Changing rims

[Sprocket Dog]

Hi!I think I might need to change the rear rim on my Giant 4.5 XtC.The current rim is an Alex DP-17 with Formula hubs. Three spokes broke on my ride home last night (to be investigated later) and the rim is noticeably running 'out of true'. I assume the brake disc and the hub are fine so am hoping to just replace the rim itself.My questions are:* Do I have to buy another Alex rim as I've having a bit of hassle finding a stockist;* How hard a job is to swap rims? I'm reasonably competent with spanners and have tinkered with motorcycles for a number of years. I don't, however, have any specialist bicycle tools.Thanks,

 

[Landslide]

Your rim running out of true is more likely to be a symptom of the broken spokes, rather than a problem with the rim itself.

In order to replace spokes and true up a wheel, you'll need an appropriate spoke key, and ideally a truing stand (though you can use your frame/fork as a reference point when truing).

If you don't fancy doing it yourself then take your wheel down to your LBS.

If you want to replace a rim, then no, you don't have to use an Alex rim. You do however need to make sure that you have the correct length spokes to build up a wheel for your particular hub/rim combination. We're now moving from truing wheels to building them, which whilst using similar principles is a bit more involved. More detailed guidance can be found in various sources, but this one often gets recommended.

 

[Sprocket Dog]

Great, thanks for that helpful post, it's much appreciated. I guess I'll have a go at replacing the spokes first of all and see how I get on.Cheers again.

 

[andrew_s]

If you are replacing a rim, it's easiest to use the same model, as you can re-use the spokes. Just tape the new rim onto the side of the old rim, and move the spokes across one by one.
If you use a different rim, the chances are that the required spoke length will be different.

There's no problem with re-using spokes so long as they are in good condition (i.e. you haven't been having problems with broken spokes).

 

[mickle]

The breakages suggest that the spokes have been below optimal tension for a while, have been chewing away at the flange on every rotation and are all now thoroughly mullered.
The rim may have some life left in it but when you consider the cost of a decent wheel build it might make economic sense to upgrade the rim at this time.

How old is the bike? Have you had it from new and if so did the bike receive a first service? Is it still under warranty? Are you running disc brakes? What do you weigh?

 

[hubgearfreak]

i'm with mickle. three spokes gone in one ride would have me building a new wheels from new bits*, not replacing the three spokes

*unless the hub's got a steel shell

 

[Sprocket Dog]

The breakages suggest that the spokes have been below optimal tension for a while, have been chewing away at the flange on every rotation and are all now thoroughly mullered.
The rim may have some life left in it but when you consider the cost of a decent wheel build it might make economic sense to upgrade the rim at this time.

How old is the bike? Have you had it from new and if so did the bike receive a first service? Is it still under warranty? Are you running disc brakes? What do you weigh?

To be fair, I only noticed the three spokes broken on one ride, they may have broken in three separate incidents. The bike is 8 months old and has had it's first service (subsequent services being done by me - not religiously I'll admit).The bike does have disc brakes and I weigh near on 14st.Could tyre pressures adversely affect the spokes? I run my tyres bullet hard, near on 100psi actually.

 

[mickle]

Ate mumfs is under warranty old chum, take it back to the shop forthwith.

 

[Sprocket Dog]

Ate mumfs is under warranty old chum, take it back to the shop forthwith.

Really? I must admit I never considered it being under warranty at that age - stoopid, I know. Thanks for the steer.