Generally speaking... Does a steel rim have a seam?
08-14-20, 04:41 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Generally speaking... Does a steel rim have a seam?
I just bought a cheap Mongoose Mutant kids bike with 16 inch (36 hole!) wheels.
I can't see or feel a seam anywhere on its painted rims. Is there a seam? Seems like there should be.
It should be on the opposite side of the valve hole?
Thanks.
I can't see or feel a seam anywhere on its painted rims. Is there a seam? Seems like there should be.
It should be on the opposite side of the valve hole?
Thanks.
08-14-20, 05:41 PM
#3
Really Old Senior Member
How could it NOT have a seam?
Likely it's welded, but should be quite visible from the rim strip side. They don't finish grind/polish the weld on that side.
Likely it's welded, but should be quite visible from the rim strip side. They don't finish grind/polish the weld on that side.
08-14-20, 06:10 PM
#4
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Yes, every steel rim I've seen (and that's a LOT) have has seams. Some better finished then others.
Has the OP confirmed the rim is steel with a magnet? Andy
Has the OP confirmed the rim is steel with a magnet? Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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08-14-20, 06:52 PM
#5
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Right! I will look there, someday.
Yes, it's magnetic.
No biggie, I just wanted to know for sure that it's supposed to have a seam (opposite the valve).
Thanks.
Yes, it's magnetic.
No biggie, I just wanted to know for sure that it's supposed to have a seam (opposite the valve).
Thanks.
Last edited by Badzilla; 08-14-20 at 07:02 PM.
08-14-20, 07:23 PM
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There's no reason why on low end high production rims that the seam has to be or will be diametrically across from the valve hole. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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08-15-20, 11:12 AM
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08-15-20, 12:09 PM
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08-15-20, 12:57 PM
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I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that you seem disappointed because you can't see the seam.
08-15-20, 08:31 PM
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08-15-20, 09:14 PM
#11
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08-15-20, 09:52 PM
#12
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It has 36 holes on a 16 inch wheel. In years of looking around, I overlooked it probably because it has a steel frame. Will weigh the frame when everything is removed. My 20 inch aluminum frames are 2.8-3 pounds.
Last edited by Badzilla; 08-15-20 at 09:56 PM.
08-16-20, 07:05 AM
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08-16-20, 10:44 AM
#14
Really Old Senior Member
Even on low end stuff, it still makes sense to put the seam opposite the valve hole. The seam is heavier because a splice is used to join the two ends. Also, the end with the valve hole is heavier because of the valve stem in the tube, so it makes sense to directly offset the two heaviest points of the rim/tube/tire combo.
It's what's "possible", even if it doesn't make sense.
Hardly worth quoting someone on such a trivial matter.
08-16-20, 08:23 PM
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Welded, ground smooth (mostly on the outside), and painted. Look for the part of the rim where the surface reflects light just a bit different than the rest.
Or if you're really curious, deflate the rear tire, put your finger in the gap, feel the rim bead, and work your way around the circumference until you cut yourself on that hideously sharp weld slag that *every crappy steel rim* has in it. I've seen steel cruiser rims with such bad slag that they would puncture any tube installed in them. Had to pull out the death wheel to grind one smooth once.
-Kurt
Or if you're really curious, deflate the rear tire, put your finger in the gap, feel the rim bead, and work your way around the circumference until you cut yourself on that hideously sharp weld slag that *every crappy steel rim* has in it. I've seen steel cruiser rims with such bad slag that they would puncture any tube installed in them. Had to pull out the death wheel to grind one smooth once.
-Kurt
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