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New wheel/rim

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New wheel/rim

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flag Reymoose
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 12:28 Quote
Hey everyone,

I seem to have damaged my rear bike rim. I think I hit it on a kerb and when I went to ride it the other day, I noticed the tire was completely flat. Looking at it, I can see part of the rim has bent inwards and the air just rushes through that area.

The bike is a Giant Fathom 1 2021. It's on 29" wheels. The website says "Giant AM 29, tubeless ready, sleeve-joint rim, 30mm inner width". I've had a look to see if I could just get a replacement from Giant, but it's looking like you can't?

Looking at wheels online is a bit overwhelming. I'm a total newbie to mountain biking so I don't really know what wheel would be compatible with my bike. From what I have seen, I will need a wheel size of 29", an inner width of 30mm and it needs to be a thru axle wheel. Is that correct?

I was looking at some Shimano as they seem to get good reviews at a decent price, but I couldn't find a rear tubeless with a 30mm inner diameter width. I don't know If I'm reading things wrong.

If anyone has some suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated as I'm a bit lost at the moment.
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 12:47 Quote
First thing: are you actually running your wheels tubeless or with tubes installed? Just because it say's "tubeless ready" doesn't mean the bike was set up without tubes. I think Giant and just about every other major brand provides bikes with tubeless ready wheels, but they are set up with tubes for simplicity. The end user sets it up tubeless if desired.

In any case you should be able to get away with simply straightening the rim and putting a new tube in it and it'll probably be fine. If you posted a picture of the damage then the forum could offer more suggestions.

In my experience of damaging rims I've been able to bend the rim straight and run with tubes plenty of times and had no issues. I have an old pair of 26 inch rims that are still on the trail today and I've corrected them three times per wheel.

But if you want to buy new wheels and you're overwhelmed then just go to the LBS and ask for a replacement. They can show you options that fit your bike, your style and your budget.

My first recommendation stands - take the tire off, straighten the rim, put the tire back on with a new tube.

Good luck.
flag DJ-24
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 13:04 Quote
In the event that straightening the rim doesn't work out, the only important factor you need to be aware of when buying a new wheel is your hub spacing, which i assume is 148mm. Rim width is really a matter of preference,so if you find a good deal on a 28mm wheel, that would work fine. Another option is to buy just a rim and use your hub to have a wheel built.
flag Reymoose
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 13:18 Quote
Thanks for the response guys. Much appreciated.

Sorry I should have mentioned. The wheels are tubeless (They have that white sealant inside). I'll try and see if I can bend the rim back a bit as my first option. I guess I have nothing to lose if I somehow make it worse!
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 14:18 Quote
Reymoose wrote:
Thanks for the response guys. Much appreciated.

Sorry I should have mentioned. The wheels are tubeless (They have that white sealant inside). I'll try and see if I can bend the rim back a bit as my first option. I guess I have nothing to lose if I somehow make it worse!

True - nothing to lose at this point.
If you take care and can bend it back well enough to get a good seal with the tire then pat yourself on the back and keep riding tubeless. If not then just pop a tube in there and keep riding that way.
flag Reymoose
Posted: Sep 14, 2022 at 15:40 Quote
BenLow2019 wrote:
Reymoose wrote:
Thanks for the response guys. Much appreciated.

Sorry I should have mentioned. The wheels are tubeless (They have that white sealant inside). I'll try and see if I can bend the rim back a bit as my first option. I guess I have nothing to lose if I somehow make it worse!

True - nothing to lose at this point.
If you take care and can bend it back well enough to get a good seal with the tire then pat yourself on the back and keep riding tubeless. If not then just pop a tube in there and keep riding that way.

Honestly man, I think I will just switch to tubes anyway. I wasn't sure your could use tubes in a tubeless system, but it seems like it will work just fine. I have very little experience with tubeless, but tubes seem to be more practical (And less messy!)? It's easy enough to carry a small pump and spare tube with you when you are out.

Thanks for your help.
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Sep 15, 2022 at 6:43 Quote
Reymoose wrote:
BenLow2019 wrote:
Reymoose wrote:
Thanks for the response guys. Much appreciated.

Sorry I should have mentioned. The wheels are tubeless (They have that white sealant inside). I'll try and see if I can bend the rim back a bit as my first option. I guess I have nothing to lose if I somehow make it worse!

True - nothing to lose at this point.
If you take care and can bend it back well enough to get a good seal with the tire then pat yourself on the back and keep riding tubeless. If not then just pop a tube in there and keep riding that way.

I wasn't sure your could use tubes in a tubeless system, but it seems like it will work just fine

It's easy enough to carry a small pump and spare tube with you when you are out.

Thanks for your help.

Tube will definitely work just fine.
Most folks running tubeless carry a tube and pump (or CO2 inflator) just in case.

Happy to help. Good luck.
flag Dillsue
Posted: Sep 15, 2022 at 8:32 Quote
If you push the tyre to one side by the bent bit of rim you can get an adjustable spanner over the rim wall, tighten the spanner til its firm on the rim then start to bend the rim backout. Only bend a little at a time and work your way along the bend straightening the wall a bit at a time. Work your way repeatedly along the bend until its straight to the eye. If you try to straighten to much at once theres a fair chance the rim will crack. Alot of small bends back is the way to go rather than a few larger corrections.

If youve got some thin card you can put a strip either side of the rim wall between the wall and the spanner to stop the rim getting scratched
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