Bicycle Mechanics - Curb rash type damage on rim. What to do?

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chubbychu
10-21-09, 02:15 AM
Hi guys, this will be my first post on bikeforums. I did take a couple minutes to use the search button but honestly I got a lot of threads with rim information about cracks, snapped spokes etc.

My roommate was test riding my new bike and CRASHED INTO steps. naturally I was so pissed, because in reality, there's not much I can do about it. :crash: Anyways, upon further inspection including some frame paint chips and damage, my front rim has some bad curb rash on some parts of it. I don't know HOW he did it, but he scratched/curbed the rim and spokes. Structurally the rim seems sound but I'm concerned about brake pad to rim problems.

My question is can I just ride the curb rash out and hope the pads/dirt and grime will smooth it out? Or should I replace the rim? I've included some pictures for reference. Thanks so much guys/gals!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/chubbychu2/IMG_2079.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/chubbychu2/IMG_2080.jpg

These two areas are the only areas on the rim affected.

Metzinger
10-21-09, 02:31 AM
I've had far worse.
They'll be a bit annoying for a while but they'll smooth out.
No need to replace a rim.
Your friend owes you beer, though.
chubbychu
10-21-09, 02:38 AM
I've had far worse.
They'll be a bit annoying for a while but they'll smooth out.
No need to replace a rim.
Your friend owes you beer, though.

Thanks Metzinger for the quick answer. I'd like to spend the next 30 minutes venting about what a ****** he is, because he looked at it, said sorry and walked away. He rides a wal-mart bike (I guess that says enough)

anyways, thanks again! It puts my mind at ease!

dabac
10-21-09, 04:34 AM
If you can feel the scuffed part enough to annoy you as it goes through the brakes you can use something finely abrasive to smooth it out a little. Emery cloth, steel wool, brillo pad, fine sand paper...
rm -rf
10-21-09, 05:55 AM
Wet and dry 320 or 400 grit sandpaper can smooth it out. But, even with this fine grit, it's easy to sand too much and make a low spot on the rim. So just reduce any ridges sticking up, don't try to remove the scratches from the braking surface.
chubbychu
10-21-09, 02:12 PM
You guys are awesome thank you so much!

I hope this thread will be of use to someone else too.
ls01
10-22-09, 07:40 AM
Get some better friends.
nitropowered
10-22-09, 08:00 AM
It'll eventually smooth out. If you find it annoying, then sand it down
mrrabbit
10-22-09, 12:41 PM
This same question was answered only a couple months ago...

Search is your friend.

=8-)
chubbychu
10-26-09, 01:51 AM
This same question was answered only a couple months ago...

Search is your friend.

=8-)

Haha, I had a feeling this was going to come up. I do apologize, Actually I'm not new to forums at all. (I been on automotive/audio forums for the last 8 years) That probably doesn't excuse me reposting, but searching for "damaged rim" does return a LOT of results.

If a moderator feel it necessary to close or get rid of this thread, I'd understand. Thanks again guys!
chubbychu
10-26-09, 01:53 AM
Get some better friends.

I don't recall calling him my "friend" in any of my posts! :lol: I believe I referred to him as "roommate". hehe.