Collin2424

I noticed some changes in the texture of the carbon on my Bontrager Race X-Lite wheelset recently. They are indentations where the spokes meet the aero rim. This greatly concerns me as you can imagine. It's hard to explain, but it's like the spoke tension has changed the shape of the rim and therefore the finish is rougher and indented there. Here are some photos...what do you guys think? I've been in contact with Bontrager as well and am awaiting a response.

Lastly, is this area of the rim load-bearing? Or is it just for aero purposes? I'm pretty unfamiliar with these rims structurally. Not sure if there's any weight being supported on that section or not. Thanks for any insight.

Cheers!

abstractform20

what does it taste like? this is very important, acidic is bad and sour is good.

98TJ

What have you been using to clean them?

Collin2424

Never cleaned them with anything other than a damp paper towel and water. I haven't put many miles on them at all, so they've never accumulated much of anything. I'm just changing the tires for the first time, actually.

-Collin-

StanSeven

If those weren't paired spoke wheels, I wouldn't be concerned. But that arrangement leaves long gaps in the rim between spokes. I wonder if hitting bumps and potholes causes the material to flex and perhaps crack on the insides. Try taking a coin and tap along the surface listening for a sound that isn't solid.

wrr1020

I was wondering the same, looks like theirs some kind of film build up from a cleaner.

Collin2424

The photo is misleading in that sense, unfortunately. I did the best I could. The glossy parts of the rim are actually the affected area that feels rough to the touch and where the indentations are. I wish I could get a better photo to show exactly what I'm talking about.

So does anyone know if those parts of the rim are structural? The guy at the Trek dealer said they are in fact high-stress areas; that's what concerns me.

There's also the option to just keeping riding them and write-off my front teeth.

StanSeven

Or you could have picked up some caustic material on the road.

Collin2424

There is a similar patter at each paired spoke joint with the rim. I don't see how that can be road damage from debris or anything. Any other ideas? Thanks for the opinions.