Rim bulge

[Twilkes]

I went over a pothole a few weeks ago, with the attached results. It affected braking, so I moved the pad a little lower and that's not really a problem any more. I've tried tapping it back in, including with a block of wood over the rim, but it's not really budging. Am I not using enough force, or is that just not a good idea? Haven't taken the tyre off and tried to bend it with a wrench yet, but would be happy to try it if it's likely to help.

Given that there are no other negative effects, and no evidence of any cracks, or any damage getting any worse, should I be concerned about this? The rims are pretty heavy duty, and it only affects the very top edge of one side, the majority of the rim surface is fine.

 

[PoweredByVeg]

If you haven't taken the tyre off yet does that mean you didn't get a flat when you hit the pothole

 

[Twilkes]

That is correct.

 

[PatrickPending]

I have tapped back steel rims in the past, pretty much as you describe, if it were me I'd probably look for a new wheel but I'd guess it'd be ok but I would keep an eye on it!

 

[black'n'yellow]

you will have to remove the tyre in order to have a decent chance at repairing it. Moving the brake blocks below the dent line is not the answer. The tyre sidewall looks like it may be damaged as well...

 

[biggs682]

keep am eye on it incase a crack starts to appear , does it not give you a flat spot as you are riding ?

 

[Twilkes]

The tyre's okay, and there's no flat spot when it's rolling so lucky there. I'll probably have a go at it next time I need to take the wheel off, but it's been about a month and 400 miles with no change so I'll just check it every few journeys to make sure nothing's getting worse.

Can you tell it's definitely a steel rim? I know aluminium rims are more susceptible to cracking when being whacked with a hammer.

 

[black'n'yellow]

the rim is aluminium, not steel...

 

[fossyant]

How old are the rims. This is usually the first sign of a worn rim. Done the same myself, the rim needed replacing as it was getting worn. I'd only bend back with a new rim so long as it wasn't far out. The rims don't look that new.

 

[wisdom]

I would go for a new rim.
Also contact the clowncil and report the pothole

 

[andrew_s]

Block of wood each side and squeeze with a G-clamp.

I agree that it looks like the rim is getting thin anyway. I'd recommend checking it (suitable gauge) - replace if thinner than 1mm

If you haven't taken the tyre off yet does that mean you didn't get a flat when you hit the pothole

You don't always get a pinch. I once hit hard enough to move the whole rim inwards by ~1cm without either a pinch or damaged flanges.

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

I wouldn't be happy riding with my wheel like that especially since you said you had to move the brake pad across. Your local bike shop should be able to tap it back into shape for you and inspect it for damage while they're at it.

 

[Herzog]

I wouldn't be happy riding with my wheel like that especially since you said you had to move the brake pad across. Your local bike shop should be able to tap it back into shape for you and inspect it for damage while they're at it.

Or rebuild the wheel using a new rim if repair is not advisable/possible.

 

[byegad]

Depends how much you care about yourself. I'd go for a new wheel.