thedon

Got my wheel stuck in a rut along a MUP the other day, I'm ok but the bike took a little damage. The front wheel, a Bontrager Select road disc, is now 2-3 millimeters off and the large chain ring took a hit on the ground bending three teeth in a little bit and rubbing them down a mm or so.

How serious do you think these problems are? A new front wheel should run me about $100 but the braking is still alright since it's a disc brake and the rim looks fine, but the constant wobble is bugging me. Riding is barely affected but what would you guys rate the severity and urgency of fixing the problems?

ax0n

Your LBS can twist a few spoke nipples and get your wheel back in alignment, probably for under $15.

You can (and SHOULD!) buy a new chainring. Your LBS can order it and install it, probably cheap. Keep your chain off that chainring as if your life depends on it, and if it's still rubbing the chain because of the bent teeth or being warped, then don't ride it at all until you can get it fixed. You'll tear up the rest of your drivetrain if the damaged teeth hit the chain either from riding in the damaged gear or from rubbing the chain.

thedon

Cool, I'll probably get the wheel fixed this week. Does my life depend on keeping the chain off that ring? I rarely use the large ring anyway, but if I were to accidentally shift to it for a few seconds what might happen?

ax0n

Without seeing how bad it is, the damage caused by it could be almost nothing, or it might scuff the chain up, causing premature wear or maybe permanent chain/cassete damage. Just depends. Your life certainly doesn't depend on it, but it could be the difference between a $30 chainring, and a $70 Chainring, cassette, and chain.

thedon

Since I don't use the large chain ring really I will try to bend them back with pliers just so if I do switch to it by accident I can minimize damage.