Yes, it's a known fact that the rim will stretch over time and become egg-shaped. The reason for this is not obvious to the casual observer, but the rim is actually very weak when it is being pulled on. A slight outward pressure, applied for anything over an hour, will cause a slight, but continual creep of the rim. This is a result of a distortion in the rim, allowed by the narrowing of the wheel in the 3-to-9 o'clock direction, perpendicular to the line of force. If you look at a 3 or 4-cross wheel, it actually becomes immediately apparent as to why this is so. If the bike is suspended for only a few weeks, the rim usually springs back pretty rapidly but, left over loger periods of time, the change in rim shape can become permanent. This is a huge problem here in Vermont, where we basically only ride on the Fourth of July. It is sadly comical to see all the old guys on their classic bikes hopping down the street like a bunch of Easter bunnies.
Steve Barner, Permafrost, Vermont
>> >Hello People,
>> >
>> >Thanks for all the really great ideas.... 192 at last count. What I
>> really want to know is about the effect of gravity on wheels with
>> full bikes hanging off them. If I hang them for any amount of time,
>> will the wheels pull out of shape? I'm in one of those situations
>> where I may have to pull a bike off a hook at a moments notice and
>> get it ready for it's owner... could be years but they want it
>> perfect, will I have to learn how to true up a wheel in 30 seconds or
>> what?
>> >
>> >Thom (egg head ) Adams,
>> >Wondering in,
>> >Blandford , Nova Scotia