Bicycle Mechanics - Question about spokes

If I get a Disk hub for my front wheel would I have to have the LBS replace the spokes too or can the spokes be reused. Also how much does a LBS usually charge for installing a new hub?

Yes, you will need new spokes because the flangs of the hub will most likely be differant sizes and the wheel will need to be dished differently to allow room for the caliper.
As for cost, my LBS charges most customers about $50 and that includes new spokes. If they have to dissasemble your wheels also(if you are using the same rims) it may increase the price so I would say take it apart your self and let them build it.
Make sure to make schedule a time for them to do it as it takes time for them to build the wheels. If you do not and it is a busy shop they may not get to them for a couple of days.

Slainte:beer:

Yep, what he said. Call ahead or drop in before, its always good tomake sure they aren't really booked. (This time of the year it isn't bad) And make sure they have the spokes you'll need, so there is no waiting for ordering parts..

Other then that its about 50 bucks, unless you want odd lacing, and then you may be adding 5-10 bucks.


Hope that helps

By the way, if you do unbuild the wheel yourself, my opinion is that it's best to back the tension down on the spokes a bit at a time until the wheel is soft, rather than 1) cutting fully-tensioned spokes or 2) loosening one spoke all the way, then the next, then the next... I hate it when a customer brings me a warped rim! :crash:

wow there is alot more involed than just bringing in the wheel and new hub and having them install it like I thought. 50 bucks would be like 80 here and snice I wouldn't have a clue how to take apart the wheel without damaging it I think i'll just forget about it for now.

Thanks for the replies

Ok one more question. Right now my wheel is 36 spoke. If I get them to install a new hub can I use a 32 spoke one instead or would this require a new rim?

A new rim would be needed if you change from 36 to 32 or vice versa. For the record, I never worked anywhere where we charged extra to unlace your rim from your old hub before a rebuild. It doesn't take long.

wow this is getting more complcated than I thought it would be :)

I don't want to get a new rim that will add to much to the cost and there isn't really anything wrong with my rims IMO. The best deal for a 36 hole disk hub that I can find is this http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=95&subcategory=1115&brand=&sku=3008&storetype=&estoreid=

Does any one know of a better deal?

That looks like a good price on a good-quality hub. I have one myself, in fact :) Adjustable, user-servicable, well-sealed bearings, and an excellent QR. I dislike my whole disc brake setup, but that's another story.

Keep in mind that your local shop may not be very enthusiastic if you show up with a mail-ordered hub and want them to build your wheel. Have you asked them what Shimano disc hubs they can offer you at a reasonable price? If they see an opportunity to make you a package deal on a hub, spokes, wheel-building labor, a disc-brake kit and installation, they will probably try to make it as attractive as reasonable.

I agree list price is only about $50 on that hub, so might as well by it from yoru LBS probably can get close to same deal.. maybe few dollars more.

I havn't checked out prices at my lbs yet but I do plan to.