kindrich

Hi all,

So I have this bike:
Specialized Bicycle Components

Lately, the spokes have been breaking, one after the other. I've already replaced 3 of them. And my back tire gradually loose air even if I don't ride the bike whereas the front one stays firm. The tech guy at a local bike shop recommended getting a new wheel, but I wanted to look online for better option first before using what they have at the shop.

My question is: would any 700c wheelset work for this bike? Or hybrid bikes need a special kind of wheel?

I'm looking at these on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Aeromax-Alloy-...rds=700c+wheel
Would they work for my bike?

Thanks and sorry for being such a noob :-) !

desertdork

I'd pass on those wheels and here's why...

Only your rear wheel is shot. You don't need a wheelset. Even if you needed to replace both wheels, I'd still advise against this wheelset for several reasons, including: 1) paired spoke wheels can be particularly problematic; 2) I believe your frame requires a 135mm rear hub; 3) I think the rim width is on the small side for wider tires; 4) generic hubs and rims don't enthuse me; 5) not complimentary to the bike.

So focus your money on the rear wheel.

At the lower end of the spectrum, you could look at a wheel like this. Nothing exotic, but has known parts and should be a good match for your existing front wheel. (I know nothing of this seller and have no personal experience with this wheel,...just using it as an example of a suitable replacement wheel.)

Stepping it up a bit, I'd have a wheel built for me. I haven't used his services, but Anthony at Longleaf Bicycles seems to have a good operation going and specializes in handbuilding wheels for touring/long distance/commuting cyclists. It looks like he could build a rear wheel with a Deore LX hub and Sun CR-18 rim with 32 or 36 double butted Wheelsmith spokes for ~$150.

That may sound like a lot of money (and it may really be, depending on how you value and use the bike), but it would be a good quality wheel for reasonable cost. If your local bike shop has a skilled wheel builder that can put together something similar, that may be the way to go. Otherwise, I'd call Longleaf or another builder and discuss the options. It won't cost anything to chat, and you may walk away with some knowledge if nothing else. FWIW, a "pro" wheel builder will often guarantee his work and replace broken spokes or re-true the wheel at no cost under most circumstances, but a wheel that's well built for its usage won't typically need more attention at a later date.

kindrich

Thank you so much!

I only paid like $350 for the bike, and I'm saving money for a really nice road bike so I honestly don't want to invest too much into this one.

It sounds like my best option is just have the local bike shop find the best fit wheel for my bike. I didn't know there were other important parameters (i.e. hub size) besides the wheel's diameter.

Thank you for saving me from wasting $120.

Wanderer

You might also want to check Bicycle Wheel Warehouse.

NormanF

A quality wheel can be built that doesn't break the bank. They usually the last things on a bike that need to be upgraded.

Bill Kapaun

Another option is simply replacing the spokes.
Maybe you could work out a deal with a wheelbuilder where you replace the spokes (one at a time) and then you give the builder the wheel with loose spokes and have them finish it.

The problem you are likely having is that the spokes were never properly tensioned, although some years ago there was a bad batch of spokes that affected many different brands of bikes.
The fact you've broken 3 means you are likely to start popping them even more rapidly. Just the way pop corn pops. A few at first and then rapidly after.

You didn't mention your weight, riding style etc.
Those can play into your wheel choice. maybe 32 spokes isn't enough?

desertdork

Yes, you could probably save a few additional dollars by buying an off-the-shelf wheel from the LBS. Ask them about having the wheel tensioned ("stress relieved") for you beforehand since, as Bill Kapaun stated, poor tensioning will detract from a machine-built wheel's longevity.