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Technique

How to do a Rim Swap

Wheel building skills not required.

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Breaking a rim is always a bummer, but repairing it can be quicker, simpler, and cheaper than one might think. Rim swapping is a technique used by mechanics that allows a damaged rim to be replaced with minimal effort, and it can even be performed at home with some tape and a couple basic tools. You don’t even need to have wheel building skills to get the new rim laced up and ready for your local shop to take care of the finishing work. But listen Smokey, this is not ‘Nam, this is wheel building—there are rules. Follow these steps and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Video: Satchel Cronk