This forum just gave a new member a difficult time because he was thinking of stripping and re-painting a "vintage" bicycle frame. Certain BF members seemed to feel that doing this would somehow be disrespectful of the "bicycle community". Really? The "bicycle community"?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Few-Questions?

Now we have people in here telling the OP of this thread that his bent and re-straightened rim is "safe" to ride on without taking into consideration that the rim could have an unseen crack and/or that it may, in fact, be structurally unsound. Yep, painting a "vintage" frame is bad, but it's OK to advise someone that their bent and re-straightened rim is OK to ride on.

What if the rim collapses due to the previous damage and the rider, or someone else, is hurt? What are you going to say? I'm sorry? Or gee, I hope you don't try to sue me and/or the BF owner or owners?

I just don't think we should be handing out possibly unsound advice that could lead to someone being hurt, especially when we aren't there in person and, therefore, can't really take a close look at the damaged component.

The term "better safe than sorry" should, imo, always be applied when it comes to handing out safety related advice on the Internet.