Bicycle Mechanics - New Bike - Wheel Question

Well, my wife decided (without any pushing from me) that she loved the Trek 2000 WSD. We went and picked it up / got her fitting this evening. I checked over the whole bike including the true of the wheels, but did not check the side surface (where the brakes catch) till I got home tonite.

I noticed that each of the wheels have a small indention (bigger on the front than the back) where the silver "machined" surface is kind of gouged in. Is this normal? My rims on my Specialized to do not have this issue. Of course she will call the LBS tomorrow, but I was looking for some advice on weather this is normal or not.

I would assume if this is a problem, Trek will stand behind it?

WHEELS: Matrix Aurora, welded, machined sidewall rims;

Thanks,

Matt (Almost excited as her about the bike.)

Is this where the welded joint has been machined smooth, possibly a little over machined? Is it at the joint, maybe opposite the valve hole?, on the side of the rim where the brake pads run? If yes, then this is probably a slight over machining to smooth out the joint. Ride the bike and if there is no surging or grabbing when the brakes run over this spot, it should be ok.

If the brakes surge or grab and your wife is not comfortable with the sensation, if she feels it compromises her safe operation of the bike, you may want to ask them to swap out the wheels. Anyway, you want to let them know immediately about the problem. If you decide to try it for a while to see if it will be ok, it should be based on an understanding with them that it is a trial. This is not uncommon and is often seen on rims.

Don-

The spot appears to be in the place you described, as it is on the exact same location on both wheels, just bigger on the front.

The "spots" are indentions in the macining like the alloy is chipped down to the black paint? (Maybe there was a lack of "weld" in that spot so the machining did not even get to the level there.

Thanks,

Matt
:beer:

How weird...the rims of my new Trek 4900 MTB have the same square-shaped indentations. I noticed them while giving the bike a once-over after a muddy ride.

Originally posted by pcsanity1
Don-

The spot appears to be in the place you described, as it is on the exact same location on both wheels, just bigger on the front.

The "spots" are indentions in the macining like the alloy is chipped down to the black paint? (Maybe there was a lack of "weld" in that spot so the machining did not even get to the level there.

Thanks,

Matt
:beer:

I'm having a hard time forming a mental picture of this. It's probably not significant, but just out of curiosity, how did your bike shop react?

i'm guessing those are wear indicators. most rims come with some form of indicator these days, just something to let you know how far the braking surface has worn. as it gets worn over time the rim can become unsafe. those indicators provide a quick and easy way of seeing how worn it actually is.

The shop said to bring the bike back in when we are over there Saturday and they will replace the wheels with the next level up. (off the 2200 wsd).

Works for me...

These spots are wear indicators! The Bontrager select wheels will have these "spots" on the rims also!
Must be a good shop if they are willing to replace the wheels because of this.;)