How does one knows if a bicycle wheel needs to be replaced?
Question on wheels
02/22/12 03:35:00 PM (12 weeks 11 hours ago)
02/22/12 05:10:00 PM (12 weeks 10 hours ago)
#1
First figure out what's wrong
First figure out what's wrong with it. Why do you THINK you need a new wheel? If it's just out of true, that can be fixed very easily. If the rim is starting to crack or is bent, you either have to replace the rim or buy a new wheel; but which you do might depend on how good your hub is and how expensive the wheel is. (And many hubs can be repacked easily with not much expense.) Replacing the rim means having the shop rebuild the wheel, which will cost you labor in addition to the new rim and possibly new spokes. If it's an expensive wheel, it might be worth it. If it's a cheap wheel, just replace it.
(Just one person's humble opinion, of course. I'm sure others will chime in with other good advice.)
02/22/12 05:28:00 PM (12 weeks 9 hours ago)
#2
I dont think that the wheel
I dont think that the wheel needs changing. I brought it to store for tune-up as paart of SIG's preperation and was told that I need new chain, gears and rear wheel. While I can agree on chain+gears, I dont know what is wrong with wheel. I do not see any cracks, I did not have any probles with spokes ether.
What I have is the bike being harder to ride, I routinely go in lower gears then few month back, and go slower as well, but I thought that should be fixed by throughout cleaning, lubricating and changing chain as well.
Also, I got another question, I been told in past that if I put lighter wheels on my bike I'll be able to go faster. I am riding hybrid with 700 by 35 wheels currently. How much of a difference lightest wheels that will fit into my bike can make a difference?
02/22/12 05:34:00 PM (12 weeks 9 hours ago)
#3
wheel or tire.
are you talking about the wheel or the tire? you seem to be mixing the terms.
02/22/12 05:37:00 PM (12 weeks 9 hours ago)
#4
I am talking of wheel in
I am talking of wheel in first question at least.
In second I may be a bit confused, if that was recomendation to get lighter tires or lighter wheels.
02/22/12 05:39:00 PM (12 weeks 9 hours ago)
#5
Ask the shop why they think
Ask the shop why they think you need a new wheel. If your wheels are still good, you could put narrower tires on the wheels, and that will make a big difference. If you go down to a 700 X 28 tire with a relatively smooth tread, you will notice an immediate difference in the speed and feel of the bike. Of course, that only works if the rims will take a narrower tire.
02/22/12 05:45:00 PM (12 weeks 9 hours ago)
#6
Ask the bicycle store....
You mentioned that the bicycle store said that you needed a new rear wheel. Why not ask them why they think you need a new rear wheel?
It could be many reasons (split on inside of rim - happened to me, grossly pitted bearing races - happened to me, etc) but since they made the initial claim why not ask for clarification?
