So I had my first crash today. I tried going on the grass to go around people blocking the bike path and when I was going back onto the path there was a ~2 inch ledge that I couldn't see due to the grass. It popped my tube and I completely lost control of my bike going at about 15mph. I slammed the brakes in an attempt to slow down but it was late and the bike was tilting in crazy ways. I managed to jump off and roll in a way that I didn't get hurt. I only got a ~1 inch circular abrasion on my knee and a few more small scrapes on my hands and legs. My shorts ripped but my jersey was fine.

As for my bike....I replaced my tube and rode it home for the time being. My bar tape is shredded on the side the bike fell so that will have to be replaced. I also got a small cut on the seat.

My main question is whether or not my wheel can be fixed. The machined lip portion of the rim (where the brakes clamp down) grinded against the asphalt in a small region. Can this be fixed at my lbs?


Thanks

Sorry to hear of your crash, and I'm glad you weren't hurt worse. Muts, (bike paths) are dangerous places. It wouldn't seem so because of the lack of motor vehicles, but there are all kinds of other obstacles as you have found. My suggestion would be to not go of the trail to avoid other MUT users. Simply slow down and wait until it's safe to pass on the pavement.

Not knowing how seriously your rim is damaged, it's hard to suggest a fix. If it's just scratched I'd try rubbing it with a Scotch Brite pad. If that isn't making a difference, use the Scotch Brite pad & add some water & Comet Cleanser in powder form. Steel wool is also an option. Start with very fine 000 and progress to coarser grades if needed. The sequence is to use the least abrasive material. If that doesn't work, go to thhe next level. You can always finish and buff with the fine stuff. Assuming that it's an aluminum rim, they're usually fairly soft and one of the suggestions above will probably work.

It's an aluminum rim but none of the things you mentioned are working. I'll have to take a trip to the hardware store and see what I can find. This sucks....

Update: I filed down the parts of the rim that were really rough with a big metal file and sanded it down with steel wool. Works well aside from the screeching sound when I brake, but at least I dont have to buy a new wheel.

As for the rest of the bike, I just bought new tires from Performance (Forte GT2 Kevlar) because my tires got really cut up and some other accessories to make me feel better about the ordeal :)