Rusty spokes - what would you do?

[dirttorpedo]

Re:

They came off my 83ish Diamondback RidgeRunner. They have Araya rims and Suzue sealed hubs with solid axles. I think they were pretty good quality for the time period - probably similar quality to the first Stump Jumpers. Were stainless spokes in common use back then? I was under the impression that chrome plated steel were still pretty common in the early 80's.

 

[xerxes]

Re:

I think stainless spokes have been around since well before the 80s, maybe 60s, not sure, but they were always more expensive.

Worth the extra in my opinion, I have some 25 year old wheels and the spokes still look as good as the day I bought the bike:

 

[jimo746]

Re:

My Tushingham came with Araya rims & rusty spokes, after a lot of effort they cleaned up ok, although if the spokes are rusty you'll never get them looking shiny silver like stainless does.
If it's a "rider" then I'd attempt to clean a few spokes and see how it looks. Otherwise, or if it's a "wallhanger" then a rebuild with stainless spokes seems like the way to go, perhaps after 20-odd years the wheels could do with a makeover?

 

[kingoffootball]

Re: Re:

They came off my 83ish Diamondback RidgeRunner. They have Araya rims and Suzue sealed hubs with solid axles. I think they were pretty good quality for the time period - probably similar quality to the first Stump Jumpers. Were stainless spokes in common use back then? I was under the impression that chrome plated steel were still pretty common in the early 80's.

I have a set of those and they are not the lightest wheels, but I really like them. The Suzue hubs are still beautifully smooth on mine - fortunately the spokes haven't rusted.

 

[keny]

A thing that also works when neded to clean rust from parts is a cola. Just puor on some and rub, very efficient stuff. Just wounder what it does to your theet!

 

[Elev12k]

Re:

For cleaning rusty spokes I use aluminium foil

 

[dirttorpedo]

Re: Re:

For cleaning rusty spokes I use aluminium foil

I've tried this with a bit of vinegar & lemon juice water. Lots of elbow grease required.