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    carbon wheels still rideable?

    Hey there,

    not sure if this is the right sub but i’ll give it a try.

    I borrowed my carbon wheels to my girlfriend last summer and she had a small crash with the wheels causing some minor spots on the rim. When scratching a bit over the spot i could see that for sure at least one layer of fiber was damaged. Judging by the photos attached is the front wheel still rideable or should i replace them in favor of my teeth.

    Thanks for helping me out and hopefully saving some bucks 🙏🏼

    by PriorityPowerful1286

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    15 Comments

    2. tronsymphony on

      From this picture alone I would ride it. But it’s hard to tell what happened during that crash

    4. SSSasky on

      That looks cosmetic, but it’s always tough to be certain from photos. If in doubt, have it inspected at your local bike shop.

    5. hellyeah4free on

      From engineering POV very unlikely this would lead to full collapse of the wheel, I would not worry about it. This looks like a surface scratch not a crack.

      If you are worried, can brush on a layer of epoxy resin on that area (must be clean and degreased), to prevent possible delamination of the fibres in the future due to water/cleaner ingress. I wouldnt say its necessary though.

    7. Reasonable_Loquat874 on

      I’d probably try to flex the hook with my thumbs a bit just to make sure there’s no unusual movement or cracks. Assuming that is negative I’d ride on.

    8. jchrysostom on

      I’ve been riding a carbon rim with a little chunk missing from the outside edge for like 2 years. Haven’t died yet.

    9. FastSloth6 on

      Definitely not, but if you send them to me I can help dispose of them properly 😉

      I’d slap a little nail polish, varnish, etc over the chips and ride. If the rough edges damage your tire bead, gently sand.

    10. WhichStatistician810 on

      Just a scratch.
      My carbon mtb wheels looked like that after a couple of decent rides, I ran them for 5 more years and now they’ve been on my girlfriends bike for 3.
      Send it

    11. IvanTheMagnificent on

      Just surface damage, nothing to worry about tbh I’ve seen way worse keep on going for years.

      Could always put some clear nail polish or resin over the damage so it doesn’t flake away further.

    14. Gentrifyer on

      I would not bat an eye at this rim. Side note: that meat in the background looks yummy

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