Wheel rim lock replacement

I'm changing a tire on this beautiful Midwest afternoon (using hand tools!) and would like to know any suggestions when removing the rim locks that were originally put in the rim to clamp the tire tighter to the rim.

I have used extra thick layers of tape over the now unused holes and a thick rubber rim strip in the past but have noticed that tire pressure can cause a visible bulge at the outside of the rim, and chafing of the tube. I got a slow leak from this method in the past.

What are others doing when discarding the locks? Or are you still using them? They certainly make tire changing more difficult.

I kept mine, and, after last year's flat tire, I'm glad I did. Sure, it makes tire changes a pain, but it's worth the added insurance on a tube-type rim.

Nathan

You can use a round headed stove bolt of the same length and size and keep the look while losing the hassle.

I don't use them on any of my old bikes. With modern tyres running higher pressures, typically 32 psi front & 36 rear, they are in my opinion no longer needed. Having said that, I am about to fit some to a pair of wheels I have just finished building for a friends Montesa. As this is a trial bike, it runs much lower tyre pressures.

Martyn.

I don't run rim locks any more, but do plug the holes in the rim using "rim hole plugs" that I bought on Aussie eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DRC-RIM-HOLE ... SwFe5XxUX5 . I would imagine you can buy the same item in the US. By way of background I had a flat tyre a few years ago caused by the tube weakening at the site of the (then unplugged) rim lock hole. The tube was bulging outward into the hole and had weakened at that point enough to leak air. Since using the plugs I've had no further issues and tyre changing (and wheel balancing) is much easier.

Matchless said:

I don't use them on any of my old bikes. With modern tyres running higher pressures, typically 32 psi front & 36 rear, they are in my opinion no longer needed. Having said that, I am about to fit some to a pair of wheels I have just finished building for a friends Montesa. As this is a trial bike, it runs much lower tyre pressures.

Martyn.

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+1
Better tires and higher pressures makes rim locks very vestigial. You can score the inside lips of the rim as a half way measure...

I use a rubber rim strip, and have never seen any problems at the now-unused rim lock area.
I'd never consider using the rim lock again; way too much hassle for no payoff.

You mean I've been futzing around with them for years for nothing?

Bob Z. said:

What are others doing when discarding the locks? Or are you still using them? They certainly make tire changing more difficult.

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Have ditched 'em on several bikes with no apparent ill effects so far

My experience is the same as most here - rim locks aren't needed with modern STREET tires run at higher pressures.

I still run them in dirt bike or trials tires at lower pressures, just to be safe.