tsappenfield

I recently purchased a barely ridden Miyata Five-Twelve road bike for $35. Pretty cool machine with its internal cables and all. The bike has Wolber GTA Gentleman 36 hole, 700 rims. On the first test ride, there was a very noticable thumping from the rear wheel. Sure enough, it has a flat spot. My local bike shop doesn't seem too interested in trying to fix the rim. A local retired mechanic told me how I might fix it using a couple of 2 x 4's and a hammer. I'm not sure that's the best way to go. I've been watching for this rim on ebay for the past six weeks and none have shown up. I've also read some old Bike Forum posts about this Wolber rim and the difficulty of getting certain tires on and off the rim. Anyhow, what about this possible fix of the flat spot on the rim? Anyone ever tried this? Anyone out there have one to sell? What might be a good substitute that's not too pricey?

TSAPP

rhm

Here's my technique.

1. Measure the distance between the center of the hub flange and the rim, not at the flat spot.
2. Cut a piece of 1x2" pine to exactly that dimension. Cut one end of it convex so it matches the inner curve of the rim. Cut the other end concave to match the hub.
3. Loosen the spokes at the flat spot. You may also want to loosen all the other spoke one turn or so.
4. Jam that piece of wood into the space between the rim and hub at the flat spot. It won't fit easily. Try not to break your hub in half.
5. Now the tricky part. Start tightening the spokes at the edge of the flat spot, and see if you can take the pressure of the piece of wood. If so, try forcing thin cards between the wood and the rim to pull it farther out, and keep working with the spokes. Add more cards until the flat spot goes away. Eventually you can take out the wood and your wheel will still be round.

You can get it perfect. It will take you more time than the guy at the bike shop is willing to spend, though.

tsappenfield

It's a rainy day in Akron OH, so I'll give your technique a try and get back to you. Thanks.

TSAPP

kroozer 

Wolber used to be Super Champion, and there are SC Gentleman rims around too.