Bicycle Mechanics - Need a new rim?

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Feltup
09-23-03, 03:00 AM
Ok, long story short. I got a stick jammed on the drive side of my rear wheel. Broke 2; damaged the rest. I took it to a local LBS(still searching for one I can trust) to replace spokes or totaly rebuild if needed. They call yesterday with an estimate of $126. That includes all new spokes and a new rim. I wanted to know why they added a rim in the deal and they said they didn't know "for sure" if they could true it out. The rim was off but not kinked or bent. They said they could replace the drive side only for $55. That of course is at my own risk.

The wheel set is brand new with less than 100 miles. It is an XTR hub with Bongrager Valiant rims so everything is new.

Question, should the rim need to be replaced?

mrfix
09-23-03, 05:33 AM
I would recommend that you get the new rim and have a complete rebuild done, if they verified the the rim has a bend in it (which it probably does based on your description of the stick issue), but not a kink, in order for them to build it up true and round they will need to use an uneven spoke tension at the bend area of the rim. This will give you an unstable wheel that will keep going out of true on you. Even and correct spoke tension is the key to a good durable wheel and you cannot achieve that with a rim that is not round and straight to begin with.
On the other hand, being a mountain bike wheel, if you normally ride and ingest sticks in your wheel, why not, get the cheap fix and get a new rim next time.
dexmax
09-23-03, 05:57 AM
Originally posted by mrfix
in order for them to build it up true and round they will need to use an uneven spoke tension at the bend area of the rim. This will give you an unstable wheel that will keep going out of true on you.

I totally agree w/ mrfix.

Buzzbomb
09-23-03, 06:27 AM
I just did some checking out of curiosity, and I found new Valients for $48.00 at webcyclery. I had a wheel built through them this spring and they did a great job and charged $25.00 for labor. I'm thinking that the repair you need should run $80-90, tops. You can get the same wheel built for $190 at webcyclery with all new parts, I think it's time to look for another shop.