Originally Posted by merlinextraligh

1) uhm, I'm reasonably sure, the rim is taking forces both inward and outward. The rim at the top of the wheel is being subject to forces from the spokes in tension, not unlike the force of the weight of the bike against the hook as it hangs from the ceiling.

Most modern bicycle wheels work in tension, not compression, (and the one notable example of one that work in both tension and compression you don't want to ride, but I digress.)

2) the static load of 17 lbs hanging there is orders of magnitude below the thousands of pounds of force a rim is subjected when a 175lb rider hits a pothole at speed. If a wheel can't handle that diminimis load, I don't want to ride it.