Wheel trouble
 

My rear wheel is terribly out of true and its not the first time. I had it done in a shop 1-2 years ago but the problem came back quickly. I have been neglecting it since because the problem came back so fast and it didn't really bother me. Recently 2 spokes have broken so its time to finally do something about that wheel. At this point I don't know if I should find some new spokes or buy a whole new rear wheel. In both cases I have no clue how to find what I need. The wheel is 700c and called Rodi Stylus Race (in Isle of Wight, United Kingdom - photo by vinceplymouth - Pinkbike)

If I buy new spokes how will I find the correct ones I need? The broken spokes have 2mm diameter and I'm not sure about the lenght but its around 28-30cm.

If I buy a new wheel how will I find one that can fit with my cassette? The cassette is a Shimano with 9 gears (Focus 2011 Mares AX 3 0 Shimano Tiagra Cyclocross Bike XXL 60cm | eBay)

Wheels often have a decreasing periodness to their problems. It takes a few years for the first issue, then less time for the next and again even less for the third. At some point the lack of reliability becomes more a problem then the cost to replace.

Rim conditions rule the spoke tensions. So a rim with bends or flat spots will never allow an evenly tensioned future, even if all the spokes are new. Before I would consider reusing the old rim I would loosen all the spokes to the point of their not influencing the rim's trueness. Only then can you ascertain the rim's actual condition.

Removing a good spoke (one from each side as they are often different in length) and measuring is the best way to determine their length. A different rim might need different lengths. While most freehub bodies are currently 9 speed compatible but making sure is a good point. Often this spec is stated in the description. Andy.

It sounds like you're having a little trouble with the bike. Why don't you go back to the shop, or perhaps a bike co-op and make sure the "mechanic" explains everything he does.

If you have a broken spoke in the wheel, it will throw it out of true. So, the rim may be perfectly fine, but the spokes could be bad. Your shop will help you make the determination.

As Andrew R Stewart mentioned, you may just need to replace another spoke, or this could be the beginning of a domino effect where one spoke after another will break.

You can replace the spokes yourself. Although, they often break on the cassette side of the rear wheel which are the most cumbersome to replace because you must remove the cassette. So, to replace the spokes you'll need a cassette tool, chainwhip, spoke wrench, and a bit of patience to get the wheel trued again (which you can do, just take it easy). Just ask your shop to measure the spokes and sell you a couple of spares.

Keep in mind, the right and left spokes on the rear are often different lengths.

9s is one of the most widely supported cassette sizes, so that is good. You can transfer your old cassette to the new wheel if it is still good. Just ask for a wheel that takes a cassette that is 8, 9, or 10 speed. 11 speed will also work, but is unnecessary. 7s will not work.

I really can't bother the hassle of trying to fix this wheel. I'm not much of a mechanic so it would have to be at the shop, but that's expensive and at that price its not really worth it when the problem seems to come back so quickly anyways. At this point buying a whole new wheel seems easier than trying to figure out what's wrong with this wheel (if its the rim or spokes) and then paying 50 usd like last time to fix it. I'm thinking of buying that new wheel. Can you tell me what I need to look for to make sure it fits my casette? I will be buying it online. I'm thinking evanscycles or wiggle.co.uk.

I have identified my casette as this one Wiggle | Shimano HG50 9 Speed Cassette | Cassettes & Freewheels (11/25)

Which wheel can I fit that casette on? For example Wiggle | Shimano WH-R501 Clincher Rear Wheel | Performance Wheels. Will it fit on that wheel?

Before you purchase a wheel you need to measure the space between the dropouts on your bike (OLD)

Just remove the old wheel and measure from the inside of the dropout to the inside of the dropout.

It should be about either 130mm or 135mm.

The WH-R501 is listed as 8/9/10 speed, and should be fine with your cassette. However, it is listed at 130mm OLD, and should not be used with a 135mm bike.

It also has 24 spokes. Does your current wheel have 32 or 36 spokes? It is also listed as a "Road Wheel". Your bike is a cyclocross bike, and probably originally came with wider rims.

How heavy are you, and how do you ride your bike? Are you rough on it?

Personally I would choose a wheel with more spokes and a wider rim. (that one is listed as 20.8mm). Although, it is possible that if it is well made with 24 spokes, it would be better than a poorly made wheel with 32 spokes.

The dropout is 130mm when I measure from the inside only.

The wheel has 32 spokes (including the 2 broken ones).

My bike is indeed a cyclocross and the internal measurement of the rim is 130 mm. I was told once that it was extremely small as it was originally installed with 35mm tires.

I am underweight so pretty light on the weight, but I write aggresively so yes I would say I am rough on it.

I am also considering this wheel Wilkinson 700C Double Wall Rim 8/9 Speed Cassette Quick Release Rear Wheel | Evans Cycles

Also where did you get the information about the wheel I linked to being 130mm. I can't find any of that information on the listing.

It's listed as a "road" wheel.
Road wheels are 130mm spacing.

The Shimano wheel is a specific model. I've downloaded the PDF parts listing, which mentioned the OLD, as well as finding the wheel on other websites that provide more info.

As far as the Wilkinson wheel...
It should fit. (listed as 130mm OLD, and 8/9 speed).

It is also a narrow rim. In the Q/A section, it is listed as 21mm. You might measure your current rim for comparison.

The cyclocross is a unique group halfway between road and MTB.