bent rim question

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Ethan VanValkenburg

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Jun 6, 2026, 5:31:20 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6
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A few weeks ago I was descending bolinas ridge, fell on a rock, and dented my front rim. They are Velocity Atlas rims with some 700x50 soma cazaderos. The wheel was still pretty true in all direction, but the braking surface and the rim bead hook were dented in. I managed to bend it out without marring the rim much, but now there is a slight bulge along the braking surface that is noticeable when braking while descending fast. Is there a way to fix this? Any recommendations? Do I need a new rim? These things are pricey enough that I don't want to replace it if I don't have to.

I'm leaving on a week+ trip in a few days with a lot of descending, and I would love to find a temporary fix. 

Pics below.

Thanks
-Ethan

Screenshot 2026-06-06 at 2.24.19 PM.png


Ethan VanValkenburg

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Jun 6, 2026, 5:32:16 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6
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More pics/before:
Screenshot 2026-06-06 at 2.24.35 PM.png

Ethan VanValkenburg

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Jun 6, 2026, 5:34:57 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6
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before the fall:
IMG_0766.jpgScreenshot 2026-06-06 at 2.24.30 PM.jpg

Kim H.

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Jun 6, 2026, 5:42:24 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6
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@Ethan,

What part of the country were you riding?

I love the open country side and the ocean in the distance. 

Kim Hetzel 
Washington state. 

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Garth

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Jun 6, 2026, 5:52:38 PM (2 days ago) Jun 6
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Even "if" it was bent back, you'd always have the uncertainty of how much the alloy was compromised by not only the initial malformation, but the return malformation as well. Not to mention the stress on spokes and rim holes. Wheels can take much abuse but bulging sidewalls is never a good thing.  I bet if you inspected very closely with magnifier you would be signs of cracking. But really, just replace it as the payoff is what ? Unannounced failure ?  It got you home, and leave it there. 
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