Putting new wheels onto road bike.

[a_nic_an]

Hi all;
I have bought some new wheels for my road bike, it is a very basic Raleigh Airlite 300, about 7 years old.
I have never done any substantial work on it other than to clean it and change the inner tubes because it Is what I get to work on so like to know I can trust its upkeep, I'm there fore a real beginner when it comes to maintenance.
However, after someone suggested it on here I have decided to have a go at this job myself.
Is there anyone who could explain, relatively simply, or point me in the right direction for instruction on how to change the front and rear wheel of a road bike?
For a start, what tools will I need? I have a chai whip, is there anything else required?
Are there any common difficulties or dangers to be aware of before starting?
Thanks so much for any help.
Nic

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Has the rear wheel already got a cassette, or do you need to remove your current cassette and put it on the new rear wheel ?
Do the wheels have inner tubes and tyres?

Other than the cassette, inner tubes and tyres, swapping out the wheels is a 1 minute job.

 

[AndyRM]

First time I changed my cassette I used this guide, which covers everything:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-replace-a-bike-cassette-video-18234/

Sounds like you've done tyres and tubes, so cassette is all you need to learn.

 

[Profpointy]

Has the rear wheel already got a cassette, or do you need to remove your current cassette and put it on the new rear wheel ?
Do the wheels have inner tubes and tyres?

Other than the cassette, inner tubes and tyres, swapping out the wheels is a 1 minute job.

Don't forget adjusting the brakes

(not quibbling with your post, just important to do it - so maybe extra 2 minutes )

 

[a_nic_an]

Tahnks for the replies; I am keeping the cassette that is already on the bike but will need to attach it on somehow
I think that I will probably buy new tyres as the ones I have are the ones the bike came with yonks ago.
Cheers for the guide, I will have a look at that now.

 

[a_nic_an]

P.s. It looks as if I will need a lock ring tool, do they come in different shapes and sizes or are they one-size-fits-all?

 

[AndyRM]

P.s. It looks as if I will need a lock ring tool, do they come in different shapes and sizes or are they one-size-fits-all?

They come in two flavours - Campagnolo and Shimano/SRAM. You'll want a Shimano one. If you're in the North East I'll lend you mine. If not you can get one for cheaper than the postage.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

If the bike has been in regular use for seven years and is still on the original chain and cassette I'd replace them both, they're well overdue.

 

[J1780]

Tahnks for the replies; I am keeping the cassette that is already on the bike but will need to attach it on somehow
I think that I will probably buy new tyres as the ones I have are the ones the bike came with yonks ago.
Cheers for the guide, I will have a look at that now.

As above I'd really look at changing the the cassette but I'd also be looking at chainring and chain. With regular use I'd say those parts as well as a few more on the bike are in need of checking and probable replacement. Then again if you're still on the original tyres they're either completely shot or you haven't used the bike a whole pile in terms of mileage. While you're looking at the cassette tool why not ask the shop to check your chain..or get a chain checker too. you'll end up hooked on maintenance

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@J1780 not sure about the chain rings, middle maybe if its a triple, my prowheel outer is still fine after 10,000 miles, and there arn't many that do the mileage i do in a year (usually )

 

[a_nic_an]

The bike is used 4 times per week for 9 miles a trip. The chain has been changed a few times and the cassette about a year ago. The wheels are on their way out hence the change.
I will look out for a shimano chain ring as I'm no where near the north east, I live in Cornwall!

 

[raleighnut]

If you put the same gear cluster on as you already have then the old back wheel becomes a spare/crappy weather wheel, you could even tyre it for wet/snowy conditions.

 

[a_nic_an]

Great, so after a lot of dilly dallying, I finally got around to buying the required bits and putting on a new pair of wheels. Thanks for the helpful hints.
Nic