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wobbly wheel - fix or ditch?

by LifestyleSpecialist
Mon, Jul 18, 2016 09:41
9

So a pothole in Essex got the better of my front wheel on the weekend. First I knew was an immediate flat tyre. After putting a new tube in I noticed the wheel was not longer rolling straight. Looking at the brake pads I could see the rims were getting close to the pad every revolution. I nursed the bike home and, after a few concilatory beers, am now considering what to do: fix the wheel or ditch in and get some new kit.

I've got a 2012 Mavic Aksium Elite wheelset so they aren't exactly top range to start with but they've been absolute stalwarts on the pitted country roads. They've done plenty of miles and been faultless until now. The rear wheel fine so I'm just thinking about a new front wheel. 

Any recommendations? Is it worth fixing what is a relatively cheap wheel anyway? Or should I just fork out and get a new wheel? Any recommendations? I'm an enthusiastic amateur rider doing a few sportives a year so not looking to break any time trial records. I don't mind mixing brands or anything like that. Not too precious about astheitics. 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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alansmurphy | 8 years ago
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My man in the know tru's wheels for about £6 a go (I do live in the blisfull North though) and £10 for a hub check, grease, rebuild etc. Definitely more cost effective if the wheels are otherwise up to the task...

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chrismayoh | 8 years ago
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Is the wheel re-seated properly in the front fork?

It's worth a quick look before visiting the LBS

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LifestyleSpecialist replied to chrismayoh | 8 years ago
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chrismayoh wrote:

Is the wheel re-seated properly in the front fork?

It's worth a quick look before visiting the LBS

Yeah I checked this after I changed the flat tube post pot hole. 

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Man of Lard | 8 years ago
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Get a new one (if the rim hasn't been dented/splayed) and fix the other (maybe in the winter) so you have a spare...

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LifestyleSpecialist replied to Man of Lard | 8 years ago
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Man of Lard wrote:

Get a new one (if the rim hasn't been dented/splayed) and fix the other (maybe in the winter) so you have a spare...

Thanks for the advice all. Really appreciate it. I'm a relativel newbie on bike maintenance so I'm heaing to the LBS tomorrow to get them to have a look. I've just moved so it's about time I paid my new local a visit anyhow.

I like MoL's suggestion though. Satisfy the desire for shiny new parts whilst giving me a winter knockabout wheel.

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fenix | 8 years ago
0 likes

Seriously ? 

 

Sounds like it wasn't even hitting the brake blocks ? So it's not a massive buckle.

 

Get a spoke key.

 

Watch a couple of youtube vids on truing wheels.

 

All you need is a spoke key and an upside down bike.  You can sort out small buckles in a couple of minutes. Easiest thing in the world. 

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Dnnnnnn | 8 years ago
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+1 for previous posters. I hope you had good tyre pressure  - it's important to protect your rims (and prevent punctures).

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DaveE128 | 8 years ago
1 like

If it's just a lateral wobble, then it may be fixed with a spoke key and a little knowledge on how to true wheels. You'll need a little time though.

However, if the rim is dented (sides flared out) or there is a significant flat spot (ie it's no longer round), it may not be possible to repair.

Sounds like you're fishing for an excuse for a wheel upgrade, but if it were me I'd definitely true it myself.

This isn't a bad guide:

https://bikemagic.com/how-to/mountain-bike-maintenance/wheel-truing-basi...

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VeloUSA | 8 years ago
1 like

Take the wheel to your LBS for truing. They will true it or tell you it's trashed.

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