My question is this. When buying new hubs and wanting to use old rims, do you take the hub and wheel to a shop and say, "Hey! I want this hub with this rim."? Or is there some other method that people use when they say, "I converted this old bike to a fixed gear and use Surly hubs." If the case is you have the wheel rebuilt, how much does that cost usually? Second, is it cheaper to buy the hubs online then take it to a shop or buy the hub with the build?

Also, I'm a Chicago transplant and saw that there are some Chicago-ans on the board. Perhaps we could meet up some day (I live in Wrigleyville). Also, if you do live in Chicago and want to make a new friend, I'm also looking for a job. Peace!

yeah the lbs should be able to do this for you. but you dont need their help as much as you might think. first get a pair of scissors. they have to be real strong like those cutco cut through pennies type. then you cut out the spokes on your wheel (otherwise you wouldnt be able to put in the new hub). definately do this yourself cuz bike shops charge an arm and a leg for this. they call it prepping. it helps if you lubricate all the spokes first (clean them of all road grime) so they slide out of the rim real easy. but i wouldnt get a surly, usually they only go with newer rims. how old are you rims? phil wood hubs would probably work better. good luck!

Most shops will not relace used rims. They can not guarantee a good build with them. If you are getting new hubs, get new rims and do it right.

I would not re-use rims with more than a minimal amount of use. If the rims have any age at all the braking surface might be worn. If you are going to spend money on a good hub it doesn't make sense to lace it to an old rim. I can't imagine trying to cut spokes with a pair of scissors, however tough, or even with a pair of heavy lineman's electical pliers. A pair of 18" or larger bolt cutters is the weapon of choice. In case you are wondering, don't even think about re-using spokes either.

I use a big set of fence pliers to cut spokes. We don't charge anything to cut apart an old wheel(It takes about two minutes) I don't reccomend reusing old rims either but if you do, you will need to detension all the spokes before you start cutting or you may damage the rim. Any era hub will work with any era rim as long as they have the same number of holes. You can get Salsa Delgados, a pretty tough 700 rim, for $30-$40 each