Is it me? (questions about rims)

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by redwoods, Jun 7, 2019.


As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?

  1. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    I keep my Stan's fresh, I only use tires with Exo sidewall protection or better, 2.3" width or larger, and I check air pressure before every ride...

    1) What alloy rim (rear) do you consider to be the most durable?

    2) If I'm continuously damaging my alloy rim (2 rims [same make/model] in 8 months, 2nd one destroyed even with Cush Core installed), is it me? Or did I just not pick a good enough rim? (Or maybe I got unlucky and got 2 rims with manufacturing defects?)

    3) If it's me, what the heck do I do about it so it doesn't keep happening? (Obviously I'm not going back to the same rim as before.)

    TIA
     
    ~JB~, DangerDirtyD, Danmtchl and 7 others like this.
  2. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Need more data points: What rims were you running, what psi, and how much do you weigh?
     
  3. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    What exactly is happening to the rims?
     
    DangerDirtyD, Danmtchl, mike and 2 others like this.
  4. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    Bike: Kona Process 153 gen 2 (6" travel), with DVO Topaz shock
    Rim getting busted: Velocity Blunt 35
    Pressure: 28 psi, as low as 27 w/ Cush Core
    Rider Weight: 200 lbs, maybe 210 w/ gear
    Typical riding trails: San Gabe mts, Murrieta, Sky Park
    Riding style: Honestly, I don't have much line-picking skill. I'll avoid something if I don't think the bike or I can handle it; otherwise I'm plowing through. I like to go as fast as I confidently can, and I like good rough terrain.
     
  5. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    What exactly is happening to the rims?
     
    DangerDirtyD, Danmtchl, mike and 2 others like this.
  6. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    I'm a bit of a thug on my bike, but DT Swiss EX and Stans Flow rims have both held up very well under my 210 lbs (w/o gear).

    I run about 22 psi rear, 20 front on 2.35" exo TR Maxxis Minions. 27.5. 160 mm travel front and rear.
     
  7. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    I've dinged other rims, but nothing as bad as what has been happening to this one. Today I lost air pressure, thought it was the tire until I investigated further.
    This rim has 6 significant dings in it right now, most larger than the one you can see to the right of the gap. But obviously, the seam on this rim is toast.
    I'm riding hard (though I wouldn't call myself fast), but I cannot pinpoint a single hit that would have done this.

    Here's the latest damage:

    IMG_0878.jpg IMG_0879.jpg IMG_0880.jpg IMG_0881.jpg
     
  8. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    I think you've answered your own question. Get one of the trusted brands. Stans Flow are inexpensive and very very good. They play really well with Maxxis tires, BTW.
     
  9. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Dinging rims, OK.

    I would slow down a little bit and concentrate on picking better lines. Also time your hits and don't go heavy on the rear wheel when you land. Keep your eyes open for sharp edges that will ding your rim when you hit it and try to avoid those.
     
    Fueledbyex8, Danmtchl, mike and 2 others like this.
  10. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Have you ridden with @redwoods? He knows what he's doing.
     
  11. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    Man, you take all the fun out of it. :unsure:
    :Roflmao
     
  12. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    HAHAHA! Maybe I fake it good enough sometimes.

    In all sincerity, I really want to know if there's a stronger rim that I could rely on. Yes, I could improve my skills to be less harsh on my equipment. But that sounds hard.
     
  13. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Stans Flow or DT Swiss EX - done. Stans are a lot less expensive, and hold up equally well. Just don't get their hubs.
     
  14. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower
    Stop buying Velocity rims.....they are more xc oriented rims. Not good for AM/Trail riding. Yes, they are wide, but they are not durable. As you have found, those Blunt 35's have pinned seams. Find a rim that has a welded seam.

    Look into DT Swiss XM481 or XM521 for burly rims.

    And learn how to float instead of plow.
     
  15. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    To be fair, Velocity has been AWESOME about this - they have now shipped a 3rd rim (the 2nd and now 3rd were covered under warranty). I'd love to support that kind of customer service, but I'm not as confident in this rim any more.
     
  16. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    200-lb rider going fast on chunk on a super squishy bike at high 20s on medium-quality alloy rims...not shocking, Pat.

