XM700+ cracks on rim both sides of two spokes

[Bob.ebiker]

Hi.

I was changing my rear tire the other day and noticed two spokes have cracks both sides of the spoke. The cracks are about 1cm long. I have not hit any curbs or otherwise damaged the rim. The pic shows the worse example. The other spoke does not have the eyelet in the same somewhat odd position.


I was wondering if anyone else has had that happen and what they did to correct the problem.

 

[E-Wheels]

Hi.

I was changing my rear tire the other day and noticed two spokes have cracks both sides of the spoke. The cracks are about 1cm long. I have not hit any curbs or otherwise damaged the rim. The pic shows the worse example. The other spoke does not have the eyelet in the same somewhat odd position.


I was wondering if anyone else has had that happen and what they did to correct the problem.

I’m afraid there is no safe repair method that I am aware of
You will need a new rim
Is the bike still within the warranty period

 

[batmick1]

I would stop riding it and get a replacement rim. These longitudinal cracks are worse than a nipple pulling out, which is the more common failure. Worst case is a split of the rim that can have catastrophic effects when the tire comes off and the wheel fails.
Like E-Wheels said, if the bike is still under warranty try to go that way. Otherwise get a new wheel or a new rim.

 

[opimax]

I rode a Stromer that way (much worse) for a couple of months, I was about to get a new rim but traded the bike away , many issues after 3 years and 20,000 miles. I was happy that the spoke came out or at least noticed it out before I Ieft on a ride , wife didnt have to come pick me up! Get a new rim either way, warranty or out of pocket.

Actually as i remember I did get the rim replaced for that under warranty , came back later, may be a good idea to have your other wheel checked

 

[Bob.ebiker]

The bike is out of warranty.

Trek suggested Bontrager W506969 as they say the original wheel is not available, but it looks cheap compared to the original wheel and reviews are not so good.

I have looked for a replacement (either the exact same or similar) wheel and so far have come up empty.

I want something that looks strong and has the original 36 spokes. Suggestions welcome.

 

[batmick1]

As a long time wheelbuilder I have a personal preference for DT rims and Velocity rims. For heavy duty applications either the
DT Swiss TK 540 or the Velocity Dyad. Both are available in 36 holes.
Get new spokes too. The old ones are likely not the correct length anyway.

 

[Bob.ebiker]

Good suggestions for rims.

Unfortunately the TK 540 disc model is only 32 spokes (can't reuse hub), and the Velocity DYAD seems good but no eyelets. Maybe eyelets are not important. I don't know.

 

[batmick1]

You can use the non-disc version. Disc just means that the sidewall is not machined.
Eyelets imho are more of a personal preference. I currently ride rims without on my Haibike and have no issues after over 10k miles.

 

[tomjasz]

Alex is the eBike standard. Their double walled, designed for eBike rims, are the industry standard. The top names in hub motor kits use Alex rims. EM3ev, eBikes.ca, and others building hub motor wheels with far more powerful motors than are found on most eBikes with Alex rims. I have DM series on several bikes including a 1500W DD and an 1800W MAC.

Grin uses them on one of the most powerful hub motors, Crystalyte H. See copy of their drop down menu choices.

E-BIKE – Alexrims

alexrims.com

 

[DougC]

Can't help with resolving this issue but it's been an eye opener for me as an owner of a 3 year old XM700+ with 2400 miles. Had no idea a rim would crack like that and that it could lead to catastrophic failure. I 've never been one for pre ride checks except for topping off the air in the tires. But now you got me scared. Got to make a habit of periodic checks of the rims for cracks. The rear wheel on my bike takes lots of hits at 20mph on the asphalt paths and roads here in Utah. A quick check with the flash light just now and I don't see any cracks on mine. This weekend I'll clean the rims up and put the bike on the stand and take a better look.