Bicycle Mechanics - Alx-295 wheelset; bearing problems

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annihilatorpro
02-14-08, 04:08 PM
Hey guys, so I have a 2005 Specialized Allez Elite with bearing play on the rear wheel. I bought the bike used 5 months ago, and didn't figure to check out the the bearings on the rear wheel until i got a flat and removed the rear wheel. Turns out it spins as if there are rocks in the bearings. It's amazingly rough. The front wheel doesn't seem to have this problem.

On the Specialized website, the rear wheel is listed as:

"Alex ALX-290, 24 hole, sealed bearing freehub, black"

Would I replace the bearings? Or does this mean it's a cartridge type bearing?

Thanks for the time, and please be nice, I'm a noob with bikes :o

fholt
02-14-08, 07:39 PM
I believe it's a conventional loose bearing hub. The sealed part is about the freehub assembly. Mine (05 allez elite as well, bought new) was grinding like that at about 1500 miles - and I was about to ride RAGBRAI so I had it rebuilt at an LBS (not sure if new bearings or just cleaned and greased).

My problems from there out were more about the spokes popping, so that's a wheelset that I'd not think ideal, esp if you go 200# or better.
annihilatorpro
02-14-08, 11:02 PM
Oops, I copied the wrong product description. It's actually:

Front hub: Alex ALX-295, 20 hole, sealed bearing, black, alloy QR
Rear hub: Alex ALX-295, 24 hole, cassette, sealed bearing, black, alloy QR