    I recommend Derby in the DH layup, at least in back. Yes, they cost a lot more than a alloy rim. But you'll never dent another rim.

    I got a couple of dents in my DTS alloy set. All it takes is a little bit too low pressure and a moment of distraction.
     
  17. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    I'm likely headed for DT Swiss based on my mechanic's recommendation, but I'll consider all suggestions and advice.

    I love trying to improve my riding (seriously). I will be trying to do so as both you and SnakeCharmer suggest. It's on my mind now, of course.
     
  18. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    I'll be looking into the possibility of carbon rims some day, but gotta take care of a few other things first. Thanks for the suggestion.
     
    scan, DangerDirtyD, Danmtchl and 3 others like this.
  19. sir crashalot

    sir crashalot iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    laguna beach
    Name:
    gary fishman
    Current Bike:
    2018 banshee rune
    I’ve been building my own wheels for over ten years. When I was researching for one wheel build, word was velocity blunt rims generally not good for heavier riders (like myself) and/or chunky riding. I’ve been using WTB rims for years and have had great luck. Recently my 3 year old Asym finally got an untrueable dent and I replaced it with their KOM tough rim with their new tcs 2.0 system, which is a really nice and super easy tubeless setup. Also would recommend Stan’s flow ex, dt Swiss, halo, or Spank.
    I can’t afford carbon rims.
     
    ~JB~, scan, DangerDirtyD and 7 others like this.
  20. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    So after reading all the above, I'd have to say it's you. :Roflmao
     
    Fueledbyex8, doublewide, scan and 3 others like this.
  21. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    Why do I have to like that statement to unlike it? o_O:D:laugh:
     
  22. Redman

    Redman iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Henderson, Nv
    Name:
    Kevin
    Current Bike:
    SC OG Hightower 29'r
    Velocity = low end. Like @mtnbikej said pinned seams = bad. And, that flat spot is in the perfect place to split that seam.
    I have had great luck with WTB i series. Got several flat spots out of my old rear wheel before it stopped staying true. Never popped a bead with like five flat spots. Good luck with finding s remedy.
     
  23. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    I'll add a vote for DT Swiss. I have one on the rear on my "adventure" bike; an unsprung, steel frame, go anywhere bike - and I go anywhere on it. The wheel has held up to everything. I even took it down Monroe Truck Trail.

    But then, I'm only 160 lbs.
     
    Danmtchl and redwoods like this.
  24. Danmtchl

    Danmtchl iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Bakersfield
    Name:
    Dan
    Current Bike:
    2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.7
    I am a 210 lbs rider without gear and have Race Face Arc's and WTB I25's never a problem with either rim. I don't do any plowing and try to pick the best available line.
     
  25. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower

    My ARC 30 developed a flat spot....while I wasn't riding it. :sick:
     
    DangerDirtyD and herzalot like this.
  26. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    I don't doubt it but he keeps destroying rims and he reached out.

    It's simple, he can adjust his riding style or he can buy a gross of rear wheels and switch them out regularly. It's his choice.

    I'm just trying to help. Now, let's hear you input, please... :rolleyes:
     
    Danmtchl, DangerDirtyD and Redman like this.
  27. Stkx66

    Stkx66 iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Southern California
    Name:
    Steve
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower 27+/ 29r
    My Santa Cruz Reserve 30's have been problem free.
     
    Danmtchl, herzalot and DangerDirtyD like this.
  28. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Let me put my foot in my mouth a little more and say that @redwoods is also having some bad luck. If you ding a rim on the weld/seam, expect it to fail. What are the chances of making that degree of impact on that exact spot on a rim? That's what I see in the pics he is sharing.

    OK, I'm out.
     
    Danmtchl, DangerDirtyD and Redman like this.
  29. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    I believe I gave my input three times.. :confused: Posts 6, 8 and 13 above.
     
    Fueledbyex8, mtnbikej and Danmtchl like this.
  30. redwoods

    redwoods Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Rialto Heights, CA
    Name:
    Patrick
    Current Bike:
    Ridin' heavy
    Dammit I was hoping to blame the bike as usual and just buy my way into happiness.
     


As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?