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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
I know there are already many threads about this but I haven’t found an answer that works yet. The previous owner of my bike neglected it and because of that I have some super rusty spokes. I’ve tried the shoelace trick and it just breaks the laces. All that SORT of works is a scotch brite with vinegar and too much time. and it still leaves the inside of the spokes really rusty. The bottom spoke in this photo probably has 30 min of cleaning. You’ll get the idea. Is there something else I could try? Would CLR work better? Or is the answer just scotch brite, vinegar, and a 12 pack? Eventually I want new rims anyway so this sucks but I want to get them looking good for the time being.
They're pretty bad ..,. and most likely you'll not get much of an improvement ... I have spokes on my 2009 FLHTCU and I stay on top of the cleaning ... If you want a recommendation for replacements use "Buchanan Spokes" ... I've used them on several builds and the quality is "top shelf"
That's what I was afraid of. Mostly I'd just like to get them to a passing grade to get me through to new wheels. Unless anyone can tell me a better trick I'll stick with mine and get them as well as I can.
Check Craigslist or 5 mile for some take offs in good shape. You should be able to score them for ~$100/wheel. Swap your rotors and pulley over, change the bearings if so inclined and have your tires swapped or get new ones if needed. It won't be a cheap project but saving the headaches and time messing with your current situation will make it worth it!
X2 on the steel wool, get a spray bottle and fill it with water, then get some 0000 steel wool, get the spokes wet and just go over them w/ the steel wool.
There's a product called Bullfrog rust remover that I use. It sprays on and is pretty thick so it would stay on the spokes and comes off with water. Might get you through until new spokes. Under $15 if I remember.
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Rusty spoke cleaning
