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storing wheels

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  • December 13, 2016 at 10:05 am #26569
    road

    Ive got a pair of good quality custom built alloy wheels for events / special days and wonder if theres any problem storing them in my bike shed – it does get damp in there with it being outdoors. I know alloy wont rust as steel does but will still form Al oxide, is this something to be concerned about or is it negligible?
    Please share any tips you have (under the bed isnt an option as its already full!)

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  • December 16, 2016 at 4:17 pm #883285
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    Anonymous

    a bit of science behind it, I
    a bit of science behind it, I like that , cheers all!

    December 15, 2016 at 3:53 pm #883283
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    Chris James

    Storing dry is generally a

    Storing dry is generally a good idea, but as Rod Marton said above, aluminium forms a passive layer on its surface, which is very protective. Anodising is used as a surface treatment and is effectively just an artificially thickened passive layer.

    The passive layer can be punctured by chloride ions from road salt and you can get small holes called pits, which are more cosmetic rather than structural but still best avoided. Therefore it is best to wash and dry your wheels before putting them away.

     

     

    December 15, 2016 at 3:25 pm #883281
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    Man of Lard

    bechdan wrote:

    bechdan wrote:
    fair suggestion, i dont use steel bead but not something id ever think of doing either! I dont see how water would get trapped inside the rim, but I get your point about water pooling in certain areas so will give them a turn every few days when storing.

     

    Enters around the spoke nipples (especially if you go through puddles) and can easily be trapped inside the rim if it’s double-walled… and of course seep into the chamber filled by the inner tube and around it by capilliary action…

    December 15, 2016 at 2:30 pm #883279
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    Anonymous

    fair suggestion, i dont use
    fair suggestion, i dont use steel bead but not something id ever think of doing either!
    I dont see how water would get trapped inside the rim, but I get your point about water pooling in certain areas so will give them a turn every few days when storing.

    December 14, 2016 at 10:15 am #883277
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    Jules Brown

    I would suggest to remove

    I would suggest to remove tyres, tubes and tape and hang them with the valve hole at the bottom. This is to allow water to drain. I’ve experienced corrosion (e.g. from the steel bead-wire) after seasonal storage due to trapped “water” after the autumn rains. So this is how I treat my spare wheels nowadays. It also allows you to have a good look at the hidden parts of the rim to check for any issues. I know it might be a bit much, but if you have time and you are concerned then it could be for you!

    December 13, 2016 at 4:47 pm #883275
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    ktache

    Road filth, especially winter

    Road filth, especially winter road filth is our enemy.   I have seen 3 bar ali plate, used as a bottom of a storage box on an artic truck eaten through.  You can walk on that stuff, 5mm thick?  The alloy beads that make up my Nokon cables have rotted, some almost turned to powder.  (Next time oil, lots, when assembling and a good wipe regular).  A good wash before storage, perhaps.

    December 13, 2016 at 4:31 pm #883273
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    Anonymous

    yeah I got bearings covered,
    yeah I got bearings covered, good info regarding alu alloy thanks rod

    December 13, 2016 at 1:27 pm #883271
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    Rod Marton

    Aluminium is a reactive metal

    Aluminium is a reactive metal, and bare aluminium reacts rapidly in air to form aluminium oxide. However the aluminium oxide forms a thin layer bonded strongly to the surface of the metal and prevents further oxidation (unlike rust, which flakes from the surface of steel exposing more bare metal).

    So storing outside shouldn’t be a problem. The main problem is with steel parts like bearings – but with quality wheels these should be well sealed. If not, make sure they have plenty of grease to avoid water ingress.

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