Bicycle Mechanics - Straightening a Bent Rim?

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View Full Version : Straightening a Bent Rim?


wallybrau
08-30-03, 08:20 AM
Is the following rim easily bent back into shape? It somewhat flairs out on both sides (which may not be visible from the picture)..


roadbuzz
08-30-03, 02:54 PM
Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable than I will chime in, but I'll bet there's also a pretty significant hop in the rim at that point (it's mashed in toward the hub). You'll never get it like-new, but I believe there are instructions in Effective Cycling by John Forrester (sp?).

AndrewP
08-30-03, 05:47 PM
Tape something flat like cone wrenches on the outside at the bumps. then squeeze them in with visegrips. Careful of the power of vicegrips - set the pressure low and keep repeating with the screw turned in half a turn more each time. I dont think you will get them like new. and you will also need to readjust the spoke tensions. Tell us how it goes.


mike
08-30-03, 06:09 PM
This kind of damage is tough to fix nicely.

THe easy solution is to use an adjustable wrench to grip the lip of the rim and bend it back into position. You will, of course, end up crimping the edge of the rim and you will feel it when you brake.

A better technique is to block both sides of the rim with pieces of wood. Put the rim/wood into a vise or c-clamp and slowly squeeze the rim into position.

If you are lucky, that is all that you will need to do. If you are unluck, you will have a flat in your rim. This is not worth messing with. In this case, either bring it to a pro to fix, or buy a new rim/wheel.

Dave Stohler
08-31-03, 08:14 AM
Bend it, and use it as a 'beater' wheel.

allgoo19
08-31-03, 02:45 PM
I would be afraid of going down the hill at 40MPH with that rim where the wheels work hardest. There are two possible scenario that may take place. One is the bead coming off the rim, another is the break shoes get stuck at the wide part of the rim. If it's the front wheel, you are going to flip over your head, if it's the rear, you will slip and slide on the street. Either way, your are going to fall and hit the ground real hard. I think the price of the new wheel will be far cheaper than the medical bills you are going to get.