider a rebuild, but it depends what your intended use is. If the stock wheels are otherwise undamaged, the only reason not to use them would be that newer rims will be a bit stronger, and stainless spokes don't corrode.

One more thing, there is no point in replacing the spokes without replacing the rims. If the rims are fine, clean the spokes and be done with it.

3speedslow

What you have left will be spokes with no more protection against rusting. once they begin rusting, it's up to you . Continue cleaning every few weeks or replace with stainless.

Salamandrine 

^Yeah, you want to use chemical means to remove the rust and leave the zinc. If you sand or otherwise mechanically remove the zinc layer, the spokes will be bare steel and rust immediately.

Narhay

Replace the spokes. Danscomp sells them relatively cheap. Or, buy a new wheelset from velomine

Lazyass

They will not rust immediately. They'll never rust as long as you take care of your bike.

noobinsf 

If your maim concern is aesthetics for your one ride, you can simply add light oil or WD40, as was suggested, to your steel wool and try again. I would save relacing for another time, when you can take a while - it's unlikely to only take an afternoon if this is your first time. (Mind you, this is coming from someone who recently built his first wheel set, and it took and inordinately long time due to operator - i.e., me - error.)

noglider 

Wouldn't spray paint be quicker and safer?