So yesterday I was not paying attention for two seconds and hit the streetcar tracks. My front wheel slipped into them but luckily I was could prevent a crash. But now my front wheel has a small dent.

My question is: Is it still safe to ride? Can I just take some sandpaper and smooth the braking surface?


Sorry for the bad photo quality

Yes, just sand down the rough or high spots.

An emery board for fingernails would work well. They are quite handy little things.

Gruessen aus New Jersey! Try sanding and polishing with steel wool, always in the direction of the wheel circumference. It's certainly safe to ride, but you may have an annoying sound as the brake pad passes over the damaged spot. Or, it may be fine.

(Einmal habe ich in SanKt Radegund gewohnt.)

Thanks for the replies!

I can live with an annoying sound as long as it doesn't affect the functionality

Awesome, Sankt Radegund is actually right around the corner where I'm from!

It's fine. Sand it down if it interferes with braking. Otherwise just leave it alone. And be more careful next time

Looks like the tire side lost most of the rubber also and will soon be toast. Ka BOOM

Wouldn't blip my radar. You should count your blessings that you didn't get a big warp in your rim. That would have required a replacement.

You can feel and hear it while braking, so I'll sand it down carefully. But it seems like I was pretty lucky considering what could have happend

Perhaps. Take a close look to see if the cords of the tire are actually cut, or just a bit exposed.
If cut, replace the tire.