Need help on finding the right wheel!
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Need help on finding the right wheel!
I have a cheapo road bike the Denali 700c from wally world after 2k+ miles a few spokes broke on the rear wheel.
Does anyone know where I can get a cheap replacement?
This is the wheel specs they have online for it.
Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
But I have no idea where to look the ones i see have no cassette and cost more than the whole bike did. I'd love to get back on the road.
Thanks!
Does anyone know where I can get a cheap replacement?
This is the wheel specs they have online for it.
Rims: Vitesse Alloy black 700CX14GX36H
But I have no idea where to look the ones i see have no cassette and cost more than the whole bike did. I'd love to get back on the road.
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Cheapest replacement might be at your LBS. They'll take the cassette or freewheel off of your old wheel and transfer it onto your new one.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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#4
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
Measure the inside width of the rim in mm and the distance from one locknut to the other on the hub (or distance between the inside of your fork dropouts (over locknut distance - OLD). Any 700c (622mm) wheel that is close to the inside rim width and equal to the OLD will work. Inquire with the merchant if either is not specified.
A wheel from a reputable dealer that insures the spokes are properly tensioned may be the cheapest in the long run, as the most likely reason your spokes broke was improper tension. A shop will likely charge $10-15 or more to check and properly tension a new wheel but the better ones may include that in the price.
Keep in mind that the appreciable store of knowledge in this forum in many cases comes from people who were or are employed at bike shops, and that your problems most likely arose due to bike that was not assembled and adjusted properly at a bike shop.
A wheel from a reputable dealer that insures the spokes are properly tensioned may be the cheapest in the long run, as the most likely reason your spokes broke was improper tension. A shop will likely charge $10-15 or more to check and properly tension a new wheel but the better ones may include that in the price.
Keep in mind that the appreciable store of knowledge in this forum in many cases comes from people who were or are employed at bike shops, and that your problems most likely arose due to bike that was not assembled and adjusted properly at a bike shop.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 03-19-14 at 06:25 AM.
#5
surly old man

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 44
From: Carlisle, PA
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
A REAL Walmart Denali costs $159.00. Often on sale for $99.99. You say yours is "like" one. So, I will guess it is worth the same or less brand spanking new.
Perversely, decent bike parts cost more (often much, much more) than complete cheap bikes. You will have a hard time finding a replacement wheel for that bike that is less than the retail cost of the complete bike. Finding one that is not made of tin foil will be even harder. Finding one with a cassette installed that is not twice the cost of your bike is not going to happen. Not going through your local bike shop makes this project pointless. And, are we sure this bike has a cassette and not a freewheel? And that it is 700 and not 27" wheels? I have no idea, but have found that big box bikes tend to have odd part specs.
Buy a cheap but serviceable wheel on-line, buy a cassette, buy the right tool to install the cassette. Or consider the bike totaled. Or, maybe, just maybe go to a bike shop and see if they have any options that are better than the first two.
jim
Perversely, decent bike parts cost more (often much, much more) than complete cheap bikes. You will have a hard time finding a replacement wheel for that bike that is less than the retail cost of the complete bike. Finding one that is not made of tin foil will be even harder. Finding one with a cassette installed that is not twice the cost of your bike is not going to happen. Not going through your local bike shop makes this project pointless. And, are we sure this bike has a cassette and not a freewheel? And that it is 700 and not 27" wheels? I have no idea, but have found that big box bikes tend to have odd part specs.
Buy a cheap but serviceable wheel on-line, buy a cassette, buy the right tool to install the cassette. Or consider the bike totaled. Or, maybe, just maybe go to a bike shop and see if they have any options that are better than the first two.
jim
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Last edited by jgedwa; 03-19-14 at 07:21 AM.
#6
Si Senior
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,669
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From: Naperville, Illinois
Bikes: Too Numerous (not)
replace the spokes maybe? rebuild the wheel?
(almost reminds me of the neighbor who put his bike out with the trash because a tire was flat and it was no longer ridable)
(almost reminds me of the neighbor who put his bike out with the trash because a tire was flat and it was no longer ridable)
Last edited by dbg; 03-19-14 at 07:22 AM.
