Bicycle Mechanics - sanding rim sidewalls

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masi61
10-30-05, 07:45 AM
The clincher wheels on my old Masi have some crummy matix ISO C hard anodized rims. I really dislike these rims. Presently I'm saving for some DT Swiss RR rims and plan to rebuild the Classy Specialized hubs onto something more modern with much better machined sidewalls.
This rims are strong as hell but the seam chatter I get while applying my brakes is very disturbing. Also, these rims are more susceptible than normal to pinch flats. Maybe I'm being too hard on Matrix rims. I like the fact that they're made in USA, and I've seen some of their later rims and it appeared that they addressed some of the design deficiencies.
I was just wondering if others thought I should try to remedy the welded seam pulsation problem by taking some autobody sandpaper to the offending spot. My impulse though is to chuck the rims completely and bite the bullet and give my Masi the quality it deserves.

Retro Grouch
10-30-05, 09:31 AM
Those rims probably aren't welded at the seam, just pinned. Because of the way that rims are made, the pins seldom hold them perfectly in line so you are left with a tiny step on each side. You can minimize that step with sandpaper, but it usually takes care of itself over time.
duckliondog
10-30-05, 03:45 PM
Rims really aren't that expensive. I recently upgraded from a pair of nonmachined Aeroheads to some machined Aeroheads. I like them a lot more.
Sandpaper will work though, so you might as well do that while you wait for the new ones.

ppc
10-31-05, 04:27 PM
I was just wondering if others thought I should try to remedy the welded seam pulsation problem by taking some autobody sandpaper to the offending spot.

Emery won't do a good job because you're going to sand metal on both sides of the seam, and what you'll get is a slight hole with a seam in the middle. If you're handy with a file, use a soft 12' single-cut mill file and file the seam away so that the higher side slopes down softly to the lower side in 2 or 3"., then drawfile the area and sand it lightly so it blends with the rest of the rim. It's a 2 minute job but you do need to know how to handle a file otherwise you'll ruin the rim.