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hand me down bike, need new wheels
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 2008-03-11 11:24 AM |
Member  85  Vienna, VA |  Subject: hand me down bike, need new wheelsI'm a transitioning runner attempting to go tri this year. I received a Lemond road bike from the family of a friend who recently passed away. I don't know how old the bike is, but I'm guessing 10+ years. The spokes are all jacked up on the wheels, so it's defintely looking like I should upgrade to something a little safer for the time being. I'm planning on a HIM at the end of the year, but seeing as how I'm pretty darn new at all of this I don't want to get anything fancy shmancy just yet. (Apparently this is a very expensive sport) Do I have to get a specific type of wheel for a Lemond, or are all wheels interchangable? Yes that is a novice question, and yes I'm a novice! I was looking on Ebay, but I'm not really sure if certain brands go with certain bikes, etc... Any tips at all are much appreciated! |
| 2008-03-11 11:30 AM in reply to: #1265259 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290  The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels You would need to know the size of the wheels, which should be stamped/printed on the tires. Typically, road bikes these days are 700c wheels, though tere are some 650s. Older bikes, who knows? You also need to know what kind of rear hub you have so you will get one compatible to your cassette (or free wheel, if that is the case). Is there a nearby bike shop you can have to tell you what you need, and possibly give you a price? |
| 2008-03-11 12:36 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Slower Than You 9566  Cracklantaburbs | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels Unless it's a really small frame, your main worry is Shimano vs. Campagnolo hubs. You most likely have Shimano. My LBS rebuilds wheels with new spokes for about $70 per wheel. That is one option that pretty much guarantees compatibility. Another option is getting new wheels from an online vendor. If you do a little research, some really good deals can be had on quality wheelsets for under $200. Those will last you pretty much forever. Third option: used wheels from Craigslist/ebay. I have bought 4 sets this way, with good results. Again, know what you're getting, and you won't be disappointed. PM or email if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help. |
| 2008-03-11 6:58 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Expert 1024 | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels There is a good triathlon club (trirats.org) and a ton of tri-athletes in your area. I'm sure there are lots of folks that could help figure out what size wheels you have. If not, give me a PM. I travel to Reston frequently and I'll be glad to help. This sport doesn't have to be expensive. But it sure can be. It just depends on you. The more trendy you want to be the more it costs. |
| 2008-03-12 7:52 AM in reply to: #1265259 |
Champion 16151 Checkin' out the podium girls | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels You don't say how many gears are on the back cassette of the bike; from the age (circa 1998), I'll guess 8 (possibly 9: 7 would be different). You have what from your description is a bike worth keeping. Lemond doesn't make a low-level bike and hopefully, other than the wheels, the bike is in good shape. I'd recommend NOT rebuilding the current wheels. Often, wheels are the first place manufacturer's skimp on cost to bring the prices down. That's why stock wheels are usually the first upgrade for any bike owner. A rebuild will result in a better than stock wheel, but you're putting money into bargain parts. If it were me (thanks for the free bike here!): I'd look at Mavic Open pro with Shimano Ultegra (or 105 if you can find these) pre-built wheels. Strong, good performing, train or race every day kind of wheels. Not sexy, but purposeful and relatively inexpensive. Bear had a source a week or so ago which was really inexpensive. I wouldn't look for the least expensive wheel you could possibly buy, you're replicating the original problem with that. Other choices exist, but become expensive for a marginal performance gain. My $0.02 |
| 2008-03-12 11:39 AM in reply to: #1265259 |
Master 3019 West Jordan, UT | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels If the bike is that old and you don't know anything about it, I'd take it to a bike shop for a tune up anyway. You'll want to make sure teh bike is safe to ride. You probably also want a new chain and cassette when you replace your wheels. Most local bike shops can build up a reasonably priced set of wheels for you, or could tell you what you need. Edited by tkbslc 2008-03-12 11:42 AM |
| 2008-03-12 12:37 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Member 85 Vienna, VA | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels Thanks everyone! I'm so thrilled that people are willing to help out. This is a good omen for the sport, me thinks. The LBS is giving my bike a tune-up right now. They are making replacement spokes for me to last until I find myself some new wheels. I'm thinking Shimano Ultegra/ Mavic Open Pro. |
| 2008-03-12 12:41 PM in reply to: #1267400 |
Slower Than You 9566 Cracklantaburbs | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels nimbus - 2008-03-12 1:37 PM I'm thinking Shimano Ultegra/ Mavic Open Pro. That's a setup that should last almost forever. |
| 2008-03-12 12:56 PM in reply to: #1267413 |
Member 85 Vienna, VA | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels bcart1991 - 2008-03-12 1:41 PM nimbus - 2008-03-12 1:37 PM I'm thinking Shimano Ultegra/ Mavic Open Pro. That's a setup that should last almost forever. Yessssss! |
| 2008-03-12 1:59 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Champion 16151 Checkin' out the podium girls | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels The Bear posted a source for those for ~$180 within the past week. Seriously a great bargain. |
| 2008-03-12 2:23 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Champion 5575 Butler | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels You can get the Mavic/Ultegra from Performance bike for $199 here. I think if you sign up as a performance member you get a 10% discount also. Now I have seen these for $130 on performance so you might want to keep looking for a sale. Also if you have a location near you, go to the store and place a red phone order. They are shipped to the store with no shipping cost. Also I saw these Forte for $120, I don't know anything about them but they are currently 57% off. Edited by kproudfoot 2008-03-12 2:25 PM |
| 2008-03-12 2:23 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Champion 5575 Butler | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels |
| 2008-03-12 3:39 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Slower Than You 9566 Cracklantaburbs | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels I'm pretty sure the Forte Titans are rebadged Neuvation. Not sure which model though. Decent quality wheels, especially considering the price. I got my Zipp/Deep-V's for $200, but that doesn't happen too often.  |
| 2008-03-12 4:21 PM in reply to: #1265259 |
Master 3019 West Jordan, UT | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels Nashbar has the mavic aksiums for $180. Great all around set that are a little more aerodynamic than the open pro. |
| 2008-03-13 10:50 AM in reply to: #1265259 |
Member 85 Vienna, VA | Subject: RE: hand me down bike, need new wheels Thanks everyone! I went ahead with the Mavic set for $199, as they were in the store and ready to go. Now I just have to figure out how to ride...  |
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