when to replace rims when using rim brakes

[gpzrider]

It is becoming quite obvious on my rims that my rim brakes have worn them down. There is a small strip of the rim right by the tire that the brake pads don't contact and you can both feel and see that where the pads touch the rim it is worn.

I'm wondering if anyone has any info on when you can tell you need to replace the rims to avoid a potential catostrophic failure that I've heard can happen if the rims wear down too much from the brakes (also looking for an excuse to upgrade to disc brakes :-)?

[BKocka]

I have never heard of catastophic failure due to a v-break, etc., wearing down a rim, and I've worked at 3 bike shops.

maybe you need a break adjustment, get those pads set on the rims in a good place, and then I am guessing you wont have much to worry about, and just stop using the breaks so much and then you will be fine! :crazy:

however, upgrading to disc breaks isnt a bad idea, personally I love my disc breaks.

[Konaboy]

V brake pads can wear through your rims, especially if you don't change your pads often enough and if you ride in gritty conditions (i.e. mud).

If they are wearing through you should see grooves where the pads contact the rim. If the grooves get deep enough your rim could fail to hold the bead of the tire.

[phaberman1]

I have never heard of catastophic failure due to a v-break, etc., wearing down a rim, and I've worked at 3 bike shops.


I've actually experienced said catastrophic failure. It has nothing to do with break adjustment and will happen, over time, depending on riding conditions and riding style. If you can feel an obvious ridge on the rim form where the brake makes contact, you are getting close.

I was warned by my bike mechanic (Pete Hamer) that I could probably use a new rim, but I blew it off and paid the price at the 2001 24 Hours of Afton.

[Crash]

If the brake surface on the rim is no longer flat, but has a "dip" inward, it is time for a new rim.

I have an old, old rim that this happend to also.

[TML]

I've actually experienced said catastrophic failure.

Me too.
My front rim was the first to go. Syncros rim with about 4 seasons of racing/riding on it. It was during one of the night time trials that BLAST put on out in Monticello a few years ago. I heard a big crack and instantly my front wheel starts jerking/locking up. Luckily it wasn't bad enought to go OTB. Rim side wall ripped open on about a 6 inch section. Had to unhook the front brake and baby it the rest of the way in to the finish.

[bradpartyka]

A good time to replace any moving part is when you see unequal wear.

I wore out a few rims in my time. Most in my BMX days. But, back in those days I was use to collapsing the front rim and end up OTB...

Nowadays that hurts for too long.

Go disc.... I am on my second bike with Disc. I will never go back. You can just fly with disc downhill and just tap them and make the switchback...

[BKocka]

my bike shop days were full of boring things..... i never got to see the failure of a rim.... but now I am happy to know it can happen due to v brakes... and this is why i never worked as a wrench.

[gpzrider]

Thanks for the feedback! There is a very noticeable (both to sight and to feel) ridge on my front rim, so now I have a good reason to go ahead with the upgrade to discs. :-)

I think the problem mainly resulted from letting my last sets of pads run down way too far before replacing.

[At the Gates 2121]

It is becoming quite obvious on my rims that my rim brakes have worn them down. There is a small strip of the rim right by the tire that the brake pads don't contact and you can both feel and see that where the pads touch the rim it is worn.

I'm wondering if anyone has any info on when you can tell you need to replace the rims to avoid a potential catostrophic failure that I've heard can happen if the rims wear down too much from the brakes (also looking for an excuse to upgrade to disc brakes :-)?

you should replace the rim after said disaster and after all dental work is done lol jk

[rfd425]

Assuming the pads are changed at appropriate intervals, how long will it typically take for rim brakes to wear out a rim?

[steef]

I have some rims that are almost 20 years old. But remember, your mileage may vary.

[nitrousflame]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/nitrousflame/IMG_1545.jpg

:banana:

My new bike has disks. I'd never go back unless it's on a bmx.

[nigel]

my bike shop days were full of boring things..... i never got to see the failure of a rim.... but now I am happy to know it can happen due to v brakes... and this is why i never worked as a wrench.

It does not happen due to the type of brakes (it can happen on linear or cantilever), but rather the actuall wearing down of the rim surface itself. Cheaper rims wear faster than good ones is what it comes down to. The type of pad compound plays into it as well. Ive seen many new rims also get grooved or scored just within 100 miles of there life because a rock got stuck in the pad and the rider did not get it out.

I'd go by what Craig said, just feel the rim surface if it is concave might be time to think about a new one.