If you try steel wool, start with 0000 (four ought). It is the mildest. I have had luck using steel wool on many parts. It does a good job of getting scuffs out of plastic too. I wouldn't use it on new plastic, but some older stuff you want to avoid replacing, it does a fine job on. I wouldn't think twice about using it on my spokes.
One tip, don't use it for muffler packing. I heard it aint too good there.
Glen