[CR] How to straighten steel rims?

(Example: Framebuilders:Rene Herse)

Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:58:39 -0700
From: "Doug Van Cleve" <dvancleve@gmail.com>
To: CR discussion list <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] How to straighten steel rims?


Howdy folks.

I have a couple bikes that age-wise are on topic but are not classic lightweights (a Dunelt women's 3 speed and a 24" Schwinn Speedster 3 speed). Both were good if not light bikes when new and both have quality chromed steel rims. Both also have pretty good wobbles that I can't true out with spoke tensions I can tolerate. What I did to make them as true as possible is to use blue Loctite on the spoke at the bend and only hand tighten it (no spoke wrench). This localized and minimized the wobble. Since they are high spoke count, heavy rimmed wheels I think they will hold up okay for the type of use they are likely to get. I am wondering though, is there a technique for bending the rim back the right direction (that won't do more harm then good) so I don't have several slack spokes per wheel?

Thanks, Doug

Doug Van Cleve
Chandler, AZ USA