Wheel replacement advice

[Steve H]

I want to replace the rear wheel on my mtb. Been looking through reviews on bikeradar and options on Wiggle. I'm a bit confused on the options available.

International 6 bolt versus centre lock

9mm X 135mm + Adapt
9mm X 135mm + CL
9mm X 135mm + INTL

135mm X 12mm


15mm versus 20mm versus QR


I'm a bit lost to be honest

I'd really appreciate an overview of the basics of what I need to know in order to pick something that I know will be compatible with my bike.

Thanks

 

[GrumpyGregry]

what bike is it and what does/did it have on it that needs replacing ....

 

[Steve H]

what bike is it and what does/did it have on it that needs replacing ....

Hi Greg - I'm not really sure what is on it at the moment. The bike is a 2007 Carrera Vulcan mountain bike. I know it has the quick release axles, but I don't really know anything about the axles. It's a 26" wheel - I know that because I've replaced tyres and tubes, but I've never replaced a wheel before.

The wheel is surviving at the moment, but I think it has got a bit out of shape. I was thinking I needed to replace the whole wheel?? The cassette is pretty worn as well now so I might replace that as well, but that seemed easier to choose a replacement for.

 

[the snail]

if the wheel isn't too bad maybe you could get it re-trued?

 

[Steve H]

OK - from lots of reading around, I think I have a better idea now of what is going on. If I've got this correctly the two main variables are the type of axle and the type of brakes. I know currently on my mtb, that I've got Quick Release axles and disk breaks, so I think I'm fairly sure that as long as I get a new wheel that is compatible with quick release it will fit and because they are regular SRAM disk breaks I need the "International 6 bolt" type.

So lot's more research and I think I'm going to go for this one - in the INTL variety (which I think is International 6 bolt):

Mavic Crossride


Someone please shout if I have this wrong!!

Whilst I'm at it, I think I'll replace the cassette as well. It's got pretty worn over the last few years. I think I can just replace on a like-for-like basis my 8 speed SRAM cassette with this:

SRAM PG850 8-speed


I will transfer over the disk for the disk brakes.

Do I need anything else? Will the wheel and the cassette just go straight together or do I need any other bits?

 

[Bornagaincyclist]

If you have a worn cassette, it might be a good idea to check the chain and front chain rings for wear. Most likely need a chain minimum as all the components should be the same age. New cassette + old chain = ouch under load.
Regards Gordon

 

[Steve H]

Thanks Gordon. Yes, I am going to replace the chain as well. I think the front cranks could do with replacing soon, but I'll need to save a bit more cash first. Also I've not done much bike mechanics before so want to take things slowly and make changes in fairly small bite size chunks.

Cheers

 

[Steve H]

Sitting here pretty chuffed with myself. After plenty of reading and internet searching, I've now ordered, received and fitted a new rear wheel. Had to do a quick run to Evans this lunchtime to get a cassette lock ring tool. Fitted a new cassette to the wheel, transferred over the disk for the brake and got everything on the bike and working well.

Fingers crossed that the wheel doesn't fall off next time I go for a ride!

Going to make sure everything is right on a test drive and then I'll replace the chain.