Bicycle Mechanics - I need advice on rear wheel.

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View Full Version : I need advice on rear wheel.

chevvies
08-10-05, 02:52 PM
I think I need a new rear wheel. Last week I noticed a loose spoke, I don't know how long I had been riding it in this state, so I took it to a LBS, the guy said the rim was ok so I paid for a new spoke and truing. Today I'm riding along and I hear a crack, I stop and get off the bike and there it is, another spoke snapped off the hub on the opposite side this time. I'm no bike mechanic so I've read one of Lennard Zinn's MTB books in which he says more than one broken spoke = a new wheel.
The bike is a Spec. HR 2003 last of the steel frames, which I've done some basic upgrades on but this spoke game is new to me.
The wheels are Alex Rims OEM, I weigh about 215lbs, the bike has done 2500 miles so I would like to upgrade this wheel with a stronger one, or is a rebuild with stronger spokes a better option.
How on earth can I buy an Alex rim here in the UK? the website does'nt seem to have a UK option.

sydney
08-10-05, 03:27 PM
I think I need a new rear wheel. Last week I noticed a loose spoke, I don't know how long I had been riding it in this state, so I took it to a LBS, the guy said the rim was ok so I paid for a new spoke and truing. Today I'm riding along and I hear a crack, I stop and get off the bike and there it is, another spoke snapped off the hub on the opposite side this time. I'm no bike mechanic so I've read one of Lennard Zinn's MTB books in which he says more than one broken spoke = a new wheel.
The bike is a Spec. HR 2003 last of the steel frames, which I've done some basic upgrades on but this spoke game is new to me.
The wheels are Alex Rims OEM, I weigh about 215lbs, the bike has done 2500 miles so I would like to upgrade this wheel with a stronger one, or is a rebuild with stronger spokes a better option.
How on earth can I buy an Alex rim here in the UK? the website does'nt seem to have a UK option.Rebuilding may be cheaper than a new wheel.A cheap hub and rim may not be worth it.
phantomcow2
08-10-05, 04:00 PM
the spokes might be fatigued, they may have had improper tension from the start which contributed to the problem you are having.
The rim might be alright so you can reuse it as well as the hubs and just have a good LBS rebuild it.
The rims are probably fine as well as hubs so i would get it rebuilt, if you feel that hte rims are toast your better off just buying a new wheel unless the hubs are too good to stop using