Clifton CC

After racing in the wet a few weeks ago, a few days later I realised that water had worked its way into the profiled rim of the wheels, so you could hear a faint trickling noise when you span them round. Figuring this was weight (and some friction) where I least need it, and that it wouldn't dry out by itself, I took off tyres and tubes, hung up the wheels with the valve hole downmost, and put a scrap of cloth in to act as a wick. Two days later the wicks were dry, so I put the wheels back together.

I *guess* the water got in around the valve, or through the spoke nipples. The question is, is this normal for riding through deepish puddles, or is it a problem with cheap wheels (100quid Vuelta Chromelites picked up at the Knavesmire cycle weekend)? Would blobbing some silicone around the valve stem help? Or is there nothing you can do...

cheers,
tom

Hi Tom

That happened to me once during a winter Saturday club ride in torrential rain with some flooding on the roads.

My wheels on that bike were Mavic Aksiums, I have not noticed it again after been out in heavy rain.

Ian H

It happens. As you say, it gets in around the value. Just dry them out and all is fine.

Arthur

Thanks for the replies - if there was ever a decent, honest wheel it was a Mavic Aksium so if it happened to them it's obviously just one of those things...
cheers
tom