Can you post a close up pic?
2010-05-15 23:30:42
9
problem/crack at the rim seam
I noticed a weird periodic noise when using the read brake today and when I got home I put my bike on the stand and noticed immediately the rear wheel was WAY out of true. Then I noticed at what I presume is the seam (directly opposite the valve), the two halves don't exactly match up. It's not separating but there is a noticeable "crack" and where it's kind of rough on both braking surfaces.
I've never experienced this before, do I need a new rim or is it OK to keep riding it like that? I saw conflicting stuff on the internets. I'm planning to ride Pedal Pittsburgh tomorrow and would certainly rather use the crosscheck than my mountain bike.
I don't remember hitting anything but who knows with all these potholes.
2010-05-15 23:02:34
yep pic is in order, depends on severity. best case sand it down, worst replace the rim.
2010-05-16 00:45:03
Thanks... I have a couple crappy pics in my phone but I'm not at home and not going to be able to figure out how to post them in any timely fashion. The best I can describe it is its kind of laterally shifted - only by a tiny amount, the wheel is much more out of true though. Thanks for trying to diagnose with almost no info, I think I'm not going to risk it and just ride the mtb...
2010-05-16 01:23:52
this is common in cheaper rims, and happens to the best of them... a little fine grit sandpaper is the best solution, but true the wheel first
don't sand too much! only sand the high side.
if it seems really bad take to to kraynicks, he has a tool for this that only helps really bad cases... otherwise sandpaper.
2010-05-16 04:34:23
I'll take it to the shop tomorrow and see what they say... The rim is Alexrims DA16 - I have no idea if that's good or not.
Any recommendations if I need a new wheel? It's for my crosscheck plus I'm not exactly the most svelte person on the planet so I'm more interested in sturdiness vs. weight.
Anyways, I finished Pedal Pittsburgh (50mi) on my MTB although I was cursing myself for not at least putting the slicks on.
2010-05-17 01:22:21
+1 for the 50 on mtb.
2010-05-17 01:37:29
Thanks... I like to think it was difficult because of the bike/tires and not because I'm out of shape or anything. 
2010-05-17 14:40:28
ok... i think i need a new rim, trying to do some research but any suggestions?
the shop suggested salsa delgado cross which seems pretty similar to the rim i had, but seems to get good reviews.
welded vs pinned seems to be a big controversy, given i've had a pinned rim fail on me at the seam i'm thinking about welded but no idea what to get? mavic a719?
2010-05-17 20:54:53