How to True a Bent Bicycle Rim Using Common Tools

Introduction

Bike rim maintenance is an integral part of ensuring a bicycle works properly. Neglecting a bent rim can further compromise the bike's structural integrity, as every turn wears down the brake pads due to scraping.

This guide will show you how to straighten or true your bent bicycle rim using common tools. Truing the bike rim only requires a pair of pliers, and a desire to get one's mode of transportation working as good as new again!

What you need

Step 1 How to True a Bent Bicycle Rim Using Common Tools

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Bring your bike somewhere with ample space so you have room to work.

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Step 2

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Flip the bike on its seat so the wheel can spin freely.
Use the spokes to spin the affected wheel.
Continue spinning the wheel until it is clear where the bend is occurring.

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Step 3

Locate the bend by spinning the wheel to see where it doesn't align with the brake.

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Step 4

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Locate the two nearest spoke nipples opposite to the bend direction and tighten them a half turn using an adjustable wrench or reaming pliers.

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Step 5

Pluck the spoke and listen to the pitch to check its tightness.
If the pitch is higher, you are tightening it, and if the pitch is lower, you are loosening it.

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Step 6

Loosen the spoke nipples opposite to the ones being tightened to reduce stress in the wrong direction.

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Step 7

Assess the dent in the bike rim and assure it's mostly straightened out relative to the break pad.
Repeat the tightening/loosening process accordingly if necessary.

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