can I fix a bent rim??? Or???

[surfdrummer59]

I just bought a vintage bike.....don't know much about them....or bikes in general actually.....it is a 3 speed, with a grip shifter. The rear wheel is slightly bent. If I replace the whole wheel, I'll lose my setup, which I like...is there a way to fix this bent rim and still keep the 3 speed grip shift that I like??

The bike is a Hercules..made in England. It's just a fixer upper/commuter bike, but I'd like to keep it as original as I can.

Thanks!!!!

 

[JLarkin]

Sure but it depends on how it is bent. Post a photo for a better opinion.

 

[bikebuilder]

Agreed, pics would help. Worst case scenario is you lace up new spokes and rim to your 3 speed hub.

 

[surfdrummer59]

I really couldn't get a good close up pic. It isn't bent really bad. It has a pretty good wobble though when you spin it. Didn't know that I could lace up new spokes and a rim to my hub.

<a href="http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/cajclassics/?action=view&current=bikewheel.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii55/cajclassics/bikewheel.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[schwinnmesa]

Oh yes, you can fix it. Try going to your local bike shop and get a spoke wrench. Or you can do it the only school way and take the tube/tire/rim strips off and get a screw driver to tighten the spokes necessary to straighten the rim. Use the brake pads as indicators as to where the wheel is bent and go from there. Hope it works out good!

 

[surfdrummer59]

awesome, I'll give that a try.

 

[Wildcat]

If you're like me, the wheel will only get worse. Maybe I just don't have the patience. I let the local bike shop do the truing for 12-15 dollars. I had a bright red 3 speed Hercules with a stick shift that got "lost" down in Gitmo.

 

[roadmaster]

an expirienced hand and a spoke wrench may very well be able to fix that wheel. it will be easier if it is a side to side wobble and not a hop or flat spot of the rim. good luck.

 

[deorman]

See #14 viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9928

 

[surfdrummer59]

Thanks!!!!! I think I may and try and do it myself first, then try a bike shop if I don't succeed.