#7
If memory serves, Denalis don't use cassettes. They use freewheels, so you're not going to find one with a cassette. Just find another cheap bike on craigslist that has a working rear wheel with the same number of cogs (and is the same size) for $30 and swap the wheels. Then save the other one for other replacement parts as yours break.
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Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
If memory serves, Denalis don't use cassettes. They use freewheels, so you're not going to find one with a cassette. Just find another cheap bike on craigslist that has a working rear wheel with the same number of cogs (and is the same size) for $30 and swap the wheels. Then save the other one for other replacement parts as yours break.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
If you buy the same quality wheel you will be replacing it in 2000 miles again. A good, properly built and tensioned wheel should go 20,000 or more miles with no problems. You will pay for 10 new "cheap" wheels in that time. Your choice. Pay them now or pay them later.
#10
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2013
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The wheel is also black. I may just buy a new bike with wheels that dont have spokes. So i dont have to deal with them in the future. Biker makers should have sites where you can the exact replacments parts like wheels cranks etc...Car makers do much better jobs and have far more parts.
#11
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,629
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
If memory serves, Denalis don't use cassettes. They use freewheels, so you're not going to find one with a cassette. Just find another cheap bike on craigslist that has a working rear wheel with the same number of cogs (and is the same size) for $30 and swap the wheels. Then save the other one for other replacement parts as yours break.
This is likely your cheapest option.
Sometimes people upgrade their wheels and sell the old ones for cheap.
I sold the take off wheels from my hybrid for $50 on CL. MUCH better wheels than on you Denali. These had the spokes properly tensioned and should last for decades.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Bike components have far more commonality than car parts so bike manufacturers use the same groups. That said, the bike you bought has the cheapest parts available so you can expect further problems.
#13
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
#14
Si Senior
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,669
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From: Naperville, Illinois
Bikes: Too Numerous (not)
The wheel is also black. I may just buy a new bike with wheels that dont have spokes. So i dont have to deal with them in the future. Biker makers should have sites where you can the exact replacments parts like wheels cranks etc...Car makers do much better jobs and have far more parts.
#15
surly old man

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 44
From: Carlisle, PA
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
The wheel is also black. I may just buy a new bike with wheels that dont have spokes. So i dont have to deal with them in the future. Biker makers should have sites where you can the exact replacments parts like wheels cranks etc...Car makers do much better jobs and have far more parts.
Bike companies usually do an excellent job of providing information about such things. Did you buy a bike from a bike company or from Walmart? Have you mentioned what kind of bike it is, except to say it is like a Denali?
Wheel without spokes? You mean like plastic mags? Well, even they have spokes, but usually only three or four. And made of plastic. And are not truable. A run of the mill, but still not too expensive, wheel with 32 spokes that is made well, is an engineering marvel. They can last a lifetime.
__________________
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
#16
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 40
From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
135mm Rear 700 x 25 or 700 x 28c rear wheel that uses a freewheel instead of a cassette.
But there's nothing stopping you from buying the same with a cassette 7-speed cassette if you're willing to pay the extra for a cassette.
=8-)
But there's nothing stopping you from buying the same with a cassette 7-speed cassette if you're willing to pay the extra for a cassette.
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#17
It's MY mountain

Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
A bike shop could probably replace a few spokes for you for a lot cheaper than you could find a new wheel. Working on those DSBs is a PITA though, so they might politely refuse your business.
Buying a Craigslist bike with the same wheelsize and swapping seems like the most promising scenario.
2,000 miles is probably about the design life criteria for a Denali.
Buying a Craigslist bike with the same wheelsize and swapping seems like the most promising scenario.
2,000 miles is probably about the design life criteria for a Denali.
