I've been wanting to install small sheet metal screws in my rims instead of rimlocks.I don't have anything right now. I found the perfect s.s. screws, but chickened out on drilling the rims because it looks like it could weaken the rim. Has anyone known of cracking as a result of sheetmetal screws?
thanks
marc

 

Technically speaking, it has to weaken the rim some, quite possibly not enough to cause concern though. Not long ago someone on here posted up this exact set up on their KLX, and said it was an old school enduro or trials riders "trick" . Based on that I would say the risk of damaging the rim is not great.

 

Someone posted pics of having done that. Seemed to have been a "so far, so good" situation.

I wouldn't do it though. Ever. Rimlocks are a bit of pain, yes.

 

If you're EVER planning on selling your bike, I wouldn't do it.

 

Isn't it much more pain to have screws in the rim? You need to unscrew them all for changing the tire or repairing a flat, no?

 

Not to mention them coming out and CAUSING a flat...

 

If your running 15+ psi you don't even need to worry about it. If the valve stems is tipping on you it's the tube walking from it's intertia usually under braking. Rim locks won't stop that. If your worried about tearing the stem when getting a flat, carry a Front tube, rimlocks won't help that either. If you want to air down low in the trails, consider a rim lock, be sure to balance though cause it will get thumpy on the road. I wouldn't drill the rims.