Rusty Spokes
10-28-18 | 06:56 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
Rusty Spokes
Well, I thought my bike was dry when I put her up but alas after a couple of weeks I now have rust on my spokes. I hate to replace the wheels. This bike is a vintage 30 years old. What's a gent to do?
10-28-18 | 07:02 AM
#3
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Rust won't damage them for a really long time, so it's purely cosmetic. I use fine steel wool and polish when I want them to look nice. No new wheels needed.
10-28-18 | 12:24 PM
#4
Lopsided biped
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 742
Likes: 167
From: NE Ohio
Bikes: 2017 Day 6 Cyclone (the Buick); 2015 Simcoe Deluxe (the Xebec); Street Strider 3i (the not-a-bike); GreenSpeed Anura (the Black Swan)
My first major bike wrenching project involved replacing rusted spokes. I bought stainless ones and replaced them one at a time. As long as you get the correct replacements, you can't make a mistake; just take out an old one and put a new one in its place. You should loosen all of them first, and when you're done replacing them, true (and, if needed, dish) the wheel correctly.
10-28-18 | 03:22 PM
#6
Shimano Certified
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 6
From: PA
Bikes: 92 Giant Sedona ATX Custom
Depends what you want to do. I have a wheel that bit me that way and I'm not feeling like undoing it to put in stainless. Sand it smooth(or steel wool if it's minor) and coat it liberally with car wax. Keep it waxed and it won't look much different from a stainless set. Waxing is good for any of the metal spokes btw to keep dirt and mud off 
