Bicycle Mechanics - How to tell when a wheel is worn out

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Hunt-man
08-13-09, 02:34 PM
I have been wondering how you tell when an aluminum wheel is worn out. Is there a measurement or is it just by looks? I got some used wheels, 700c road wheels, and they have very light grooving on the braking surface, but they spin true.

LarDasse74
08-13-09, 02:41 PM
Light grooves are usually no big deal. Make sure the grooves are not manufatured-in to act as brake-surface wear indicators. If the grooves occurred while on your bike I would suggest checking and cleaning or replacing your brake pads to ensure debris is not causing further damage.

I would say that as long as the rim sidewalls feel pretty flat they are OK. When rims get worn out they generally have a concave profile that you can feel with your hand.
CaptainCool
08-13-09, 06:03 PM
"very light grooving" sounds like you're looking at a machined braking surface. All aluminum wheels that are meant to be used with rim brakes should have that.

Hunt-man
08-13-09, 06:41 PM
Thanks for the info. I'll give them a close look when I get home.