dimwit mountain bike question

tuscan_thunder · Post by **tuscan_thunder** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:15 am

I'm not really a biker but I need to get fitter.

Dragged out my bike and started getting it in order.

The back wheel's well buckled. I've taken it off.

How do I get the gearset thingy off of the wheel? I've tried taking it all apart but all I ended up doing was taking the bearing apart.

Does it come off or do I just buy a wheel with a gearset? (and how much should a wheel with out without gears cost?)

cheers

k12chu · Post by **k12chu** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:23 am

i remember getting a wheel replaced at albyn bikes for about £40.
i suppose if u r fixing the wheel urself... u'll already feel fitter by the time u finish assembling the whole thing.

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:27 am

tuscan_thunder wrote:The back wheel's well buckled. I've taken it off.

Does the wheel have adjustable spokes? You should be able to have a go at fixing the buckle yourself.

The gearset will possibly need a 'special' tool to remove it. I've not done any work on a bike in years, so can't really remeber exactly how to explain what to do.

Dicey · Post by **Dicey** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:33 am

You need a special tool to fit in the hole over the axle (what type depends on the make of the cassette (cogs)) and a chain whip. Best bet is to get a bike shop to do it as the tools can be expensive for something you'll use once...

You can have a go at truing the wheel yourself (more special tool sneeded) but sorting a rear wheel properly is more art than science.

Mike.

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:35 am

the 'gearset' you refer to is called a 'cassette'. Some cassettes are easily removable, some are not. If you're getting a new wheel (which is excessive if you can get a spoke key onto the case!) then you buy it with a 'bare' hub. That's not a technical term, its just what I'm calling a hub with no cassette.

If buying from a bike shop - hand them your old wheel and ask for the cassette to be changed on to the new one. They'll do it free as they have the cassette removal tool & chain whip. It makes a hell of a crunch!

If its an old bike, and you've never changed the chain, chances are you'll need a new cassette anyway. The teeth get worn, and the cassette gets liable to 'skipping'. Get a new cassette, and a new chain for nice clean crisp changes

Try http://www.chainreactioncycles.com for a wheel and cassette

It'll arrive all new and shiny, and they deliver in 24 hours

If you're in Abz - isn't bothy bikes near you? (or is that aviemore...) If you're dead set on keeping the old cassette - take new wheel in with old one, and they might charge you a £5'er to get it off. My money is that it will be an old bolt-thru hub and the cassette won't be compatible with a new wheel

EDIT: link wrong

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:19 pm

http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/cata ... m?ID=22691

Uldis · Post by **Uldis** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:28 pm

As said, you need a special tool, and to know what you're doing.
What are you going to do if you successfully remove the cassette? can you replace spokes and then true a wheel? (an art in itself)

I would suggest taking the wheel to Alpine bikes or Edinburgh Bicycles (George St?) or any nearby bike shop, they'll fix that wheen quickly and cheaply.
Then just ride the thing.

You in Aberdeen? me and Gareth are going to Kirkhill forest on Sat if you want to join.

tuscan_thunder · Post by **tuscan_thunder** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:04 pm

I live in Inverurie.

I have vouchers for halfrauds. I presume they will be able to replace the wheel for me? I'd be as well with just a new wheel I reckon. Basically just want the thing to move. If I had the correct tools I'd be happy to tackle it myself but for the sake of a few quid (or vouchers) I'll just get it done for me.

Uldis, I'd love to join you guys but a) it'd be slow and probably fall off and b) I hope to be ski-ing on Saturday.

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:12 pm

tuscan_thunder wrote: b) I hope to be ski-ing on Saturday.

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:39 pm

Sorry, Halfrauds are as useless on bikes as they are on cars. Their wheelsets are utter gash!

You need a quality hub (e.g. Shimano Deore, Saint, Xt or XTR - if you're feeling racey, get Hope hubs

) then you need DT spokes, and a good solid Mavic rim. The old rims to get were called D521s, they stood up to anything (I ran one for about 3 seasons of DH, and it was true as throughout) and had a surface for rim brakes which I assume you'll need EX721 is the new version and should set you back 20 odd squids tops.

Rear wheels are pricey, potentially £80 at least for a decent setup. Add £30 for a new cassette.

If i were you, I'd get a spoke key out of Halfrauds for £2.99, and read back issues of Mountain Biking UK on how to true a wheel!

tuscan_thunder · Post by **tuscan_thunder** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 2:35 pm

well, seeing as my bike's worth about £30 I'm not exactly fussed if the rear wheel is a piece of crapola.

Scottish Elises

dimwit mountain bike question

dimwit mountain bike question

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