Bicycle Mechanics - 4 flat spots

One of my rims for my Concorde (normal riding road bike) has 4 flat spots in it. The wheel itself is in true but if just has 4 flat spots in it. Should I be worried or can I just keep riding on it. Does it slow me down much?

If you feel confident that you can fix it yourself then put it in the truing stand and loosen the spokes in those flat areas. Be sure to loosen the same number of left and right pulling spokes in each area so that the wheel stays in true. Also turn each spoke the same amount, try 1/4 turns to start with then check the lateral trueness of the wheel, correct if necessary, then check the flat spots and repeat the loosening if necessary. As far as slowing you down, it is probably not noticeable but a rim with flat spots could cause your brake pads to contact your tire sidewalls at those sections when the brake is applied. It also could yield a bumpy ride.

-Ryan

I'd imagine that a square rim would give a bumpy ride. :D