How Do I Clean My Spokes??

[BigDaddyD]

Man... I got a lota Q's today huh?

So what's best to use on my spokes to clean them up and keep them from rusting?
I don't have much grease or gunk on them (been keeping up with the washes) but the spoke metal itself is quite tarnished and some are rusting. I've taken SOS pads to a few of the rusting spokes and it helps to clear out the rust but they still look dull and tarnished. I've tried some metal/chrome polishes (mostly just rubbing on with cloths and buffing off after letting it sit) but haven't had much luck getting any shine out of them.

The rims are in fairly decent shape. Fairly shiny w/o much rust or pitting.
Might take the rubbers off and bearings out and try to find a place that'll dip the whole assembly this winter if I can't get them clean on my own.

Is there any super-secret technique I'm unaware of?
Or am I just simply... Unaware?

[Clone]

Wire cutters and new ones that you clearcoat after putting them on.

Otherwise they will rust as soon as you scratch them up removing the old rust. It is an endless cycle. I just relaced the spoked rims I had with new spokes. Looks great after it is done.

[TheCafeKid]

You could try cleaning them up with a wire brush, then shooting them with that clear wheel coating Duplicolour sells. Might work.

[BigDaddyD]

Wire cutters and new ones that you clearcoat after putting them on.

Otherwise they will rust as soon as you scratch them up removing the old rust. It is an endless cycle. I just relaced the spoked rims I had with new spokes. Looks great after it is done.

Yeah.... had a feeling someone might say that.
Don't wanna have to go that route if I can avoid it.

[rudy]

I just re-did my rear with stainless spokes from Buchanan's. The ones for the front should be here soon too. Stainless spokes aren't the most amazingly shiny things, but they'll never look bad as they'll never rust. They're not too bad for price either. About $200 for both wheels, and you're in CA, so shipping wouldn't be much for you. While the wheels are apart, you have a chance to polish the hubs and rims.

I know lacing and truing is quite intimidating for most, but it's well worth it, and really not that hard. I laced my rear wheel in a half hour, and trued it last night in 2 hours, including 1 hour of setup (I don't move too fast).

[Agemax]

as rudy says, go for stainless spokes. may cost a bit more than standard but will last forever and never rust.

[BigDaddyD]

Yeah... I'm guessing new spokes will probably be the way to go if I really want that new-bike shine. I'm just a little scared about tuning my own wheels.
I like the idea about polishing the hubs and what-not. Gotta find a local spot that will do that stuff for a decent price, beings down the road I'm looking to do some major buff and paint work to this old gal and I don't have access to a garage that I can get messy.

[Joe C]

Another vote for Buchanan's stainless spokes. Well worth it. Here's a good page on wheel lacing. http://www.dansmc.com/spokewheels.htm You can even true them in the swingarm and fork if you don't want to buy a stand.

[Guest]

The grade/spec of the SS used has a lot to do with the shine....I suspect he is using a grade that is easier to machine, and more cost-effective for him. If you do order these, spend the extra time/effort to polish them before installing.....they should polish up to an almost chrome-like shine (try it on one spoke), and that shine lasts a pretty long time, with minimum maintenance ....will not quickly dull like the OEM new spokes.

Tony.