Hello!

My beloved 2008 Specialized Dolce suffered some damage a few weeks ago, and I would like to repair the bike myself. The rear wheel was completely bent and I would like to replace it, but I cannot find the same rims anywhere (used or new). I had hoped to keep it as original as possible. Is there any advice on how I can find the best replacement wheel for this bike?

The existing rims are Alex S500, 700c
On the rims, it says "DOUBLE 6061H-T6 622x14"
Spokes are 14-gauge stainless steel.
Tires are Specialized All Condition Sport, 700 x 23c

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

Do you have to get that exact rim?(No, unless you just have to for your own reasons.)
I’d see if something like this would work for you.
Vuelta Zerolite Comp Road Wheelset - Nashbar
Otherwise maybe look for a used rear wheel on forums here, on local (Craigslist) to you, or eBay...

Rim and bike manufactures will move on from any one design/spec after a while. 9 years is a long product cycle these days.


So (if the OEM rim is really unavailable) the choices are to live with a close cosmetic but still different wheel as a replacement or replace both wheels.


After this step the choices are straight forward. Sort by hub/cassette/OLD compatibility then by rim profile and spoke count. Have you measured your rim yet, I mean taken the tire off and used a caliper? Matching the OEM rim's dimensions best possible, the profile shape/cross section and of course the color might get you close. (I've found that once the ride starts what wheels you haven't don't really mater much). There's no spoke count for your current rim in the op. How big are you? After 9 years on the same set I have to assume you're easy on your wheels. Perhaps the best advice is to have experienced hands on help at a couple points along this path.


One more aspect of tensioned spoke wheels is that they are not digital. I sometimes have felt wheels are alive in that they start out with "perfect parts" but then real life assembly is different between wheels and then riding wear takes it's toll. This slow process can be managed and that's where someone who knows wheels is a help. For many this is a LBS, for others it's a club friend.


If you do your homework and learn you become this LBS or friend for the next rider with a wheel problem.


I would be remiss if I didn't put a plug for a hand built wheel. Take the current hub (and CONFIRM it's condition first...) and have a new rim with well selected spokes built up. If the builder is good he'll help guide you in the choices. Expect to pay well more then a commodity wheel. Besides the longer lasting wheel you get to choose the exact specs. Andy

So, if you buy a machine made wheel, take it home and re-tension it, does it become a hand-built wheel?

Not by my definition but it is no longer just an over-the-counter wheel either. There has to be a name for this, say a "hand tailored " or "hand refined" wheel.

This is somewhat we do with our machine built "over the counter" wheels. We check tension, true and stress relief then add grease to and adjust the bearings. We still don't call them hand anything. Andy

I call it "dealer prepped"

Contact Alex and ask if there is a direct replacement https://www.alexrims.com/product-cate...ingcyclocross/

easier and cheaper:

The nearest (same brand) LBS probably has a dozen original equipment wheels which were traded in to upgrade when near or still new. Hit the phone book or their website/facebook and ask.