Keep those Rims Clean

If you ride year round like myself, or just get out for the occasional winter ride im sure you have noticed that one ride outside has your wheels looking like a salt lick.  Even though im very meticulous when it comes to bikes I work on in the shop, I tend to neglect my own bikes from time to time.  Having seen the ill effects salt can play on your rims/nipples and spokes, I have for years been very vigilant about cleaning off my rims frequently in the winter.  Most rims and nipples are made out of aluminum, which when exposed to salt and road sludge tend to disintegrate at an uncanny pace.  I have even seen some brass nipples fall apart.  So if you are out for a ride in the cold weather and get back and your rims are speckled with salt, take a minute or two to wipe them down ( you dont need to go crazy), with a slightly damp rag.  You could mix a little soap in with the water, or some degreaser  if you really want to get them nice and clean, but I have found a damp rag to get the built up salt off is all you need,  and you certainly don''t want to leave any sort of greasy residue on your rim.

So do your wheels a favor and keep them salt free, and they will repay you with years of faithful performance.

Thanks
RacePaceWrench