If you can afford it, yes; it's always nice to have a spare rear wheel just lying around... :p

Actually it'll complete the set :D
I got the front for dirt cheap on CL. Parking lot hit & run + rear mounted rack with nice bike...

Cool. And I'm still up for taking your old Orca off your hands for you... :innocent:

Should I:

I am building up a disc brake road bike. I live pretty close to forest park and would love to start riding some of the easy trails. Most of my riding however will still be on the streets. I already have a set of Pro3 Race tires (currently on SRSLY) and in the future I will most likely have 2 sets of disc compatible wheels (one for on-road, one for off) but I am a bit confused as to the tire to go with.

Should I try out a set of Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro OR perhaps a set of Continental Contact OR should I go all out and get some 29'er tires and just go from there?

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...y8W-E58YFPnI6W

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...EvebhScArLXsGI

BTW: links are to REI because I have a credit there, so I'd like to get my tires from them.

I would go for the Continentals. You have credit so you can buy new ones later too if you want.

I fear the answer to this situation might be "it's personal preference," but if anyone has other input to offer, I would appreciate it.

I'm thinking about gearing down soon to make longer rides this fall a bit easier, as well as allowing for easier speed/traction control in the winter.

Current gearing is 46-17. Should I try going down to a 19t first, or give 21t a shot?

46-21 is prettttyyyyy tiny. Are you sure you want to go that low? Going from 71 to 58 gear inches is a pretty large jump.

This. I would try getting an 18 or 19t cog and see how that works out for you. Like yummy said dropping 13 GI is a pretty big jump.

should i order an alfine 8-spd wheel to change up the cross check that is currently setup fixed?
got that n+1 itch and figure this will satisfy it for a short while...

I have a 8spd igh and it's awesome! do it!

just need to do my research on chainline, would hate to have to buy a ne BB to get the right chainline. Ideally i want it to be fairly simple to switch between TGH and fixed on the cross check, 2 bikes in 1.

BUT, AFAIK, the alfine 8 has a 42mm chainline, which would be perfect.

should go with open pros with flipflop formula hubs for $245 or open pros with single sided dura ace hubs for $365? mostly riding street around 30miles per day for training.

do you ride in the rain often? are the dura ace hubs sealed?

Good point. If they are sealed on both sides then DA all the way. It's worth it.

they're on velomine if you wanna check them out, and from the little googling i did right now, the DA hubs are loose. I live in southern california so i rarely bike in the rain. If it is raining i would either just use a stationary bike at the gym or use the wheels that came with my iro. i appreciate the help btw.

Should I go for this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPECIALIZED-...#ht_500wt_1202

If not then this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HED-H3-Tri-S...ht_1708wt_1185

Or should I just drop it all together? I really want a HED 3 or an arrospok, but don't want to be too associated with the "sw8 fixay" crowd...

No, because they're both tubular.

So what you have now is an IRO set? I don't think OP's to Formulas would be much of a noticeable upgrade over what IRO offers on their complete bikes (granted OP's are nicer than IRO Cold Fusions). I'd say if you're going to upgrade, at least spring for the nicer hubs (if your wallet agrees).

True.

Does ANYONE know where to find a cheap aerospoke/HED 3? I want one really ******* bad.

There is no way to ride an aerospoke/hed3 without being associated with the sw8 fixay crowd.

If you want one, the correct course of action is to get one, and wear it with attitude. Who gives a **** what other people say/think. Think like EpicSchwinn and his Spinergy.

That's what I'm planning on doing. I just can't FIND ONE! Anyone with advice plz chime in!

Should I put my old road group on my fixed gear making it a 1x8 cyclocross bike for the winter?

Not true. Those fools all hate me and I outride them in my sleep.

Basically this. Also why are arrospoke's more expensive on eBay than tubular HED 3's?

Well I would definitely go HED over Aerospoke...