Rusty spokes...
 

The end of winter is near and my old Nishiki commuter made it through. The one exception is the spokes appear rusty (but the rims are fine). Is this something that could be harmful? Do I need to replace them? I'm thinking about buying a road bike as soon as it warms up and using the Nishiki during the winter months. Any wisdom out there?

Your spokes must be plated steel instead of stainless steel. I would replace them with quality spokes from Wheelsmith or DT Swiss. A rusty spoke is going to be weaker, especially if rust gets hold of the nipple threads or the elbow. Replacing the spokes now will save you a lot of trouble.

Rusty spokes are also more brittle and susceptible compression fractures. One pothole too many and you are going to end up coming off in a very unpleasant manner.

It may make more economic sense to replace the wheel than the spokes.

Amen. Get a set of wheels from a sensible wheel builder and keep your current pair as spares.