For that price, you could replace them when ever they get too rusty to
fuction.

Seriously, I don't think they really have to 'all' corrosion resistant. I
think that it might be worth while to have alum rims and stainless spokes.
But, then even steal should last several years if you don't dunk them in sea
water.

If your going to fold them up and store them below, then your only concern
will be transporting them in the dingy.

I just purchased a Chinese made 21 spd, 26", mountian bike. It has alum rims
but the spokes turned out to be 'fake' stainless and seems to be zinc
plated. I'm planning to cut the frame, install hinges for a folding bike.
The frame members are nearly identical to another boater true folding bike.
I will just copy his set up..

However, I have been carrying this bike, fully assembled, on deck, lashed to
the main rigging.. At first I thought the genoa sheet would foul on the
handle bars but I just wrapped a bungy cord around the hand grips and then
to the lifelines and the sheet never fouls. (Mind you I have very wide side
decks so passage, going fwd is no problem.)

This bike is getting wet when ever I take it ashore in the dingy.. from
spray when there is a chop. Sometimes I have to wheel it through mud or damp
beach sand..

I expect I will have to replace the spokes eventually.

Other than that, I think a good shot of spray oil every couple weeks should
keep things working..

For $60, at the local "hock shop", I'm happy with my bike and I anyone who
steals it will have a hard time selling it.

I once had a Dahon folding bike (small wheels).. I felt like a circus clown
riding around on it. I sold it to the first cruiser who expressed a serious
interest in it.


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions