Touring - Surly LHT 26" Wheels, Potential Setup for Flats from Manufacturer?

Quite by accident I discovered that my Surly might be setting me up for flats. I had a Specialized Nimbus tire go bad (developed a bump), I removed it to see what the problem with the tire was when I discovered a sharp protrusion under the rim tape. Hmm what's this? Thinking it was a small foreign object, I removed the rim tape to discover a rather sharp protruding piece of metal from when the spoke hole was drilled. That's odd I thought. I inspected the rest of the rim and found several sharp burrs from the spoke hole drilling process.

I filed all of them smooth, replaced the tire, and aired it up. As I thought about those sharp burrs, on the rear wheel I decided to inspect the front. Sure enough it had a few as well. I have no doubt that one or more of those burrs would have worked through the plastic tape and caused a flat.

My wheels are the 26" Alexrim Adventures. I think I have around 400 or so miles on my Surly to date and hadn't had a flat yet. Has anyone else discovered this potential problem? If not it might be prudent to inspect them the next time a tire is replaced?

You got the complete bike kit , relative price point is why things were chosen, ..

I'd take off the rimstrips and deburr all the spoke holes . Now.

they apparently skipped that bit of labor cost, per rim, to get the price down.

You got the complete bike kit , relative price point is why things were chosen, ..

I'd take off the rimstrips and deburr all the spoke holes . Now.

they apparently skipped that bit of labor cost, per rim, to get the price down.

Already accomplished that bit of preventative maintenance.

not surprised, this can happen with any rim, and it does. the wheel building machine can also leave brass in the rim too. had some fancy road wheels with debris in them from the machining.

Would a Dremel tool with a little grinding bit be helpful? Just curious. I don't have one, but am always interested in a good excuse to buy tools.

You let Surly know about the problem?

"Would a Dremel tool with a little grinding bit be helpful? Just curious. I don't have one, but am always interested in a good excuse to buy tools. "


Yes it would do the trick most effeciently. I used a small file and knocked off the burrs easy enough. I was just surprised to find them.

You let Surly know about the problem?

No I haven't. It might be good to do so though. I think they are a good company and would listen. I had no flats, fouls or anything, so I expect nothing from them.

a de burring tool is pretty inexpensive, shop that sold the bike should get feedback
to check this on their pre sale preps..

The pre packaged bikes are likely partially assembled , like most bikes are.
by Asian companies contracted to make the bikes for the Importing company.

a de burring tool is pretty inexpensive, shop that sold the bike should get feedback
to check this on their pre sale preps..

The pre packaged bikes are likely partially assembled , like most bikes are.
by Asian companies contracted to make the bikes for the Importing company.

Couldn't agree more. Next time I'm in the shop I'll be sure to mention the issue.

You should replace the rim tape with velox cloth rim tape.