Is this dented rim an issue?

[86FJNJ]

Just got this wheel and there is a gash in the rim, it seems minor to me and I think it will be ok but wanted the opinion of the group before I update the wheel with bearings and new tire etc.

Is this rim ok to use? It's the back wheel on the rotor side.

[fj1289]

Probably not cheap - but would be worth having a wheel repair specialist take a look at it.  It might be fine, or it might fail at the worst possible time and cause catastrophic damage to the entire bike (and your body).  Remember these are cast aluminum rims - not forged.  Much easier to have just a stress riser from the impact that turns into a crack later.

Don't know how you bought it, but if the damage wasn't disclosed I'd demand my money back.  That damage was definitely harder than just some curb rash.

[red]

86FJNJ,

I'd say +1 on the alloy rim repair specialist.  The right guy can work miracles, but the repair may not be cheap.
If you were sold a "perfect" rim, then a refund and a new source may be in order there.  Any "as-is" sale should have disclosed this issue, before you paid.

[86FJNJ]

Thanks guys, yeah it's an ebay wheel and the damage was not shown in the picture, not at all so this must have happened between when the photos were taken and when they packaged it because the packaging was fine, although they just stuck it in a box with no bubble wrap around the edges.

I was hoping you'd all say it was no big deal but is what it is.

As always thanks for the expert advice!

[86FJNJ]

eBay seller refunded me and asked that I not ship the wheel back, so I have the wheel if anyone is interested in it you can have it for free just pay for shipping.

[fj1289]

Awesome!  Glad you got a refund