#18
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Bad politics to buy a wheel online and then ask the shop to put it on , unless you pay them generously for the service
a ship only seller never does , like hand tensioning and truing it , locally .
they, in the LBS have machine assembled wheels from their suppliers too, which are still less
than paying retail for all of the parts it takes to build a custom hand built wheel if all the same parts were chosen
this really is not saying much:
Rims: Vitesse (is just french word meaning speed) Alloy black 700CX14G(spoke Gage 2mm)X36H (how many)
a ship only seller never does , like hand tensioning and truing it , locally .
they, in the LBS have machine assembled wheels from their suppliers too, which are still less
than paying retail for all of the parts it takes to build a custom hand built wheel if all the same parts were chosen
this really is not saying much:
Rims: Vitesse (is just french word meaning speed) Alloy black 700CX14G(spoke Gage 2mm)X36H (how many)
#19
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 57
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Hey guys im still confused on what I need.
The bike is the Denali
700c GMC, Denali, Road Bike, 22.5", Men's Bike, Black/Orange - Walmart.com
and here is the wheel im looking at.
Amazon.com: Wheel Rear 700 x 25, WEI-AS23X, QR Alloy FW 5/6/7 spd Silver Hub, 14g UCP spokes, 36H: Sports & Outdoors
can you tell me if it will fit or not?
The bike is the Denali
700c GMC, Denali, Road Bike, 22.5", Men's Bike, Black/Orange - Walmart.com
and here is the wheel im looking at.
Amazon.com: Wheel Rear 700 x 25, WEI-AS23X, QR Alloy FW 5/6/7 spd Silver Hub, 14g UCP spokes, 36H: Sports & Outdoors
can you tell me if it will fit or not?
#20
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,629
Likes: 1,882
From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Hey guys im still confused on what I need.
The bike is the Denali
700c GMC, Denali, Road Bike, 22.5", Men's Bike, Black/Orange - Walmart.com
and here is the wheel im looking at.
Amazon.com: Wheel Rear 700 x 25, WEI-AS23X, QR Alloy FW 5/6/7 spd Silver Hub, 14g UCP spokes, 36H: Sports & Outdoors
can you tell me if it will fit or not?
The bike is the Denali
700c GMC, Denali, Road Bike, 22.5", Men's Bike, Black/Orange - Walmart.com
and here is the wheel im looking at.
Amazon.com: Wheel Rear 700 x 25, WEI-AS23X, QR Alloy FW 5/6/7 spd Silver Hub, 14g UCP spokes, 36H: Sports & Outdoors
can you tell me if it will fit or not?
#21
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 40
From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
Post #16
These GMC / Denali el cheapo deals are typically 135mm instead of 130mm.
The wheel the OP is looking at on Amazon is not the correct replacement...
=8-)
These GMC / Denali el cheapo deals are typically 135mm instead of 130mm.
The wheel the OP is looking at on Amazon is not the correct replacement...
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#24
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,629
Likes: 1,882
From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Amazon.com: XLC X101 Rear Road - 700c, Black: Sports & Outdoors
All you have to do is recenter the axle by 2.5mm, redish the rim, buy a free wheel removal tool in the hopes that your free wheel is actually removable.
Sounds like it'd be a lot cheaper to buy a $50 wheel at the LBS and pay them $5-10 to swap over your free wheel.
All you have to do is recenter the axle by 2.5mm, redish the rim, buy a free wheel removal tool in the hopes that your free wheel is actually removable.
Sounds like it'd be a lot cheaper to buy a $50 wheel at the LBS and pay them $5-10 to swap over your free wheel.
#25
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Amazon.com: XLC X101 Rear Road - 700c, Black: Sports & Outdoors
All you have to do is recenter the axle by 2.5mm, redish the rim, buy a free wheel removal tool in the hopes that your free wheel is actually removable.
Sounds like it'd be a lot cheaper to buy a $50 wheel at the LBS and pay them $5-10 to swap over your free wheel.
All you have to do is recenter the axle by 2.5mm, redish the rim, buy a free wheel removal tool in the hopes that your free wheel is actually removable.
Sounds like it'd be a lot cheaper to buy a $50 wheel at the LBS and pay them $5-10 to swap over your free wheel.




