Shimano r501 question

[Stevec047]

The clicking of the pad against the rim due to the stock wheel being out of shape and untruable (I may have just made up that word) has become unbearable so it's times for my biggest upgrade on the bike.

As some of you may know I am doing this all on a budget so sub £100 for a wheel set is as far as I can push it and ideally I would like new rubber and tubes.

So I have searched the forums and websites and think I have found what I am looking for in the Shimano r501 but I have noticed there are two options standard or bladed. What's the difference and is the price difference worth it?

Also do I need any specialists tools to remove the cassette?

 

[Crandoggler]

Bladed spokes are exactly that. The standard ones would be round.

They're good wheels as far as I'm aware.

You'll need a cassette removal tool and a chain whip/tea towel and strong hands. You'll also need there correct size socket or an adjustable spanner.

 

[Garry A]

You'll need a chain whip, lockring removal tool and a spanner.

 

[Stevec047]

Bladed spokes are exactly that. The standard ones would be round.

They're good wheels as far as I'm aware.

You'll need a cassette removal tool and a chain whip/tea towel and strong hands. You'll also need there correct size socket or an adjustable spanner.

Ah I thought that was the case but the pictures on the websites looked identical.

Looks like I may be filling my tool box up further as well. it's slowly getting there with cable cutters ball point hex key spoke key and a few other bits.

 

[cyberknight]

I have had both and i would go for the standard spokes because if you break one at least lbs might have one in stock and they are cheap whereas a bladed spoke assuming they have one in stock that fits its going to cost about £3-4 a spoke .

 

[Milkfloat]

Why can you not get your wheel trued?

 

[Stevec047]

Why can you not get your wheel trued?

I took it into the LBS a while back and it seems that the previous owner may have clouted the curb and I doing so then tried to straighten the wheel out but the damage was too far gone.

They were able to straighten it a little but I still have an annoying lip on the braking area due to the damage.

 

[raleighnut]

I took it into the LBS a while back and it seems that the previous owner may have clouted the curb and I doing so then tried to straighten the wheel out but the damage was too far gone.

They were able to straighten it a little but I still have an annoying lip on the braking area due to the damage.

Can you not file it out with a 'nail board'

 

[Spiderweb]

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/shimano-pr-whls-r501-standard-spoke-clincher/
I have the standard spoke R501's on my commuter bike, never had any issues and they have covered almost 5000 miles now. Really impressed. I purchased mine from Ribble where they are available for £67.99 ...Bargain!

 

[Dan_Marshall]

I have both the the R501 in standard size with rounded spokes and also the R501 C30 with the bladed spokes.

For me, both quality wheels for the price. The c30 with the deeper rims (30mm) I have put on my fast bike and are very strong and roll well. I got them for under €100 (euro) from ribble only recently.

The original R501 have the 24mm rim and rounded spokes roll very well too, a little lighter but still very strong.

I'm a heavier rider and bought these on recommendations from other heavier riders and so far, cannot fault either set. Be aware these will not be good for you if you are running 11sp. 8 to 10sp only hubs.

Also I believe Shimano have stopped producing the R501, but the cup and cone bearings are very easy to service yourself and bearings and spokes are readily available so should keep you going for a good while.

 

[cyberknight]

I was going to buy a new freehub for my old pair but its £20 , when you can get a whole new wheelset from ribble as @Dan_Marshall says at that price.