Switched from steel to alloy wheels!

Teuchter

Following some scary moments braking in the rain on my 'ebay special' Falcon road bike and advice from this forum, I changed my old steel rims for a new set of alloy quick-release wheels at the weekend. Today was the first time properly testing them and of course it pi$$ed down so it was perfect conditions for it!

Dead chuffed with them - at last I can stop in the wet! I also had new brake blocks and cables fitted which may contribute but I have noticed not only do they stop much better but they feel better too.

I got the wheel set for £40 from Malcolm who runs Hamilton Bikes from his home. I can totally recommend him to anyone in the Glasgow area after the good deal and help I got from him in getting everything set up on my bike.

Totalnewbie

I think you did the right thing! I am avoiding spending any more money on my bike because I will at some point be getting a whole new bike and would rather put the cash towards that, but otherwise I would dump the steel rims, they're a bit scary in the rain.

Teuchter

Totalnewbie wrote:

I think you did the right thing! I am avoiding spending any more money on my bike because I will at some point be getting a whole new bike and would rather put the cash towards that, but otherwise I would dump the steel rims, they're a bit scary in the rain.

Like you, I'd started avoiding commuting when there was heavy rain - purely because of the lack of braking. I figured that would only get worse as winter approached (okay, maybe it can't get much wetter but the rain will get colder!). As this bike's a 'keeper' and I'd found a cheaper supplier for the wheels I decided to go for it.

dondare

Leather brake blocks (if you can still get them) are effective on wet steel rims. They should never be used on alloy rims.
£40 is very reasonable for a new wheelset.

Hairy Jock

Totalnewbie wrote:

I think you did the right thing! I am avoiding spending any more money on my bike because I will at some point be getting a whole new bike and would rather put the cash towards that, but otherwise I would dump the steel rims, they're a bit scary in the rain.

Ach, it just teaches yous to look where yer goin, good training for life, if you live...