Damaged rim repair

chuckcork

On the way to work yesterday I hit a large metal buckle, of the kind that secures the side flats of a truck (while doing a shoulder check to get across a slip lane on the highway) and as a result ended up with the rim at the point of impact pushed out each side just slighlty, but enough that when I brake I now get a noticeable vibration. Wheel doesn't lock, as its not that bad, but I'd hate to be braking on a steep downhill in the rain with the club, as the amount of vibration at speed might make the steering very difficult.

And suggestions as to repairs? I've tried the LBS and they've done what they can, which is reducing the problem by maybe 50%, but I don't really want throw away a wheel that has only been given 10% of its lifetime.

Any practical suggestions appreciated.

robbarker

If you want to attempt a repair, you have nothing to lose trying to fletten out the section with a block of 2x4 wood and big hammer, or sandwich the bent rim section in a vice between two bits of 2x4.

On the basis that the bike shop sound like they already tried this, and what I'd be inclined to do anyway, is source a new rim and lace it on - something you can do yourself if you have the confidence to learn to build wheels or an LBS job if you don't. Easier if it's a conventional wheel with a normal spoke count and readily available components, more of a PITA if it's a factory wheel but still possible.

There are plenty of pointers to wheelbuilding resources in the forum if you search back though.