Buy a new rim or complete wheel?

[MontyVeda]

Well unfortunately I noticed my back rim is cracking today so either the rim or the wheel needs replacing.

I've never replaced a rim before, although I'm handy with a spanner so not scared of the prospect.

Is it worth just replacing the rim? Or is it not worth the hassle?

ps... I don't want to spend too much, hence considering doing the build myself seeing as i have spoke (cut to length) and a half decent hub.

I'm looking at this, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=60969 in the £30 price range.

It's going on an MTB which will do more touring on tarmac than owt else, maybe the odd bumpy bridleway, but no proper downhill.

Does that mean i want 36h???

 

[Herzog]

Just replace the rim. It sounds like a good time to learn how to build a wheel (http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html). If the hub is still in a good condition, it'll save you cash. This could then be put towards that new bike you're no doubt saving for.

 

[Ian H]

Replacing just the rim is an easy way to learn wheel-building. Possibly no need to replace the spokes, though that's a matter of judgement re the age and condition of the wheel.

 

[Camrider]

Does that mean i want 36h???

If you are using your existing hubs then you need the same number as you have with the current rim.

 

[the snail]

You need to buy a rim which has the same ERD measurement as the original if you want to re-use the spokes - that's what I did with my wheels, just taped the new rim to the old and transferred the spokes across

 

[Red Light]

If you are using the same spokes its easy as TS says to just tape them together and move them over one by one. If not then it gets more difficult as the holes in the hub flange will have been distorted by the spokes pulling in them. When you lace the new wheel you need to make sure the spokes are pulling in the same direction as before .

 

[MontyVeda]

I'd have never thought of taping the new rim to the old... now there's a tip!

 

[MontyVeda]

You need to buy a rim which has the same ERD measurement as the original if you want to re-use the spokes
...

hmm, having looked into Exact Rim Diameter, I'm thinking it may be easier to replace the spokes too.... having looked on Chain Reaction, they don't seem to state the ERD of their rims, so i'm wondering if finding a wheel with the same ERD might be tricky (bearing in mind i won't be able to properly measure my own ERD with the hub in place).

...or am i missing something? How accurate would it need to be?

 

[Alien8]

I assume the current rim has no identification on it?

Checkout the manufacture's sites for dimension data.

This site also has a database of rim/hub data including ERDs.

If you get a rim of the same depth it will probably be ok.

 

[MontyVeda]

Cheers for the advice... top notch as usual

I did go and buy a cheap wheel in town today, which will save me walking to work whilst I faff around with a spoke key.

I asked the bloke in the bike shop about the prospect of me building a wheel, he advised me to get drunk first

 

[Ian H]

hmm, having looked into Exact Rim Diameter, I'm thinking it may be easier to replace the spokes too.... having looked on Chain Reaction, they don't seem to state the ERD of their rims, so i'm wondering if finding a wheel with the same ERD might be tricky (bearing in mind i won't be able to properly measure my own ERD with the hub in place).

...or am i missing something? How accurate would it need to be?

2mm max.

 

[PpPete]

Cheers for the advice... top notch as usual

I did go and buy a cheap wheel in town today, which will save me walking to work whilst I faff around with a spoke key.

I asked the bloke in the bike shop about the prospect of me building a wheel, he advised me to get drunk first

Piss-poor advice !
Can't say I've ever done the taping and rim-transfer method before, but a complete dis-assemble and rebuild took me about 2 hours the other day. I think the first one I did might have been closer to 5 hours. For the price of not much more than a decent spoke key I'd recommend downloading this. Much clearer instructions than Sheldon's IMHO. After a while riding your own handbuilt wheels you may find you don't trust anyone elses !

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Piss-poor advice !
Can't say I've ever done the taping and rim-transfer method before, but a complete dis-assemble and rebuild took me about 2 hours the other day. I think the first one I did might have been closer to 5 hours. For the price of not much more than a decent spoke key I'd recommend downloading this. Much clearer instructions than Sheldon's IMHO. After a while riding your own handbuilt wheels you may find you don't trust anyone elses !

Pleased to read this book getting a recommendation: I've been looking at wheelbuilding myself and came across it via another source, will buy it now!

 

[Herzog]

Pleased to read this book getting a recommendation: I've been looking at wheelbuilding myself and came across it via another source, will buy it now!

Couldn't agree more. I bought the book a couple of years ago, and I've just built my 10th (perhaps 11th) set of wheels (I got roped into building for friends who couldn't be ars*ed to learn).

Pretty much everything you'll need to know, and a lot you don't, is presented in an easily accessable manner...a great little book.

 

[kishan]

jsut get new wheels all together less hassle that way