demonbarber

Hey guys, I'm totally new to fixies, and I know I shouldnt worry to much about asthetics, but I just ordered a bike from state bicycle co. Im not crazy about the big deep wheel well things. I dont want to boldly announce to the world that im riding a fixie. I just wanna ride without calling attention to myself. Is there a way to remove that? if not how easy is it to change the wheels, and how cheap is it to buy new wheels that will function properly. By the way, I'm sorry if ive posted in the wrong place. New at this forums thing.

no1mad 

Welcome to the Forums

Next to the frame itself, the wheels are the priciest things on the bike. You could sell the stock ones to help offset the cost of the new ones, but it will still cost you more in the long run.

Wythnail

I gather you're talking about the deep v rims. If so, finding a new set of rims that have the same exact diameter would be tricky, plus even if you found some, swapping the rim would be tantamount to building a wheel from the spokes up, which is possible. but I wouldn't recommend it unless you do a bunch of reading and learning first.

With buying a new set of wheels with a smaller profile rim, you'd have to buy a rear with a fixed hub. It almost seems like any wheelset marketed to fixies is by default a deep v rim wheelset, and once you find one, it may well by 100+ for both wheels.

Is it really that important to you to have a lower profile rim? The people that will notice that you have deep v rims are also the people that will notice that you only have one gear. That goes in reverse as well, I tend to check out the rear wheel on almost every bike I pass/see in the city out of mild curiosity anyway to see if its a single speed or geared bike.

You could always go the third option: Ride your bike and not give a damn what other people think.

heymatthew

You can get a decent wheelset for $150 or less. I think Velomine has some Suns for like $120 for the set. Swap over your tires and tubes and put the old Deep V's on craigslist for $75. Someone will buy them and you'll only be out $50 or so.

heymatthew

These... Sun CR18 silver rims Fixed Gear Track Bike Wheelset 36 Hole Sun CR18 silver rims flip flop fixed gear Formula hubs wheelset [72774711864] - $119.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage

jlafitte 

This. It's at least worth riding the bike as is for a few days, you may discover it's not so bad.

demonbarber

I think I'm going to try option three for a little while, but keep them very clean, and then, if I deem it worth it, and am still being a little ***** about the deep v rims, then ill consider these wheels you guys reccomended. Sun CR18 silver rims Fixed Gear Track Bike Wheelset 36 Hole Sun CR18 silver rims flip flop fixed gear Formula hubs wheelset [72774711864] - $119.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage

and does anyone know it these will fit right with my state bicycle co bike? and how hard is it to change them?

demonbarber

i meant if not it. sorry about that. "does anyone know if these will fit..."

mizzanthrowpe

They will. And changing wheels is very easy. I'm sure you could find a video on youtube showing you how, and you'll see what I mean.

heymatthew

These will fit your bike perfectly. What color did you go with, by the way? Changing wheels is pretty straightforward. You may want to pick up a couple of tire removal tools and go ahead and get yourself a couple of new tubes while you're at it. There are some great Youtube resources available that should have you swapping wheels in no time.

I think the hardest part about swapping wheels is getting the tires back on the rims. It can be tricky and there's a bit of an art to get it right. I think Scrod here on the forums recommends putting some talc powder on the bead to get it to slide in easier. You'll also want to make sure you don't pinch or twist the tube as it can cause flats and you don't want to put too much pressure and strain on your valve stem area as the tube can separate from the stem.

Otherwise, it's super easy.

demonbarber

just to clarify, my wheels are 43mm

demonbarber

sorry for that last post, didnt see that you guys had already responded. thanks for the great advice. ill go post 43 deep v wheels on craigslist right now. and if you guys know anybody in minneapolis who's looking for a set of wheels, feel free to put them in contact with me

heymatthew

Your rim depth is 43mm (thus the "Deep V" profile). Your wheels are 700c with, most likely a 23C tire.

neamatoad

the hardest part will be swapping the rear cog over if he doesn't have a lockring wrench

heymatthew

Very true. I know some wheels come with a cog already installed. Velomine may even do this for you, but I've not dealt with them to know for sure.

demonbarber

my friend has salsa wheels that he wants to trade me. I cant find any information on them, what do you guys know? are the compatible?

TejanoTrackie 

Probably not. Just ride yer freekin' bike !

demonbarber

he says they're heavy, are heavy wheels a good thing for fixed gear bicycles?

SquidPuppet

Who is helping you to assemble the bike when it arrives? I ask because it sounds like you have no previous experience swapping wheels.

demonbarber

i have a friend who knows a bit. I see him tinkering a lot. And if he doesnt know, i live in minneapolis. There are bike shops everywhere. We're supposed to be a pretty good city for cyclists right?

SquidPuppet

Do any of the shops in your area carry State bikes? You might have been able to save a few bucks buying from a shop instead of buying from State's site and then having the bike assembled at a shop.

demonbarber

my buddy says he can assemble it easily. Should i be concerned?

SquidPuppet

Can't say, I don't know your buddy.

demonbarber

i mean is it something that requires vast knowledge and skill?

SquidPuppet

No. Does your buddy fix his own flat tires, adjust headset bearings, and replace his own chains?