Originally Posted by
Digital_Cowboy
Okay here are a couple of wheel/tyre questions:
a) how often does one need to replace/relace their wheels?
Generally after bending the rim with a crash or road obstacle although some people manage to wear out the braking surfaces.
b) how often does one need to have their wheels trued?
Only after bending the rim or replacing it due to worn out brake surfaces.
c) how often do the hubs need to be rebuilt?
Campagnolo hubs with grease ports should have fresh grease injected every 1200-3000 miles and be disassembled for cleaning every 6000-12000 miles.
Cup and cone hubs with no grease ports need to come apart more often.
They should be adjusted whenever you notice play.
Quality cup and cone bearings last a very, very long time when properly lubricated and adjusted.
d) how often should one rotate their tyres?
The rear tire gets thrown out when cords are showing or it gets damaged beyond repair and replaced with the front.
e) at what mileage/age should tubes be replaced?
When you get tired of patching them which means after the first puncture if you're lazy like me.
Tubes without replaceable valve cores must also be replaced following a valve failure; although with nice tubes (Continental presta tubes) you can just install a new core.
f) is there any benefit to balancing a set of wheels?
No.
I know that tires and tubes are more subjective and that some have gotten 13,000 miles out a of a pair of tyres. In the case of tubes as long as they hold air are they good to go?
Yes.