I bought Kinesis K108 forged 3 PC wheels in 2013 (20" x 8.5"). Every single winter here in Michigan since then, pothole strikes have bent my wheel lips. Usually BOTH on the side where the pothole strike happens. I've used my $500 deductible insurance to replace the rims in 2014, 2015, I skipped 2016 because I only bent one wheel and it was not that noticeable, and just now this year two wheels are badly bent again after a hidden pothole strike.
They are custom painted and have a long lead time to manufacturer. The damage is extremely noticeable because I have a custom machined pin stripe around the outer circumference (which has to be done at a separate facility and costs $200 per wheel).
I am sick and tired of the time, expense, and frustration. Each wheel costs $1,500.00 to replace (due to the custom painting and pin stripe), plus the time to take pictures and document everything. Two wheels is $3,000.00 plus shipping, the $500 deductible of course helps a lot, but I have to document EVERYTHING, take pictures of EVERYTHING, plus my insurance wants me to file a claim with the township (again where I have to document EVERYTHING), which they always reject, but my insurance wants a physical copy of the rejection.
I think I am going to replace them with Lexani (which has owned Kinesis since like 2007 now anyways) cast rims instead, because this just isn't worth it. I really like
Lexani Lust.
Here is damage from 2014, this pothole strike happened at about 40 mph:
I hit the pothole at night when the road was wet and the pothole wasn't visible. For insurance I came back during the daylight and took a picture of it:
I would say having the experience that I did, I would only use forged wheels for track or areas where roads are in very good condition. I've heard that if you get a smaller wheel (18") and inflate the tire a little more (to say 38 or 39 psi) it might help, but I've also read that it isn't going to make a difference if you hit a big enough pothole, which we have every winter on our REALLY bad Michigan roads.