Bicycle Mechanics - Spinergy wheel problem

I have a slight problem with my Spinergy SR3 wheelset. The rear wheel makes a loud “clinking” sound when spinning at a low RPM. The guys at the LBS explained to me that the C-clamp used inside the rim at the seam has become loose. They explained that the clamp is only used during manufacturing to hold the seam together while it is being welded and that it will not cause the wheel to become any weaker or come apart.

When they contacted Spinergy they were told that the wheel would be repaired under warranty (not replaced!) and it would have to be shipped to Spinergy. However, they are having terrible luck with Spinergy’s warranty and support department. They sent another customer’s hub back for repair 3 months ago and Spinergy still has not replaced it. I have heard other horror stories about Spinergy service as well. They told me that I’d be lucky to get my wheel back in a few months time if I sent it to them.

When I take my tire, tube, and rim strip off I can see the clamp rattling around inside my wheel. Although it would be pretty difficult to get at I’m considering trying to tack it down in place with some Epoxy or super glue. Has anybody ever tried this? Are the guys at the LBS correct in stating that the wheel is still structurally sound even without the support of this clamp?

Any advice would be appreciated.

I had a similar problem with my Mavic 521 rims. There are two short rods that keep the rim joint aligned during welding. Seems like these rods became loose and would flop back and forth within the rim causing that clicking sound at slow speed. what I did was to get a center punch and a small hammer and dimple the inside of the rim on both sides of this rod and the clicking went away. There's no harm in letting it click away except to your nerves......after a while it kind of gets to you. I kind of like the epoxy idea but, in my case, the rods are inside the pockets of the rim.

We have pinned them with a punch and glued them many times.
If you have a wheel that only makes noise with the tire mounted/inflated then it is probably this "plug" making the noise.

Thanks for the advice JimB and Rev. Chuck.

The LBS tried using the punch already. Thats why I was considering glue.

BTW what glue worked best for you?

We use Fasttac, it is very liquid to flow into place but it does stick to everything.

Thanks Rev!

I think I might just happen to have some of that laying around.