Advice on replacement rear wheel (MTB)

[Custom24]

Hi
It looks like my freehub is fried and maybe not economic to replace, so I'm thinking about upgrading my rear wheel.

I'm not sure what technical criteria go into this, in other words, what will fit?

Also recommendations would be helpful

Criteria apart from fit
Prebuilt - ready to put straight on, reusing existing cassette and disc rotor.
Price - up to £100, ideally less
Branded and replaceable components
6 bolt disc rotor
I mainly use the bike for off road commuting and a bit of off road leisure. The commute is very muddy. Weight secondary, reliability more important. I'm 14 stone.


This is the bike I have

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/archive/2012/hardrock/hardrockdisc#specs

Thanks for any advice

Mark

 

[Custom24]

I think maybe I asked too many questions at the same time?

To simplify, the core question is

"What factors / dimensions / measurements do I need to consider when looking for a new wheel in order to make sure I don't buy something off the Internet which doesn't fit".

I'm aware most places allow for return of goods which don't fit, but I'm hoping to avoid that hassle and delay.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Friz]

Had the same dilemma last year when I trashed my rear hub. Thankfully, Fulcrum do rather basic wheelsets at pretty bargin prices.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=58655

Plus my OCD wouldn't allow me to have differing front and read wheels.

 

[Friz]

I'll add this, the hubs are sealed so less damage from mud.

 

[Custom24]

Thanks Friz. A bit more than I was looking to pay but will consider.

 

[Friz]

A bit more than I was looking to pay...

Story of my cycling life....

 

[Custom24]

Actually I think the link you posted is for a pair, so the price is in my range, except my OCD isn't that bad - I'm happy to have different wheels for the moment, so I only need a rear one.
Thanks

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I think maybe I asked too many questions at the same time?

To simplify, the core question is

"What factors / dimensions / measurements do I need to consider when looking for a new wheel in order to make sure I don't buy something off the Internet which doesn't fit".

I'm aware most places allow for return of goods which don't fit, but I'm hoping to avoid that hassle and delay.

Thanks
Mark

If your link is right in the simplest terms you need a wheel with standard mtb qr hub for 6 bolt rotor and 26" rim (either for disc or otherwise it doesn't matter). To be more specific those rear hubs would be 135mm wide (from locknut to locknut not length of the hollow qr axle, which should be around 146mm).

For wheels with components available off-the-shelf (as opposed to factory wheels like the Fulcrum above which is indeed very good value but spares a little harder / more expensive to get) I would narrow down the hub choice to Deore 6 bolt which is built like a tank and there are still numerous choices. JE James sells a pair with Mavic M317 rims for £110, or Spa cycle would hand build a rear one for just under £100.

 

[Peter88]

Needed a rear wheel last year and had a custom build of Chain Reaction using Shimano M475 hub Mavic EX325 rim and standard spokes for £70, Many choices here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=752

 

[Custom24]

Thanks all for the replies. The wheel I have is definitely quick release, and presumably anything that says QR is OK from that point of view? In terms of the hub width, can I just measure the distance from dropout to dropout on the bike itself?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

In terms of the hub width, can I just measure the distance from dropout to dropout on the bike itself?

Yes. It will be very close to 135mm.

 

[Custom24]

Hi.

Thanks for the help. I'm nearly there now. I'm going to order a significantly better wheel from Chain Reaction. I've satisfied myself that it will fit, apart from one thing I'm not sure about.

I've asked CRC about dish, and their reply was that 95% of bikes don't need it, and it's normally something found on very specialist bikes.

However, looking at the wheels that came with the bike, the hub does not appear to be in the middle of the wheels, taking the edges of the hub as being where the spokes meet it on both sides of the wheel.

How would I measure the dish, or find it specified somewhere?

I've asked CRC the same question, but would appreciate a second opinion.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Custom24]

Just in case it's useful to anyone else, CRC said that this is standard dish, and is how the wheel for my bike is built. So no need to worry about it, at least in my case.