metz1295

I found a flat spot on my front rim. It's not creased or cracked. Do you think it can be saved?

rpenmanparker 

I refer you to Linda Ronstadt: "Some say the heart is just like a wheel. You can bend it, but you can't mend it."

It's either rideable the way it is, or it's garbage. There is no better case.

ThermionicScott 

What kind of rim? I've banged flat spots out of sturdy aluminum rims with good success.

3alarmer 

...there's a tool that helps.



But the one we have here is ancient, and I'm not sure where you'd get access to one.


You can loosen the spokes at the flat spot, then try putting a supported 2 x 4 or 1 x 3 through and try to coax it back into more of a curve by pushing down on both sides.
Generally, if the flat spot is at 12 o'clock, you need to tighten the spokes at 10 and 2 to push the flat spot out farther.

Sometimes this is more trouble than it's worth.

Homebrew01

Maybe YOU can't mend it, but plenty of others might be able to.

Homebrew01

And loosen the spokes at 12:00.

The answer is "Maybe".

Depends how bad it is. Minor flats spots can often be made "good enough", others are better of swapping the rim.

metz1295

It's the standard aluminum rim that came on the bike.

Specialized Bicycle Components

For those asking how bad it is. Basically, the feel is like riding on a sidewalk. I barely notice it on most roads, but on bike paths it's rather prominent.

dvdslw

Sounds like a good enough excuse to upgrade the wheels to me!!! Unless they can be fixed for next to nothing I'd start looking for a replacement set.

rpenmanparker 

Not good enough for a discriminating cyclist. You just can't fake round.

metz1295

Cyclist says, "Yes." Budget says, "Maybe in the Spring. Maybe"

dvdslw

I understand completely, in that case be sure to get a couple solid estimates to repair the rim (if it can be repaired) just to be sure it's worth fixing before you have them do it. Those Axis wheels are pretty much the bottom of the barrel and I would be hard presses to spend any money to fix them over say $50 because you could probably find another set of takeoffs at your lbs or on craigslist in the $100-$200 range easily and have a spare rear wheel for the next emergency.

Homebrew01

If you get a new rim of any brand, and the same diameter, and the spokes are in good shape, you can swap just the rim. Pretty easy & quick job.

rpenmanparker 

That is what I would try to do. Even if you have to have the LBS do the job, it shouldn't be much more expensive than futzing with the bent rim.

metz1295

A lot of great advice. Thanks to everyone.

We have a new LBS in the area. I was in there earlier in the week to buy tires. I hope that's enough to get him to take 10-15 minutes with the wheel and see if something can be done that will cost $0. My preferred LBS closed last fall. I could have walked in with the wheel and a dozen donuts then walked out with a straightened rim. I hope to have the same rapport with the new guy some day. Maybe tomorrow will be that day.

cale

Don't expect freebies if your shop has a supervisor. Most shops need paying customers too badly.

If you can get around to check out a craigslist ad or two, you can probably find a good used wheel that way.

RPK79

Oh I'm gonna ride you home tonight
Oh ride through that red street light
Oh 50 miles I'm gonna bang out
Flat spotted rims you make the cycling world go round

Tunnelrat81

Hmm, so you can't run a business on donuts? Who knew? I always wonder when people suggest bringing a six-pack to your local LBS and the shop guys will help out etc.. Unless the mechanic is the owner of the shop, and not struggling to stay in the black, then it's best to expect to pay real currency for your services. At the very minimum, it would be better to bring the cost of those donuts, because they actually have a chance to keep the lights on.

-Jeremy

Homebrew01

I always interpreted it to suggest "goodies" as a tip, in addition to the service charge.

metz1295

The intent is that a bit of kindness shown in both directions results in business transactions later that hold real value. A lot of small business work, thrive and survive because of this type of personal touch.

The old LBS did not close due to lack of profit. It closed because the one mechanic, an outstanding mechanic btw, wanted to make a life change. The owner of the shop opened the business for his love of cycling and was completely hands off. His riches came from other sources. The shop closed because the owner decided the loss of this mechanic was a big loss. He had hope the gentleman would eventually take over the business. When that didn't happen, he just closed shop.

I know that I over paid for Specialized gear from that store versus the less expensive, but equal in quality, stuff at Performance (which is closer to my house too) because of the little things that mechanic often contributed to my cycling experience.

Bah Humbug

Yep. Bringing beer helped get my bike fixed FAST, but was never a replacement for payment.

metz1295

Exactly. I had to go the layaway route with my bike. The final payment was accompanied by a large pizza, from another local small business, to show appreciation for taking the long way to pay for a bike.

Tunnelrat81

I don't disagree with this sentiment at all, but the comment that I responded to was in search of a solution that would cost $0. You'll forgive me for taking your words to mean what they stated.

I know mechanics who do the work for the love and service of it to the community, and some of these people wouldn't make good businessmen because they're too generous with their time. I would never fault someone for tipping beyond the job's cost, but there are times when I feel like insisting to pay for the repair. I always ask our LBS mechs what charge I should have the desk ring me up for, and although I feel grateful when they say, "don't worry about it," I always wonder what the store manager would have to say about that.

-Jeremy

cale

Guess he (the owner) wasn't in it for the customers. Too bad.

metz1295

I don't think that was it at all. This was a side hobby for him and he didn't have the time to dedicate to keeping it as excellent as it was. Though I was one who wanted it to be around forever, I completely understand the decision.

cale

No sure if I'd feel that way if I'd been among the last to buy from him.