RichardB
Slightly retro
- Location
- West Wales
25-year-old rigid MTB on its original wheels (plain alloy, 26 x 1.75), unknown mileage but obviously getting old and knackered. With new hub bearings, the wheels are running freely and true (to within say 2mm) so they work fine as wheels. However, I am concerned about the braking surfaces of the rims. The surfaces are quite deeply scratched (I assume wear from the brake blocks) and very dull. The brakes work OK, but with a scraping noise, and in wet weather produce a lot of black gunk that gets everywhere. It dries to a grey powder which is very messy. I have tried cleaning and polishing the rims (degreaser, wire wool, autosol, even used a Dremel) but while they look brighter, the problem is the same. As they are quite good wheels apart from this, I am reluctant to junk them. I don't think the wear is significant in terms of the integrity of the rim; it's more cosmetic. My feeling is I have worn through some hardened layer or hard finish and I am now down to plain metal, but I don't know enough about how rims are made. My wife's bike (same model) is much better, but has had a lot less use over the years.
Is there a treatment for me to bring them back to shiny 'n' smooth, or should I call it a day and get a new pair?
If it's new wheels time, any suggestions for where to get them? I can get a pair from Halfords of unknown quality for around £60. The bike isn't good enough to justify spending megabucks, but I want something that will be robust and reliable. Must be plain alloy without logos or advertising, and stainless spokes preferred. Don't mind small or large flange hubs. Any suggestions welcome.
Is there a treatment for me to bring them back to shiny 'n' smooth, or should I call it a day and get a new pair?
If it's new wheels time, any suggestions for where to get them? I can get a pair from Halfords of unknown quality for around £60. The bike isn't good enough to justify spending megabucks, but I want something that will be robust and reliable. Must be plain alloy without logos or advertising, and stainless spokes preferred. Don't mind small or large flange hubs. Any suggestions welcome.