Weinmann DP18 Rim Seams
 

I know the topic is beaten to death but I've searched the forums and (a) no where is there a pic of failed joints and (b) no one has made a claim like I am about to.

In February 2010 I received the Weinmann DP18 wheelset from eBay/wheelandsprocket. I noticed they had very obvious weld seams on them but I thought nothing of it. On the day I got them, I took note of the seam; I would describe them as being almost open by 1mm (I can stick a toothpick in the seam) and gradually closing as they meet the machined section. Both wheels have the identical split.

I've been riding them everyday since without any problems. I'm not trying to fuss about it as I am well beyond any warranty or exchange. I just wanted an opinion on them from some of you. Should I be worried? I have found no tangible reports online of Weinmann's actually splitting or failing but I seem to be the only one who report on them being "open". Are yours like that too?

Thanks, looking forward.

I used to have a set from Velomine. I wouldn't be surprised if they were from the same factory/mass-wheel-producing-people. I didn't notice any seams in the rim.

Picts?

Got a set of the white DP-18s on the commuter. There is a noticeable seam to the rim. But there's no gaps like you stated, which I wouldn't trust. Might be a rim defect.

The seam should be on the opposite side of the valve hole.

The joint wasn't welded correctly if you could stick a toothpick thru it. I would contact the vendor to see if they would replace it.

These are glued seems and not welded. very few companies weld the seems of rims anymore.

velomine is actually a small business ran by Ben Cole, currently based in Springfield, Illinois.

He is a great guy and hand builds each wheel he sells. Always expect excellent quality from him.

a toothpick? woah, looks like you have a problem.

Rim could be welded with molasses and still hold. Read brandt on rims.

you almost had it.


In fact the joint wasn't welded at all. Weinman employs a pin and sleeve construction with those rims, there is a insert that extents about an inch and a half inside the each side of the rim between the two walls which is "pinned" in place. Buy a welded rim if you want a super seamless rim join. But in the case of your rims they are probably fine and i wouldn't worry about them.


And many companies still produce welded rims, just only on their more expensive rims.

Thank you all for the replies. What an amazing forum!

I went to my fav LBS on my way home from work and got them to take a looky-see. A couple guys there agreed that it wasn't a problem for a couple reasons: 1. the rim is pinned, and 2. the downward force smooshes the ends towards each other. They believed it was the paint buckling and exposing the seam. We checked for flat spots on both rims and there was no indication of any problems.

I got home to check your responses (so many) and you were all, mostly, correct. I even got some pics ready for the thread, but it's no use now. If anyone would REALLY like to see them, lemme know!

Thank you again

PS. operator, I guess someone else HAS, in fact, made the same claim about their rim seam. Thanks for the link.