I've seen people recommend dental calipers on here for measuring rim thickness.What is the recommended criteria for rim replacement?
What is the recommended criteria for rim replacement?
That is so true. The problem is that people buy bike parts by the gram, instead of by assessing quality. The lighter, the more desirable. On something like a wheel, where can one possibly save weight? Thinner rims, thinner spokes, smaller bearings and aluminium nipples. Eacvh one of these savings except for the thinner spokes, is a wrong step if you are after durability.The more you pay, the thinner the rim wall. A few quality rims are made thicker for specialist touring use.
I had a set of commuter wheels built by my local bike shop using lower grade, thicker rims and they were very durable for all weather riding with rim brakes.
Google "iwanson gauge" for a rim measuring tool (£5 - £6).
My experience is that rims fail at about 0.7 mm minimum wall thickness, so replace once under 1 mm.
Google "iwanson gauge" for a rim measuring tool (£5 - £6).
My experience is that rims fail at about 0.7 mm minimum wall thickness, so replace once under 1 mm.
I also found that the brake blocks used can make quite a lot of difference - some get bits of glass, gravel or metal embedded in them more easily than others. I found stock shimano quite poor and settled on koolstop, but YMMV.
Google "iwanson gauge" for a rim measuring tool (£5 - £6).
My experience is that rims fail at about 0.7 mm minimum wall thickness, so replace once under 1 mm.
I also found that the brake blocks used can make quite a lot of difference - some get bits of glass, gravel or metal embedded in them more easily than others. I found stock shimano quite poor and settled on koolstop, but YMMV.
I've just bought some of those but at £10/pair vs £35 for a rim I'd need to know that they wouldn't wear the rim down by a factor of 3.5 less compared to "normal" (shimano) brake blocks.For a long time now I've been fitting Koolstop Salmon brake blocks as soon as the blocks that come with the bike need changing.
Don't worry. Improved braking, no scraping noises, longevity etc etc. They are worth it.I've just bought some of those but at £10/pair vs £35 for a rim I'd need to know that they wouldn't wear the rim down by a factor of 3.5 less compared to "normal" (shimano) brake blocks.
I've just bought some of those but at £10/pair vs £35 for a rim I'd need to know that they wouldn't wear the rim down by a factor of 3.5 less compared to "normal" (shimano) brake blocks.
They're a bit too exciting in the wet for my taste.Don't worry. Improved braking, no scraping noises, longevity etc etc. They are worth it.
They're a bit too exciting in the wet for my taste.