Damaged Wheel

Atyeo

So yesterday, while cycling in the lovely London traffic I had my first altercation with a car.

Thankfully, bar a few scratches and bruises, I'm OK but the same can't be said for my front wheel which is now very wonky.

Being a novice to cycling I'm unsure as to what I can do regarding getting a new wheel or whether it is possible to have it fixed, so any advice would be very much appreciated.

My bike is a Specialized Sirrus Comp which currently has a set of quick-release Alexrims AT400 rims and 700x28C tyres.

Thanks for any advice.

Monty Dog

Depends on the state of the wheel - if there are any kinks or creases in the rim - forget it, likewise if the buckle is typically more than 10mm in any direction, particularly in the vertical direction. You really need to take it to your LBS for an opinion.

ash68

Sorry to hear of your problems in traffic.If the rim is really out of shape then it's probably scrap. Probably best to take to your local bike shop to get checked over and see what they say. May be good idea to take the bike as well just in case there is some other damage and get that properly checked over for safety reasons.Getting a new wheel shouldn,t be a problem.Would you be paying for it yourself or will the car driver be paying? In any case may be worth keeping any damaged parts and any receipts just in case you can make a claim on the car driver's insurance. Got knocked off my bike 18months ago. Car driver admitted liability and I claimed for a new bike,clothing,helmet,and for injuries as well.GOOD LUCK

Atyeo

I'll pop along to my local bike shop for some advice. I'm not that knowledgable though so I'm always a little bit wary of being taken for a ride.

What components are there in a wheel? Do they consist of the wheel and rims? (I'm sure it's a stupid question but I am a complete beginner to this.)

Any advice on a replacement type (are Alexrims OK?) and how much it would cost? I only use it to commute about 15 miles a day and the bike only cost £600 so I don't want anything to extravagant.

ash68

Wheel made up of the rim, the spokes and the centre is called the hub.May be possible to fit a new rim to your original hub, but it depends on the state of the components. Price the repair against a new wheel of similar spec.Alex rims will be fine for what your doing.Cost is hard to say but I would estimate around £45-£50.Good time to strike up a good relationship with your local bike shop. I tend to use local shop rather than high street chains as I find I trust them to do a good job and sell me what I really need.Take it your paying for repairs yourself.

Atyeo

Cheers Ash.

I'm paying because it was my fault. A slight lack of concentration on a busy London road and I admitted it there and then even though I know you're never meant to...

I don't just want to be one of those litigious individuals.

ash68

Fair comment. Unfair to blame car driver if it's not his fault. I would do the same as you in those circumstances.

notsoracy rich

If you actually rode into something-car?- hard enough to damage the wheel, you may have damaged the frame or forks as well.

For your own safety please visit a competent bike shop with the bike to get it checked so you don't have another fall caused by something breaking.

If its just the wheel damage, very often its cheaper nowadays to buy a new wheell rather than getting the old one rebuilt.

Hope this helps, Rich.

Atyeo

Thanks Rich. Will do.