Actually, no different than here. One shop told me that servicing any bike over 5 years old was a waste of money, as bike technology has changed so much....

In the end, doing your own work, or as much as you can, is the best answer. Second best answer is a bicycle co-op (see comments later). Third is to check with other shops until you find one more interested in older bikes. Eventually, you will find one that appreciates older bikes. In my area, that is about one shop out of 10 at best.

Good place to start is Randy Jawa's "mytenspeeds.com" web site, although it focuses more on road bikes than mountain bikes.

Mountain bike rear wheels come down to a few key pieces of information:

1. Is is a freewheel or cassette wheel? Totally, completely different technology, and will require two different wheels.

2. How many speeds on the current freewheel or cassette?

3. Rear spacing: OLD? Many mountain bikes are 135mm, some are 130mm, really early ones were sometimes 126mm.

4. Rim width? (will need to remove tire). Realize tire will have to come off regardless, as you will be replacing the wheel.


Google or Sheldon Brown site will guide you through most of these questions. On measurements, if you measure carefully, a ruler will work.

Here in the US, people often use bicycle co-ops. These are places where people donate parts and time to help others repair or build up bikes. The one in my area sells new replacement wheels CHEAP, and could help someone answer all the questions above.


The good news in all of this is it will help educate you about bikes. This will be a life long skill.

Until you are fluent in all of the bike specific information, my advice is to avoid ordering parts on line! This can be a major headache, as parts don't fit right, you have to return stuff, etc. I am always surprised newbs want to buy everything on amazon.


In buying a new wheel, be sure to get one with stainless steel spokes. That could cost $5 to $10 more here in the US, well worth it.