Cracked Allant rear rim

[rob feature]

So I took my Allant 7 down for maintenance today - new chainring, chain and cassette. Cleaned up the rear wheel to put the new cassette on and found a cracked rim. While it gets good care and feeding, I don't spit shine it unless I'm replacing or inspecting something & this almost got out of hand. Every other spoke hole is cracked. That could have been catastrophic.

I don't go hard on the motor either. Most of the ~6500 miles on this rim are human power. I'd hate to see what it looked like if I powered around all the time.

Seems like I recall seeing this before - maybe here. Wondering if Trek will replace this under warranty? Based on my previous dealings with them, they will not, but wondering if anyone here has had any luck?

Front is still good, but this bike is out of service until this can be addressed.

 

[rob feature]

Eeh, just talked to the bike shop & components are on the 2 year warranty plan. Looks like I'm on my own. Hate this, but I think it may be what will push me to just buy a truing stand and replace the rim. After I dig into the bearings to see if it's even worth rescuing this setup.

 

[fooferdoggie]

mine cracks after maybe 8000 miles but for me that was like 1.5 years. but all of my bikes end up with cracked rear rims till I get a better wheel.

 

[rob feature]

I've never cracked a rim in my life. Then again, this is the only ebike I've ever owned. Gonna try to find something that's made for the power & extra weight. Like the OEM chain, I suspect this rim was not designed with e-bike use in mind.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Hmmm... I'ma go check my rims just for giggles.
I don't expect to see any damage, but maybe rear suspension helps.

 

[rob feature]

Yeah, I bet suspension takes a lot of the hit off the wheels.

 

[fooferdoggie]

you need to gain some weight

 

[BlackHand]

You gotta stop doing laps at the bike park with your Allant

 

[rob feature]

You gotta stop doing laps at the bike park with your Allant

View attachment 210115

Ha! That's Jackie - a 1st gen Salsa Timberjack.

I don't want to know what the bike park would be like on the Allant. I'd want an ambulance on standby.

 

[California Flash]

So I took my Allant 7 down for maintenance today - new chainring, chain and cassette. Cleaned up the rear wheel to put the new cassette on and found a cracked rim. While it gets good care and feeding, I don't spit shine it unless I'm replacing or inspecting something & this almost got out of hand. Every other spoke hole is cracked. That could have been catastrophic.

I don't go hard on the motor either. Most of the ~6500 miles on this rim are human power. I'd hate to see what it looked like if I powered around all the time.

Seems like I recall seeing this before - maybe here. Wondering if Trek will replace this under warranty? Based on my previous dealings with them, they will not, but wondering if anyone here has had any luck?

Front is still good, but this bike is out of service until this can be addressed.

View attachment 210110

Rob,



Over the years I have had three cracked wheels on three different model Trek bikes, all on the rear. The most recent defective wheel was on one of my Allant 8s + bikes.

I contacted Trek Customer Service and asked that the wheel be replaced under warranty. At that time the wheel was on backorder and would not be available for six months.

I let them know this was not acceptable. Ultimately through several negotiations, Trek agreed to replace both the rear and front wheels with stronger designs with high spoke counts.

The wheels were made by Velocity. Model is Cliffhanger Clydesdale. Spoke count 40 rear, 36 front. They are pricey but are built to last.

If they resist, offer to share the cost to upgrade to a stronger set of wheels.

https://velocityusa.com/collections...ydesdale-disc-wheelset?variant=44508476473423

I would contact Trek Customer Service. Be respectful and let them know you are concerned for your safety and want Trek to replace both wheels with the aforementioned Velocity wheels or another brand that is significantly stronger.

If they try and blow you off, ask to speak with John Burke, CEO for Trek.

You can also send a letter to Mr. Burke. His contact information is available on the internet.



Jim

 

[RunForTheHills]

You can build a wheel without a truing stand. You turn the bike upside down and use the fork for a stand and some zip ties for gauges. I have a truing stand (and dishing tool, etc), but it sits in the garage collecting dust most of time. It's nice to have when you need it, but you can also pay a shop $75 to build a wheel for you. I have only built three wheels and also use it for truing. I can't say it has paid for itself.