General Discussion Triathlon Talk » wheel set install Rss Feed  
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2016-09-30 10:41 AM


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Subject: wheel set install
I'm contemplating buying a wheel set for my bike. In general, how hard are these to install? I'm not very "mechanical". I verified that the set would fit my bike. Do most of you usually use the LBS, or DIY?
Any good youtube videos out there on this?
Thanks!


2016-09-30 11:29 AM
in reply to: 0


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Subject: RE: wheel set install
Originally posted by Burchib

I'm contemplating buying a wheel set for my bike. In general, how hard are these to install? I'm not very "mechanical". I verified that the set would fit my bike. Do most of you usually use the LBS, or DIY?
Any good youtube videos out there on this?
Thanks!


Funny you should ask.

I'm a couple weeks ahead of you in the process.

Option 1:
DIY

It is not a complex operation. There are tons of videos out there.
However, you will need between 1 and 3 'special' tools that you likely won't need for anything else.

Tool 1: Chain whip-Tthink of it like a strap wrench, but with a chain (you have to apply counter torque to the cassette or you'll just spin the wheel when you try to loosen whatever retainer holds it on)

Tool 2: cassette removal tool thinger. Looks to basically be a hex wrench sticking out of the offspring of a socket and a nut.

Tool 3: in the videos it's referenced as some kind of _____ wrench. I forget what they called it. I think a pedal wrench or a "not thick" crescent wrench would work. So, not necessarily something you would HAVE to have.*

COST: $25-$50 for the tools

Option 2:
LBS
COST: $13
$20 if they have trouble finding a spacer/washer for the hub to account for 10/11 gears
Of course, your costs may vary depending on your shops. No brainer here. Let the pros do it. I can afford to switch back and forth 3 times before I've "lost money".

Duffer tip of the day:
* I bought a really 'thin' set of metric wrenches from Harbor Freight. A third the cost of a "pedal wrench"...and thin enough to work on pedals. Plus, I have 8 or ten sizes now of metric open ended wrenches.


Edited by jhaack39 2016-09-30 11:36 AM
2016-09-30 12:00 PM
in reply to: jhaack39


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Subject: RE: wheel set install
Very helpful...thanks so much!
2016-09-30 12:23 PM
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Subject: RE: wheel set install

What are you concerned about doing, mounting the tires on your bike or putting a cassette on the wheel ?  Both are fairly easy to do and there are a ton of videos on the subject. 

 

Hit submit by accident, ETA-

As addressed above, get a chain whip and tool for cassette.  Plenty of videos online for that.  For mounting the wheel look for videos on brake pad adjustment; depending on the bike v wheel - adjusting the set back screw,  I might be forgetting something. 



Edited by Goggles Pizzano 2016-09-30 12:28 PM
2016-09-30 2:07 PM
in reply to: Burchib

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Subject: RE: wheel set install

Easy to learn with videos and DIY, as stated you'll need a few tools for the cassette.  I bought mine on Nashbar, their brand:

Chain whip

Cassette Lockring

Sometimes with different wheels and rear hubs, the offset may be slightly different and the rear derailleur will need fine tuning as the chain will sound like it wants to shift cogs. A simple twist and check of the barrel adjustment will take care of it.  See rear "derailleur adjustment" on youtube for an idea, no biggie.

 

2016-09-30 2:11 PM
in reply to: jhaack39

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Subject: RE: wheel set install

I'm very non mechanical so I feel like a complete wrenching stud when I change my cassettes!   LOL



2016-09-30 2:22 PM
in reply to: Burchib


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Subject: RE: wheel set install
There's another way it comes in handy to be able to change your own cassette. For example, I have two different cassettes, one is 12-25 that give me the most available ratios for most rides and most races. I also have a 11-28 that I can throw on if I'm going to tackle some particularly difficult climbs. Nice being able to DIY in a few minutes vs. a stop at the shop.
2016-09-30 2:25 PM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Subject: RE: wheel set install

Originally posted by MikeD1 There's another way it comes in handy to be able to change your own cassette. For example, I have two different cassettes, one is 12-25 that give me the most available ratios for most rides and most races. I also have a 11-28 that I can throw on if I'm going to tackle some particularly difficult climbs. Nice being able to DIY in a few minutes vs. a stop at the shop.

Yes, I change cassettes nearly every race to match the terrain.   Need to buy one in fact for a race at the end of the year.

2016-09-30 4:02 PM
in reply to: #5200370


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Subject: RE: wheel set install
If you're not very mechanical savvy, this is a great first endeavor to DIY work. Chain whip and cassette lock ring tool are easily found and cheap. YouTube is best source of learning IMO. Whether it's changing a cassette or adjusting brakes, I've learned everything I know from YouTube.
2016-10-01 7:33 AM
in reply to: ChrisM

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Subject: RE: wheel set install

Originally posted by ChrisM

I'm very non mechanical so I feel like a complete wrenching stud when I change my cassettes!   LOL

I feel that way when I manage to change a flat by myself.  The wheelset/cassette install was like I was a guru. 

2016-10-01 2:43 PM
in reply to: #5200414

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Subject: RE: wheel set install
Good time to buy a new cassette and chain while your at it. Unless you just have. I'm 100% diy but that's my thing. I'll spend money on tools. Chain whip, lock ring tool, chain tool, tire levers, and a good pump. You'll get there. I'd recommend at least doing the tires. Never know when you'll flat on the road.


2016-10-03 9:11 AM
in reply to: Burchib

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Subject: RE: wheel set install
This basic tool kit has almost anything you need its only $49. A chain whip by itself cost about $20 and this give you all the other tools you need to do almost any job on your bike.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1030354_-1...

and get a chain checker- fast easy way to know when your chain is worn out

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1112039_-1...
2016-10-03 11:08 AM
in reply to: 0


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Subject: RE: wheel set install
Originally posted by mike761

This basic tool kit has almost anything you need its only $49. A chain whip by itself cost about $20 and this give you all the other tools you need to do almost any job on your bike.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1030354_-1...

and get a chain checker- fast easy way to know when your chain is worn out

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1112039_-1...



That little kit is really quite nifty for that price.
At the full $79, it'd be tough for me to do it.
But for the $60...even now that I've collected a good chunk of that stuff (or something that works).....I'm still thinking about it...
You know....for those times when you start in on something....say just 'adjusting a derailleur".....to find out that's just a symptom, not the problem and before long you're needing a torque wrench....which...of course....you don't have because you haven't gone "that far" yet.

I like cheap stuff. Instead of a pedal wrench, I found a whole set of open ended metric wrenches at Harbor Freight that are "thin" in the right way.

Best purchase yet was a bike stand from Aldi. I'm sure it's not the greatest and all that. It wasn't even my purchase. My wife saw it and bought it for me thinking it would be good for storage. Boy, was she wrong. It looks awesome in our front room. (I know, I know.....it's going in the basement this week, and it's been in the garage until the latest issue with the wheels)


Edited by jhaack39 2016-10-03 11:08 AM
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