I picked up these used wheels that have an unusual wear pattern on the rims. It seems like the brake track has plenty of life left, but I’m confused by the particular way it’s worn, there seems to be less wear in the spots between the spokes, and more exactly where the spokes meet the rim. What would have caused this, is it a sign of a flaw in how the wheel was built? Is it safe to use? The rims are Alex DR13s and the pattern is the same on both sides, front and rear.
by uncommoncriminal
4 Comments
Normal.
Even on the rear? Hmmmm
Maybe…. Maybe the eyelets deformed the rim a little to make it slightly wider.
Have a micrometer?
I’ve seen that wear pattern on older anodized rims. The pattern matches the location of the spoke holes in the rim.
You’ll notice how the pattern lines up with the spokes and their tension which deflects the rim ever so slightly, causing the brake track to bulge slightly.