Re: [CR]Flat spot on rim

I have re-curved flat spots in rims by hanging the rim atop a 3-foot post and pushing down on either side using my barely-sufficient body weight. Heavier rims always present a challenge.

A big problem, however, is that a flat-spotted rim is also bent the other way to each end of the flat spotted region, so bending back a spokeless (bare) rim this way creates significant egg-shapedness, vs. a circle. Removing a spoke or three from a built wheel and then bending it back atop the post requires more force but seems to always result in greater roundness and yes, also subjects adjacent spokes to super-high tension.

So, the use of a proper old-school rim-dent-puller tool is superior by virtue of it's rigidly positioned, curved anvils. I have wished I had one.

I have considered fashioning a simple wooden fixture using 2X4 lumber to act as a press lever, but usually resort to using any partially-corrected rim on the front wheel, where the more-even tensions can better control it's final shape. The other alternative has been to wait for the desired scarce rim to appear at a good price, especially as I frequent bike swapmeets. The $65 Ebay rim can often then be had for dime-on-the-dollar.

David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa