Shiney, shiney spokes
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,475
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1041 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
540 Posts
Shiney, shiney spokes
I've searched and read all the threads regarding each member's preferred method of polishing a spoke. That part of the equation I have no problem with. What I would like to know is if there is one manufacturer that might produce spokes with a higher luster than another manufacturer? I like shiney, shiney spokes.
Thanks,
TMT
Thanks,
TMT
#2
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
I haven't noticed much difference between mfrs. And I'm sure that there are some Asian suppliers that have highly polished spokes of not-so-good steel. There's an aphorism in machining to the effect "You can't polish a dog t__d.". So I'd go for higher quality spokes from a mfr of good reputation. But someone here may know of spokes that are good, AND shiney.
Keep in mind, the spokes will start shiney but will be dulled after you ride the bike in the rain, or dust. You'll need to clean and repolish those spokes regularly or they'll look just like regular plebeian spokes.
Initially, you could polish spokes using a buffing wheel. You'd need a good way to hold the spokes or the wheel will shoot them into the wall. Putting them in a vibratory polisher is another path, but that might result in bent spokes. After installation, you could put a small buffing wheel on a Dremel tool and dress the wheel with polishing compound. Make sure you clean the polish off, though.
If you are willing to put in the time, one very good polishing product is called Simichrome. I've heard of people using a shoe lace with Simichrome (or aluminum polish) to polish spokes.
Keep in mind, the spokes will start shiney but will be dulled after you ride the bike in the rain, or dust. You'll need to clean and repolish those spokes regularly or they'll look just like regular plebeian spokes.
Initially, you could polish spokes using a buffing wheel. You'd need a good way to hold the spokes or the wheel will shoot them into the wall. Putting them in a vibratory polisher is another path, but that might result in bent spokes. After installation, you could put a small buffing wheel on a Dremel tool and dress the wheel with polishing compound. Make sure you clean the polish off, though.
If you are willing to put in the time, one very good polishing product is called Simichrome. I've heard of people using a shoe lace with Simichrome (or aluminum polish) to polish spokes.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,475
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1041 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
540 Posts
Keep in mind, the spokes will start shiney but will be dulled after you ride the bike in the rain, or dust. You'll need to clean and repolish those spokes regularly or they'll look just like regular plebeian spokes.
If you are willing to put in the time, one very good polishing product is called Simichrome. I've heard of people using a shoe lace with Simichrome (or aluminum polish) to polish spokes.
If you are willing to put in the time, one very good polishing product is called Simichrome. I've heard of people using a shoe lace with Simichrome (or aluminum polish) to polish spokes.
#4
Really Old Senior Member
Do something useful for somebody instead.
Likes For Bill Kapaun:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
Likes For HillRider:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Jose, California
Posts: 3,504
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 145 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 35 Times
in
30 Posts
I've searched and read all the threads regarding each member's preferred method of polishing a spoke. That part of the equation I have no problem with. What I would like to know is if there is one manufacturer that might produce spokes with a higher luster than another manufacturer? I like shiney, shiney spokes.
Thanks,
TMT
Thanks,
TMT
no polish
semi-polished
polished
CN and Wheelsmith by default do polished.
But I've had CN do semi-polish for me in the past.
Sapim and DT are semi-polish.
I've had old OHIO spokes that were no polish...good spokes too.
=8-|
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
Likes For mrrabbit:
#7
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
The OP gets to spend his time the way he wants - not to live up to someone else's idea of propriety. I've spend time polishing hubs before I relaced them myself. Wouldn't do it every third ride though, but that's me.
Likes For WizardOfBoz:
#8
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,543
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,432 Times
in
2,759 Posts
I think the "polish every third ride" was a joke. Had me going for a minute
Likes For shelbyfv:
#10
Really Old Senior Member
Now, now, Bill. Everyone handles the stresses of life differently, and right now is especially stressful. I do know some bicycle restoration people that will invest enormous amounts of time and effort to ensure that the rim they are using is polished and anodized as per original. Some people will do meditation for an hour or so. Perhaps polishing spokes is like meditation for the OP. The philospher Eric Hoffer took jobs as a longshoreman, apparently feeling that this improved his philosophizing.
The OP gets to spend his time the way he wants - not to live up to someone else's idea of propriety. I've spend time polishing hubs before I relaced them myself. Wouldn't do it every third ride though, but that's me.
The OP gets to spend his time the way he wants - not to live up to someone else's idea of propriety. I've spend time polishing hubs before I relaced them myself. Wouldn't do it every third ride though, but that's me.
Likes For TakingMyTime:
#12
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,734
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2155 Post(s)
Liked 3,404 Times
in
1,205 Posts
Likes For WizardOfBoz:
#14
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
It could be that the OP is bored and being a bit of a jerk taking up people's time, but regarding polishing spokes... I know people who are actually like that.
Last edited by WizardOfBoz; 05-29-20 at 09:08 AM.
Likes For Retro Grouch:
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,475
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1041 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
540 Posts
I would never have thought that such a simple question would have registered such a range of responses. Yes, I realize some were sarcastic and some were humorous. And I'm sure some of you probably do think I'm nuts.
I take great pride in ownership. I enjoy sitting in the garage, cleaning, lubing and maintaining my bikes. They are not just objects to admire, I ride them too. This month looks like it will round out at about 500 miles.
Don't let my shiny, shiny spokes blind you, (and I finally spelled Shiny) correctly,
TMT
I take great pride in ownership. I enjoy sitting in the garage, cleaning, lubing and maintaining my bikes. They are not just objects to admire, I ride them too. This month looks like it will round out at about 500 miles.
Don't let my shiny, shiny spokes blind you, (and I finally spelled Shiny) correctly,
TMT
#19
Half way there
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,957
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 986 Post(s)
Liked 880 Times
in
527 Posts
The measure of bike esthetics should ALWAYS be: How does is look when you are riding it. If you can see your spokes when riding, you are not going fast enough.
Likes For Moe Zhoost:
#20
Senior Member
A friend of mine used to wax his spokes. I guess there are levels of OCD.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 567
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 241 Post(s)
Liked 232 Times
in
153 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Alamitos, Calif.
Posts: 2,475
Bikes: Canyon Endurace
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1041 Post(s)
Liked 923 Times
in
540 Posts
I've never considered my obsession with my bikes to be OCD, but I do see how others could interpret it that way. Just so that some of you can rest easy... I'm not sitting in my garage all day worshiping "my pretty". I have a life. If you were to average it out I probably spend 1 hour a day working on our bikes (there are 6 of them).
#23
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,594
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 862 Times
in
490 Posts
https://images.app.goo.gl/e8fesdm6PTHSoDLD9
I posted about lowriders up thread and nobody mentioned anything. I wasn't joking. Are low rider spokes special? I really don't know.
If they are something special, can you get them in 29x mm?
My favorite color we're my Ti Dye spokes in the late 90s. Cross 3 with a twist on Mavic 517's and White Hubs. I miss those days sometimes.
I posted about lowriders up thread and nobody mentioned anything. I wasn't joking. Are low rider spokes special? I really don't know.
If they are something special, can you get them in 29x mm?
My favorite color we're my Ti Dye spokes in the late 90s. Cross 3 with a twist on Mavic 517's and White Hubs. I miss those days sometimes.
#24
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
Again, completely off topic. Your friend waxing spokes reminded me of Cathy waxing her lizard.
#25
Generally bewildered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Eastern PA, USA
Posts: 3,037
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1152 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
251 Posts
*Hint: its a three-step process involving gasoline, degreaser, and isopropyl alcohol.