Bicycle Mechanics - Newbie needs advise (HED rear wheel compatibility?)

Hi guys,

Just a quick explanation, I am looking to buy a rear wheel for my road bike because I just got myself a trainer & I would like to use my current rear wheel for spin training (put on some durable tyres) and get a new rear wheel for outdoor use.

So i've been looking around for a rear wheel and i've got a few options.

One of the options available is a clincher HED carbon rear wheel: 700C with a 10-speed cassette (it says 13-25 & i'm not sure what that means).

My question is one of compatibility.

I've got a Giant TCR Aero 2 road bike with the following specs:
Shimano Tiagra 9-speed rear derailleur
SRAM 12-26 9-speed Cassette

http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/au/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?year=2006&model=10022

The above link sets out the full specs of my bike. I bought the bike secondhand recently & was told that it has stock components.

Do you think the HED rear wheel is compatible with my road bike?


thanks

Mel

You'll need to swap the cassette out for a 9 speed to work properly. The 13 - 25 is regarding the range of teeth the cassette has. As you only plan to use the original wheel on the trainer, you might get by with the 10 speed cassette on the trainer wheel (just swap cassettes between the 2 wheels). It won't shift great but you will probably be able to find a few gears that will work. If not, just get a cheap 9 speed cassette for the trainer wheel.

Thanks for the reply. How much do you think it'll cost to get a replacement 9-speed cassette for the new wheel?

Also, would I need to get a different type of brake pads for my rear wheel if i'm using a carbon wheel?

thanks

Mel

A Tiagra quality cassette will generally cost $30-$35. You will need different brake pads, I'd suggest KoolStop olive or SwissStop yellow pads so that you can easily see if you have the correct pads installed.

thanks for the replies.

Just one final question, is there any difference between a 9-speed rear wheel & a 10-speed rear wheel (other than the cassette)?

i.e. if I were to do a "10speed to 9speed" conversion, will the wheel be as good as any other rear wheels that were built for 9-speed bikes?

Sorry to bother you guys with all these questions, but I'm not really a bike techie :P

The freehub is the same for 9 speed or 10 speed (only need to be concerned with whether they are Shimano or Campy).

thanks for the replies.

Just one final question, is there any difference between a 9-speed rear wheel & a 10-speed rear wheel (other than the cassette)?

i.e. if I were to do a "10speed to 9speed" conversion, will the wheel be as good as any other rear wheels that were built for 9-speed bikes?

Sorry to bother you guys with all these questions, but I'm not really a bike techie :P

A 9 speed cassette can be used on all 8-10 speed wheels except those built with the Dura-Ace 7800 hub and the Ultegra R600 wheel, these are 10 speed only.