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Aluminium rim cracked or worn: when should you replace?

M
Max
4 minMay 8, 2026
Aluminium rim cracked or worn: when should you replace?

Why an aluminium rim ages

Aluminium fatigues. Every braking, every impact, every spoke tension micro-stresses the material. On a rim-brake wheel, it's worse: the brake track thins progressively.

The 4 warning signs

  1. Brake-track wear indicator (dot or hole disappearing)
  2. Visible cracks at spoke holes
  3. Wheel won't stay true
  4. Sidewall bulging outward (barrel effect)
The specialised AI mechanic

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L'Atelier Assistant

Source: Official workshop manuals

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Lifespan expectations

  • Road leisure (5000 km/year): 8-12 years
  • Daily commute in rain: 3-5 years
  • MTB enduro/DH: 1-3 years
  • Disc-only wheels: 10+ years

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