Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Aluminum Wheels

I just bought my second bike (my first was stolen). I have no idea about what I want except I want it to be light. I bought a Univega maxima sport? Can't really tell the letters are worn off. The bike seamed light. (Converted to a single speed) I am interested in getting aluminum 700cs. What is the best and for around 100$?

Are you looking for just rims, or for fully built wheels?

There are no good wheel sets (built pairs) for $100--- unless you check out your local CL. I suggest posting a WTB ad and find yourself some old wheels with a thread-on cogset, and swap it out for your SS freewheel.

I just bought my second bike (my first was stolen). I have no idea about what I want except I want it to be light. I bought a Univega maxima sport? Can't really tell the letters are worn off. The bike seamed light. (Converted to a single speed) I am interested in getting aluminum 700cs. What is the best and for around 100$?

#1 I have no idea what a WTB is and that sounds way confusing. But I am going to the Bike Kitchen today so I will ask them about all those words you were saying there.

#2 I have been doing a lot of research and yes I now know that I need to spend way more than $100 to get what I want.

Questions:

Which is better: quick releases on front and back or just to carry around a wrench
What is this 23 mm, 20mm, and 18mm. I want the skinniest wheels and tires possible. I am guessing I should go with the 18?

I found these on ebay and wanted to know if they are a good buy. help!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-VUELTA-SINGLE-SPEED-TRACK-FIXIE-BIKE-WHEEL-SET_W0QQitemZ200418175385QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea9daa999

WTB= wanted to buy.

I suggest reading the entire Sheldon Brown site ;) You want a SS (single speed), so you will be find with any old-school road wheels that nobody wants (provided they are the right size). I have picked up Campy Record for next to nothing, since modern wheels no longer use thread-on cogs (they use cassettes). That means you can just thread-on a BMX freewheel and you are good to go. Finding an old FIR rim and a nice Campy or DA hub is not that difficult--- and there is no other good use for them these days, unless on a vintage bike.



#1 I have no idea what a WTB is and that sounds way confusing. But I am going to the Bike Kitchen today so I will ask them about all those words you were saying there.

#2 I have been doing a lot of research and yes I now know that I need to spend way more than $100 to get what I want.

Questions:

Which is better: quick releases on front and back or just to carry around a wrench
What is this 23 mm, 20mm, and 18mm. I want the skinniest wheels and tires possible. I am guessing I should go with the 18?

I found these on ebay and wanted to know if they are a good buy. help!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-VUELTA-SINGLE-SPEED-TRACK-FIXIE-BIKE-WHEEL-SET_W0QQitemZ200418175385QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea9daa999

:) Wow! Exactly what I wanted! I already started reading it and have a few questions.

1. When I look at a 700c rim it looks smaller than a 27". So why is it saying that a 700c is equivalent to 28"?

2. Also what the heck is a bead.

Thanks so much for your help!

145981
Those wires are the beads of the tire, it gives the tire structure. The beads sit on the bead seat on the inside of the rim, those wires clinches onto the little "hook" in the rim. Hence the name "clincher".
145983
As for the 27" and 700c question, I suggest that you read about this page.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

I have Vueltas and swear by them. I started riding on them at 200+lbs with heavy fall/winter abuse, they are still true. I got my Vueltas for $120 shipped ( these are deep dish Vs slim light profile but very structurally sound). 23mm is good enough for a small profile, you still want a comfortable ride. ( The slim 23mm tire sounds like you are carving the pavement when you turn) Vueltas are a great rim for cheap. The ones you are looking at look like they will be very light. But if you want durability and lack the know how to true your own wheels I would recommend the deep dish v's. Otherwise go for the more expensive model.