Originally Posted by steelbikeguy

If there aren't any cracks, then I'd say that they can be used. Wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on them, though.

My Raleigh International came with AVA tubular rims, and they had this sort of bulge when the bike was new and unridden. It used washers under the spoke nipples to help spread out the load. If you don't have them, nipple washers might give you more confidence in the rims.

Steve in Peoria