Looking to make some economical upgrades (ie Cheap)

[jr_dinosaur]

I've got a second hand 2011 Charge Plug, So far I love it, It's a great ride. Maybe a little heavy but that's only going to make me fitter in the long run, right?

that being said, I've had to true the front wheel quite regularly since I got it and I only commute about 17Km a day. It's still on the original Alex DM18's so maybe a little upgrade is in order. Not looking to break any records so just something a little more sturdy perhaps?

I was also thinking that maybe a swap out of the BB might be in order. Never done this before but it doesnt look too hard, just need some tools. Any suggestions regarding either gladly received.

Ta

Jr_D

 

[Kies]

New wheels are going to be the best upgrade .... £100 -£130 approx should get you a set

 

[Old Plodder]

Hand built wheels are always worth it, not sure what BB you have, but normally they are a 'unit' (i.e. no loose bits), so are easy enough with the correct tool.

 

[jr_dinosaur]

New wheels are going to be the best upgrade .... £100 -£130 approx should get you a set

any recommendations Kies? I'm 6'1" and not exactly skinny so strength is more of a concern than weight, Just want some that run smooth.

 

[jr_dinosaur]

Hand built wheels are always worth it, not sure what BB you have, but normally they are a 'unit' (i.e. no loose bits), so are easy enough with the correct tool.

BB: TH industries 7420ST, Square, 68*103mm

That's what the manufacturer lists, Did some digging online and they're about as cheap as you can get so anything would be an upgrade

I was thinking something like this would be a good start http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-un55-square-taper-bottom-bracket/rp-prod71369 looks like the 68*103 is out of stock at the moment though.

I would love some hand built wheels but that sounds like it might get expensive fast.

 

[Nigel182]

Condor Cycles London have Sugino BB's in at that spec but they are 25 notes

 

[young Ed]

right i shall be on BB help line then!
first you will need one of these

a crank puller
above one if from parktools, very good tools and great quality but expensive
i have above park tools one and feel it is definitely worth spending a few extra quid on a good one over a cheap one (£3 odd quid for a cheap one compared to about £12 or £13 for above park tools) other wise you could end up ruining your crank and then you spend the money on a good tool and on a minimum £30 or £40 new crank!
this is all assuming you have a square taper BB
this should help

you are most likely to have square taper

you then need to identify if you have traditional ball bearing BB or modern sealed type
a traditional (note the little notches, these will only be on one side of the bike)

for these something like this will do it (you want the end with the hook on the right hand end of above tool)

hook goes in a notch

the above BB line up shows all sealed modern types
for these you will need a different splined tool to fit your particular BB and it will look something like this

what ever BB you currently have if it is square teper i would highly recommend you replace with the cheap but great quality shimano un55 or un54 (difference is plastic cups on un54 and metal on un55)
a shimano un55

search on youtube for vids on replacing both traditional and modern sealed BB's, it's easy really
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

yep you got there before me so we now know you have a square taper and we have measurements and you have found the shimano un55
Cheers Ed

 

[jr_dinosaur]

yep you got there before me so we now know you have a square taper and we have measurements and you have found the shimano un55
Cheers Ed

Well its good to know I was on the right track Cheers! og Tack so mycket!

 

[jr_dinosaur]

anyone have any opinion on Planet x ? and in particular these?

 

[smokeysmoo]

anyone have any opinion on Planet x ? and in particular these?

Although they seem to have a braking surface on the pics I'd check with PX as they are advertised as out and out track wheels.

If your budget will stretch then THESE are fantastic bombproof off the peg wheels, but again check the braking surface as TBH I've only used the Aerorage road wheels, but under my weight they've never let me down.

 

[jr_dinosaur]

Condor Cycles London have Sugino BB's in at that spec but they are 25 notes

Couldnt find them on their website (which is awful) but I gave them a call to check they're in stock, Looks like I'll be heading there on the weekend.

 

[jr_dinosaur]

Although they seem to have a braking surface on the pics I'd check with PX as they are advertised as out and out track wheels.

If your budget will stretch then THESE are fantastic bombproof off the peg wheels, but again check the braking surface as TBH I've only used the Aerorage road wheels, but under my weight they've never let me down.

Didnt conisider that as like you said they appear to have a breaking surface on the pictures, I'll shoot them an email and check. Plenty of time since the PX's aren't in stock at the moment. Thoses Aero's are probably just a little bit outside my range at the moment.

 

[Nigel182]

Couldnt find them on their website (which is awful) but I gave them a call to check they're in stock, Looks like I'll be heading there on the weekend.

Agree about the Website but yesterday had loads in stock and the visit made me want to spend loads they did have a Wheelset with Miche Hubs for £150 hanging up by the door as you go in....

 

[jr_dinosaur]

haha, you beat me to it!

I just saw these which are available in SS.