stolzenbird

I have a 2009 stock Kona Smoke. Unfortunately, my front wheel was stolen yesterday. Feel pretty bummed out about it, but would like to replace it and get riding again as soon as possible. I'm a total newbie and am unsure what a compatible wheel is. Or am I looking for a rim and not a wheel? I know the wheels are 700c, so is any 700c wheel compatible? I guess I need a tire too. I don't care if the rim matches the rear rim or anything like that. Thanks in advance.

gizzsdad

Any reason you wouldn't go to your LBS?

stolzenbird

i just thought it'd be cheaper to buy online.

fietsbob

Math : Online = you pay shipping + the cost of the parts.. the shipping the part to the LBS is part of the retail price, there.

himespau 

If you buy a high end wheel, you might do better online. For a first wheel the advice of a bike store might be better. I'm pretty sure most 700c front wheels are the same width, but if not hopefully someone will correct me on that before you buy the wrong wheel. Yes you're going to need a tire (and a tube) in addition to the wheel. You could probably find the specs for your bike online and buy the same front wheel that comes with your bike originally if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Sorry you had your wheel get stolen. Just so you know (and hopefully don't take it personally) there are a lot of lbs supporters/employees/owners on here so don't be surprised if they attack someone without much knowledge/experience in this area for buying online. People who know what they want and drop $3k on wheels (yes that's each) online don't get as much grief. So, while if you have questions, it might be more reassuring to have people who can actually see the bike help you in a bike shop, don't let them make you feel like you're the bad guy in this whole theft thing because you chose to buy a replacement online.

gizzsdad

The main reason I asked is that your LBS can get on the road very quickly. As opposed to waiting for shipping, etc.

Plus, since you're new, there's always chance you'll order the wrong thing.

himespau 

On the other hand, if you're like me and your bike and public transportation are the only options, sometimes it's easier to order something online than trying to carry a wheel back home on the bus.

Good point about the faster turnaround though, gizzsdad. When I was in college and depended a lot more heavily on my bike for transportation, I really appreciated the way the lbs came through to replace my taco'd wheel in a hurry.

stolzenbird

thanks guys. i'm mainly concerned with price at this point. any specific recommendations would be awesome.

Bezalel

According to Bikepedia you had a Rigida Cyber 10 rim (This probably should be 10R because Rigida claims the 10 doesn't come in 700c) and Velocity hubs. I don't see anyone selling this combonation but it seems to be on the lower end. I'd reccomend getting a quote from your LBS, buying low cost wheels online will have huge shipping costs while your LBS probably pays less in shipping.

stolzenbird

thanks, yeah, i guess that makes sense.

himespau 

Or he could look at this as the opportunity to upgrade his wheels. But then we wouldn't be talking about what the most effective option is. Nevermind. It's just so fun to spend other people's money.

stolzenbird

i feel like it's not a good enough bike to warrant me buying super-nice wheels for. i'm also kinda broke right now.

himespau 

I hear ya

LarDasse74

Most LBSs will have a decent aluminum rim front hybrid wheel for sale for $40 or so. Tires generally start at $15 or so, and a new tube should cost $5 or less, and a rim tape mayby $3.

If there is a second hand bike shop or co-op in your area you might get something cheaper.

You could also visit garage sales and see if you can find an old hybrid bike with 700C wheels and straight rims and good rubber. You might get a donor bike for less than the cost of a new wheel.

Good luck!

stolzenbird

great, thanks. i'm gonna go the LBS route. if anyone has any LBS recommendations in brooklyn or manhattan that'd be great.

stolzenbird

so i ended up getting the exact same tire and a slightly better rim than i had originally. with the tube and tax and everything it cost $108. fair price?

Bezalel

What wheel did you get?