WHEEL UPGRADE

[fudgedog]

My bike (Kuota Kharma) has Fulcrum 7's on it most bike reviews of bikes with these wheels they say it would be the first upgrade. I don't race but do plenty 50+mls runs. Without breaking the bank (£200) what is reccommended and do you really notice a difference

 

[Tim Bennet.]

I know it's the same old answer, but that doesn't effect its validity. For two hundred quid, the best road wheels are Open Pro on an appropriate groupset hub, hand-built by someone good like Paul Hewitt.

You can get flasher looking, but you can't get a lighter / stronger / more durable / more repairable wheel than that.

 

[PpPete]

+1 for Open Pros, but build them yourself. You'll be able to afford slightly higher quality hubs that way and it's not half as difficult as you'd think.

 

[therams]

+1 for Open Pros, but build them yourself. You'll be able to afford slightly higher quality hubs that way and it's not half as difficult as you'd think.

I have repaired buckled wheel in my teens, so I know the basics.

If I was to build a wheel, what tools would i need, just a spoke key? How to I get even tension? Any advice/links appreciated.

 

[nigelnorris]

This guy's videos are pretty good, or at least for a beginner like me. Don't know how much use they are someone already experienced but I would say there's something in there for almost everyone.

http://bicycletutor.com/part/wheel/

 

[Bigtwin]

I have repaired buckled wheel in my teens, so I know the basics.

If I was to build a wheel, what tools would i need, just a spoke key? How to I get even tension? Any advice/links appreciated.

You'll need a building/truing stand at least. Which you can make.

I'd agree that it's a great thing to do, but it's not THAT easy to build a decent wheelset, especially first time. Dishing, spoke tension and twist, truing and so on - it's not a walk in the park to get a really good durable result.

Given that most decent shops will do the build for free if you buy the components, , it's a bit of a labour of love. spokecalc.xls is good as it lists the info for most popular hub and rim combinations - google is your friend.

 

[therams]

Yes, I have just been on Google and I don't think it would save me enough cash to justify the effort / frustration.

Nice idea though, it will go on my list of things to do when I have time...

 

[fossyant]

Nah....get a good builder to do them - it's not much, as they can build them quick, and you won't have any trouble with them....at all.....

therams....if you want two good builders..... Wills Wheels in Heaton Chapel and Rick Green in Handforth. I've known both for years. Will did my Fixed, with custom wheels, and another set of handbuilts on some period Dura Ace hubs for me - he's is spot on - totally sound advice etc.

 

[therams]

Cheers fossant, I have spoken to Wills Wheels, seemed like good people. I think I might take my bike in to get it checked out, the back wheel is just of "true" and the bearings don't sound right. I was going to ride over today, but the weather was too nice so headed over to Knutsford.
To be honest, I cant really justify new wheels, I would like some though.