Noob here with rim question

[jcoria]

Hi everyone, I have zero working on bike experience and was hoping to stop by this week. I just bought a used cruiser type bike that's pretty beat up. The rear rim is bent up and spokes are pretty rusted and a few are missing. Is this something I can bring in to have help fixing or should I instead try buying a used rim and bring that in to get help with? Could I bring it in and have someone let me know if it's worth fixing? Thanks for any help!

[JB]

"Could I bring it in and have someone let me know if it's worth fixing? Thanks for any help!"

Totally, that's what we're here for.  From what you've said so far, it may be better to see if we've got a used wheel for sale and put that on.  (Make sure the replacement wheel has a coaster brake if your current one does, or plan to add hand brakes).

Before you get started though, ask a mechanic to go over the whole bike with you, so you can get a sense of what, if anything, else needs to be done to the bike, so you can budget your time and money accordingly.

[jcoria]

"Could I bring it in and have someone let me know if it's worth fixing? Thanks for any help!"

Totally, that's what we're here for.  From what you've said so far, it may be better to see if we've got a used wheel for sale and put that on.  (Make sure the replacement wheel has a coaster brake if your current one does, or plan to add hand brakes).

Before you get started though, ask a mechanic to go over the whole bike with you, so you can get a sense of what, if anything, else needs to be done to the bike, so you can budget your time and money accordingly.

Perfect, thank you! I'll try stopping by tonight. Thanks again!

[Jaz]

Depending on how bent it is, it might still be fixable. It might not be very safe, but I've seen wheels that was bent at a 50 degree angle get rebent and placed back on a bike for use. Definately not a viable long term solution, but it is a solution nonetheless.

I might be wrong, but don't we have a stockpile of big-ole wheels hanging up?

Before you go out buying one, it might be cheaper to check our supplies.