How to Fix a Tacoed Wheel on the Trail

After a spectacular crash on your bike where your wheel gets bent like a taco, you might assume you'd have to walk the rest of the way home. But you might be able to fix the tire just enough so you can ride home and replace it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike Shorts
• Bike Pumps
• Bike Wheels
• Mountain Bikes

1. Remove the wheel from the bike by unhitching the brakes and unscrewing the quick-release bolt.

2. Hold the wheel horizontally to the ground with the bent part facing down.

3. Grip the wheel with a hand on each side of the bend.

4. Lift the wheel over your head and smack the bent part down, hard, on the ground.

5. Smack the wheel again if it's still too bent to ride. The wheel will never be perfect, but try hitting it until it's straight enough to ride home.

6. Put the wheel back on the bike and reattach the brakes.

7. Ride home on your wobbly wheel.

8. Buy a new rim at your local bike store.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is your back wheel that's tacoed, bang it on the ground but take care not to hit the rear cogs against the ground.
• Mountain biking is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help:

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on 7/6/2006 If you can't get the wheel to clear the brakes, you can leave the brakes undone. Be careful! You will be operating with just one functional brake.

on 11/22/2005 If you don't have disk brakes, you might as well start walking or remove the brake assembly altogether. Most Tacoed wheels won't be true enough for the brakes to clear the rims after straightening. Instead of beating the rim on the ground, place it between two logs and stand on the bent section (not the spokes) until it's straight enough to ride. It will most likely never be perfect. This is easier, and you'll look like you know what you're doing.