My 13 year old son recently experienced a hard impact on the right front rim of his Blaster (broke his left thumb in the process, but we'll be riding again in late December!). The rim is seriously bent, but the tire holds air (never lost tire pressure). Can we hammer the wheel as straight as possible and keep using it? If not, what would be good economical replacement wheels (OEM wheels are almost $100 each). Thanks for the input.

 

It would not hurt to try to straiten the rim, since it is already bent. If it hold air when your done...thats great. If not.... ITP wheels can be had for a bit over $40 each. Much nicer looking...fairly strong.
It makes you laugh at what most dealers want for OEM replacement parts.

Just be careful if the rim is "really" bent good. If the tire/wheel makes the bike pull or push one way it could be dangerous. Not to mention the uneeded stress on the spindles and such.

 

if yah could get a rubber mallot and just beat it back into place (iv you like keeping your bike nice use a rubber mallor because i metal will dent the rim up and cause it to rust when keped wet)

 

I had to straighten a dent in the rim on my old blaster and it was easy to do. I'ts like they are made from roofing tin!

 

I have to fix mine almost after every ride. Use a regular hammer, but use a soft(brass) punch. Put the punch on the highest point of the dent and hit it. It the paint chips it's a good idea to touch it up with paint or primer. They rust fast.