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Clean/recondition wheel rims
#1
I was going to ask if anyone had any advice on dealing with wheel rims when it comes to cleaning or reconditioning them (I don't find anything on search). I tried the soap and wet rag (the closest mention I find on one of the videos on this site) on a couple of my wheels but they still have black spots on them. They seem to have varying shades of metal on them too (dull to bright).
I plan on having the tires off of them to do something else, so I thought I'd ask about dealing with this.

Why is it that they make adult bikes that'll generally work for 5'9" or above, yet when you pedal these same bikes they only work for someone who is 5'4" or so?
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#2
Rubbing alcohol sometimes helps... it works well to take off sticker gunk, etc.
For others that just arrived at this post, here's an easy way to <a href="http://bikeride.com/rust-removal/">remove surface rust</a>.

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#3
I have used Mother's metal polish on alloy wheels and parts to clean them and make them shine.

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#4
G'day
Another vote for rubbing alcohol or the those little alcohol swipes they use before sticking nasty needles in your arm Smile
Andrew

Aushiker.com
@Aushiker on Twitter

A broken clock is correct twice a day
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#5
Okay, so maybe another question on this topic, to try and prevent it from happening again: Why are the black marks on the rims (my guess, the brake pads?), and is there something I can do to prevent it?

Why is it that they make adult bikes that'll generally work for 5'9" or above, yet when you pedal these same bikes they only work for someone who is 5'4" or so?
  Reply
#6
As far as I know there is no way to prevent it, as the black marks are coming from your brake pads. You could try pads that are made with harder rubber, but you would lose some braking power.
For cleaning, I've also heard about a product called 'Simple Green' that is supposed to work well.

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#7
G'day
As Alex points out the source of the marks are your brake pads. It has been suggested on numerous occasions that salmon coloured brake pads resolve the issue. They are also better pads as they are designed for wet weather braking. Kool Stops have a very good reputation, but I have yet to try them myself.
Regards<br />
Andrew

Aushiker.com
@Aushiker on Twitter

A broken clock is correct twice a day
  Reply
#8
Thanks for the help!

Why is it that they make adult bikes that'll generally work for 5'9" or above, yet when you pedal these same bikes they only work for someone who is 5'4" or so?
  Reply


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