Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - fixed gear wheelsets

I am looking at wheelset for building my first fixed gear conversion bike...could someone knowledgable tell me if these are alright to get...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7186561627&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

depending on what spacing you need for the rear, and depending on how well you need the wheels to perform, and depending on if you want to pay that price to an online retailer when you could get the same thing from a local bike shop,

those should work.

I've been doing a lot of research for the same reason. My understanding is that the Suzue basic hub is not very durable. Since the cost of the hub is a relatiively small part of the overall wheel, spending an extra 10 or twenty bucks on a more durable hub seems like a good idea. Formula and Surly hubs both have a good reputation for durability.

I'm sure folks with more first hand knowledge will chime in.

My original wheelset was a set of Suzue Jr./Alex rims from Ben's (they're my LBS) and I rode them without problem for over a year. They're not high-end, by any regard, but they are a good entry level wheelset.

it's such a touchy subject and it really depends on philosophy and finance. most people tend to think that its best to buy something once, buy the best that's available, and keep up on maintenance. others like to go in steps: get the conversion first, then the track bike, get crummy wheels/parts then upgrade.

probably the best thing to do is really take a rational look at what you use the bike for, how much you are on the bike, how much you are able to keep up with the maintenance on the wheels (specifically the hubs) and how much you are willing to defend your parts (because people get really catty and for some reason think its important for them to point out to you that your hubs are totally weak because of this or that arbitrary reason.) my first bike had a suzue basic hub, i ran it into the ground in a year. most people tell the same story. then again, i sold a bike to a good friend about 3 years ago that had those quando hubs on it. he's stripped it, flipped it, and done everything else bad you can do to a hub, and its grimey as can be and hardly spins, but he still rides it. most people cannot detect a deficiency in one of the bearings, or probably given a blind test on a brand new set of "crap" wheels and a brand new set of "bling" wheels probably would only notice minor differences. i dont know. sorry, coffee is riding high this morning.

those wheels are good for you if you are just starting and don't know if you want to invest $400 in a good set. they are probably good for you if you plan to get your feet wet and see if you like riding a fixed gear bike. they are probably also good for you if your wallet is lacking proper funds. you'll always be able to sell stuff once you are through to pay for something better. go for it if they fit you and your needs.

drac's point is they may not fit the rear end of your bike, depending on what age it is. derailleur bikes have wider spacing between the dropouts than track bikes, and those are spaced at 120mm, regular rack spacing. as it's a first conversion probably best to go to an lbs with f/g knowledge and have them sell you something, rather than buying something online that may not work. use the lbs sticky to find a local one.

i think the auction states something about respacing, which is an easy enough problem to fix. suzue's are cool training wheels.

okay so I have a motobecane super mirage..maybe 70's had all japanese components on it...SR, Suntour..etc. it was a 10speed. Would these track wheels work for this bike...it have formula hubs and looks really great...about $225.00 with shipping....

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FIXED-GEAR-BIKE-WHEELSET-FORMULA-DEEP-V_W0QQitemZ7188106499QQcategoryZ36144QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

those wheels will work. the rear spacing on your frame may be different but it can always be squeezed in a bit or the rear hub can be spaced wider by adding some spacers.

The Soma wheelset is definatly worthy. Im not sure id use them for track but for a conversion that your going to be training on, or peeling through the city streets on they would be perfect. Ive installed a few pairs on bikes now. Good rims, good hubs, the ones i have experience needed some minor truing after being shipped cross boarder but thats normal.

Failing that, get on Ebay and find a set of forumula hubs and lace them to a rim of your choice.

As for frame spacing. Most track hubs are 120mm. Your frame is old, and steel, gently squeeze the drop outs.... you only have to move them in 5mm a side and it wont hurt your frame.

EddieBrannan from above said this..."derailleur bikes have wider spacing between the dropouts than track bikes, and those are spaced at 120mm, regular rack spacing."

The description for the wheels say: "Rear is spaced at 120mm / front is 100mm."

so it fits?

Measure your dropouts. Most track hubs are going to come spaced @ 120mm. I had a Ben's Bike Suzue basic set on my road conversion and had to respace the rear, which is beyond easy... However, you're going to have to make other adjustments to keep the chainline straight. If you don't know what you're doing with all this, hit up your LBS and hopefully they know enough about fixed gear bikes to sort it out for you.

BTW - the Suzue basic hubs are crap if you're doing any riding through say... an urban environment (curbs, potholes, cracks in the road). I've pretty much blown out the bearings, front and back, as well as bent the front axle.

Here are some more wheels from the same seller:

These use the same sealed bearing hubs, not the more expensive deep v rims on the other wheelset you posted. A little cheaper option.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FIXED-GEAR-WHEELSET-SEALED-BEARING-HUBS_W0QQitemZ7188160712QQcategoryZ58099QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

just wait till tony from iro is back up, his wheelsets are good, plus hes a good guy you could email him with your questions he's pretty good about getting back to you. his web site says hell be back up and running on the 17th.

those wheels will be fine most riders. if you're heavy, riding brakeless on crappy streets or are into heavy skidding/skipping, i wouldn't recommend them, but for casual riding and beginners, there's no reason to spend more.

Here are some more wheels from the same seller:

These use the same sealed bearing hubs, not the more expensive deep v rims on the other wheelset you posted. A little cheaper option.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FIXED-GEAR-WHEELSET-SEALED-BEARING-HUBS_W0QQitemZ7188160712QQcategoryZ58099QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

are those rims double walled? I am in an urban environment...going off sidewalks and on bumpy roads and all.

go to your lbs and ask questions on wheel builds - they would have recomendations and can build you something in your price range.

are those rims double walled? I am in an urban environment...going off sidewalks and on bumpy roads and all.


yup double walled. They're a cross/touring rim.
i've been riding them for a year with no problems.
they're driller schraeder though, if you care.