Road Rims

tompinson
tompinson Posts: 3
edited June 2013 in Workshop
So I had a nice wee crash on my bike the other day. I hit both of the rims off the curb and now they have scratches and scrapes in them. They don't cause any problem when freewheeling but as soon as the brakes go on its not smooth. Is there a way of removing the scratches or do I have to by new rims?

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,272
    If it's only minor scratches, I would not bother... otherwise you can use some very fine graded wet sandpaper... there is nothing magic about rims, it's just aluminium alloy, so any way to polish them that works is good
    left the forum March 2023
  • JayKosta
    JayKosta Posts: 635
    Before using sandpaper, use a piece of flat steel to push against the rim to flatten the scratches. Doing that might be enough to prevent the brake pads from grabbing.
    For example, maybe try using the flat base of a 1/2 inch (12mm) socket to rub on the scratched area.

    It is usually best to first try methods that don't remove metal.

    Jay Kosta
    Endwell NY USA
  • tompinson
    tompinson Posts: 3
    Thats great thank you!