Is my wheel a pork pie...?

[Maz]

That's a very noticeable sound.
Is there any way the mudguard is scraping the tyre when you apply the brakes? Not a very likely cause, but worth a try.

 

[Hydra]

Checked the mudguard, no rub.

Funnily enough the sound has more or less stopped now the new brake pads have worn in a bit, so perhaps the brakes had worn past their ideal point. They looked to have plenty life left though.

Day off tomorrow, so I'm going to have a proper look, and if needs be I'll get the LBS to have a nosey

 

[fossyant]

It's slightly out. Now you say that it may have been hit by something. There is a chance that the rim could be dented. Slight 'out of' true won't be felt when braking, but if the rim is dented, then there is a chance.

That sounds like slightly out, but if it's affecting braking by pulsing, then it's likely a dent.

This happened to my rim.........