Almost went down today

[SpeedAddict]

Well I almost went down today. I was in traffic coming up to a light, and the van in front of me either ran over something, or something broke off from it. It was about the size of a magazine, and quite substantial. the rear van tire spat it out at me, and it hit the left front hub and the edge of my front rim. It sent my front into a severe wobble, but because of my slow reactions, or inexperience, i simply rode it out. (probably the best thing in the circumstances)

Anyway, it took a bunch of paint off my rim, which is no big deal, but it also bent the wheel hub slightly.


It doesn't seem to have any adverse handling, but it is slightly impeding on the speedometer pickup, grinding the plastic edge slightly.
So, can i repair it somehow? (bend it back, grind it off, etc.) or should i replace the rim?

[mab32]

Glad you're OK.
Bike can be fixed.

[codajastal]

Glad you are ok and if I remember rightly that particular part is able to be removed and replaced without too much effort. I am sure someone will correct me if Im wrong

[SpeedAddict]

I wish it could be removed, but it looks like its part of the hub of the wheel.  I hope I can bend it back in shape or grind it down a little, but i'm not sure

[codajastal]

I am pretty sure it can be

[Big Rich]

I think it's the outer lip of the bearing retainer. "If" you try to fix it, use a small grinder / file. Pounding on it with a hammer might distort the bearing surface in the wheel.

Either way, I would save up for a new wheel & bearings. Maybe have the whole assembly ready with a new front tire when it's needed?

[cbrfxr67]

"to fix it, use a small grinder / file."

+1

[SpeedAddict]

I took another look at it today, and its definitely part of the wheel hub and not removable. It's part of the outer hub, but a far as I can tell it's only purpose is to surround the speedometer pickup. I should be able to grind it down a little to keep it from rubbing.
I'm going to replace the fork springs anyway, so I'll take it all apart and make sure nothing else is bent or torqued out of place. I'm pretty sure the speedometer pickup is ok too, just a little plastic rubbed off on the edge.

[Twism86]

Road debris is a Buddha Loves You! Nice job keeping the rubber down.