Flat Rim Society
 

My Mavic MA40’s have failed! After just 40 years of riding I’ve got a flat spot on the rear rim! These are the replacement wheels I “upgraded” to for my 1975 Fuji Dynamic 10 and purchased from Performance in 1984ish. Hubs are Suntour Cyclone and appear just fine.
What wheel builders are available around DELMARVA that would build using my hubs?
Rick
PS Actually wonderfully happy these wheels rolled so long. Used, abused, rode home wet way too often.

Show me a decent picture of the flat spot. I have managed to repair such problems with very little effort or time spent. I might even have a spare rim or spare set, in case you are in need. Show the pics please.

Randy
Super and thanks much. I’ll post photos soon. Currently serving newbie probation time. More later.
Rims are still rolling and I’m on the bike this week doing rail trails in Catskills. Had them inspected before leaving home.
Thanks, Rick

You should be able to post pics to your profile gallery without having 10 posts.

DIY flat spot fix therapy is to completely loosen spokes directly above flat spot, suspend the wheel on stout pole or board and pull/hang on it with all your weight to pull the flat spot back outward enough that you can tension and re-true the wheel. Also make sure the spokes 180° from the flat spot are not too tight, pulling the entire wheel in that direction. Alternately, here are even tools made that locate on the hub and push outward on the flat spot to provide force to reset the flat spot bend.

Final terminal death of MA40 I have experience is when it cracks at an eyelet and a spoke starts pulling the eyelet through the rim.

The Bott had a wheel with a "flat" spot in it. I fixed that
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f99590b310.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8d3a7e8cce.jpg

Looks painful! Especially the rasp!!
Rick

I posted photos in Gallery. Just learning this app. Hope they’re visible. Two bikes, drive train and a hub.

the rasp was used to create the curve for the wood against the rim curved surface. The big pain was the hit to create the "flat" spot.
Identify where the greatest displacement is and mark it (x) then find the transition points (|) and clamp. Keep moving the transition points until there is no displacement.

rodonnel Good Morning and welcome to the forums! Great looking old Fuji. Can you post a pic of the wheel shows the flat spot? As others have suggested if it isn't too bad a good wheel builder should be able to get a flat spot out. How do you hubs look inside?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45c149b459.jpg

Are these sealed cartridge bearing? or just a rubber seal around the cone?

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7bebde164e.jpg

Nice looking Bianchi

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...59d582c938.jpg

We had one of these at the first shop I worked for:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...36a7c5b88f.png

SJX426
Understood and thanks for explaining. I’ll look closely at the rim after getting home to MD. Right now wheels are covered in stone dust. My wife and I are in New Paltz, NY area. I’ll post some comments in another forum. Also recommendations for a good wheel builder Philly/Balt/DC welcomed.
Rick

Bianchi Girl
Thanks for the compliments and question. My Bianchi is like I bought her. Just tires, bar tape (needs new) and pedals are changed. Oh and a friendlier freewheel for tired legs.
Regarding those hubs…. I’ll have to check. Covered in stone dust today. More later.
Rick