Where to buy a fixed wheel?
NorwegianBlue
Posts: 484
I know this is a perenial question but...
I've previously bought wheels from Deeside Cycles, who don't seem to exist anymore. They always used to do a reasonable spec wheel, well built at a reasonable price. I don't know why but I can't find anybody else who does the same.
I get particularly hacked off at shops who will only sell a pair. I spoke to one shop today who told me that you couldn't buy rear hubs on their own. How stupid does that guy think I am?
Another wanted to charge £140 for the most basic rim laced to the most basic hub, because "there's no call for them, buying parts in small batches costs a lot more than buying them in bulk." Judging by the £65 he was charging for a handbuilt wheel with a freehub he seemed to be telling me he's paying £75 more for a fixed hub than a cassette hub. Either that or he was just trying it on.
My LBS doesn't even build wheels.
It seems strange that budget fixers are all the rage these days. Riding fixed is supposed to be cheaper and you can't get a decent wheel at a reasonable price.
Or am I missing something?
Cheers,
GJ
I've previously bought wheels from Deeside Cycles, who don't seem to exist anymore. They always used to do a reasonable spec wheel, well built at a reasonable price. I don't know why but I can't find anybody else who does the same.
I get particularly hacked off at shops who will only sell a pair. I spoke to one shop today who told me that you couldn't buy rear hubs on their own. How stupid does that guy think I am?
Another wanted to charge £140 for the most basic rim laced to the most basic hub, because "there's no call for them, buying parts in small batches costs a lot more than buying them in bulk." Judging by the £65 he was charging for a handbuilt wheel with a freehub he seemed to be telling me he's paying £75 more for a fixed hub than a cassette hub. Either that or he was just trying it on.
My LBS doesn't even build wheels.
It seems strange that budget fixers are all the rage these days. Riding fixed is supposed to be cheaper and you can't get a decent wheel at a reasonable price.
Or am I missing something?
Cheers,
GJ
"Swearing, it turns out, is big and clever" - Jarvis Cocker
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Comments
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There are a couple of places that you might like to try. They have given me good service in the past.
Byercycles or David Hinde.
Alf Webb (webbline) offer wheel building weekends so you would come away with a wheel that you have built and the ability to build your own wheels in the future.
There is always the e-bay option.As one door closes, another slams in your face.0 -
£120 for pair from brick lane bikes.
£80 -£85 seems to be general price for fixed rear wheel from innumerable LBS in london.0 -
...and go find a new LBS..... If they won't be flexible, they don't deserve your custom.0
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Why not build your own? Not all that tricky - and being usually dish-less a fixed is an easy place to start!d.j.
"Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."0 -
I think you're probably right, building my own is probably the right wat to go. I've been riding "proper" bikes since the seventies. I've done every job myself, but for some reason I've shied away from building wheels. No excuse for it really, I'll have to learn."Swearing, it turns out, is big and clever" - Jarvis Cocker0
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Looks like you've decided to build your own, but for reference there was this thread recently with a little bit of discussion: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12561109Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krakow81/ & http://krakow.zenfolio.com/
Live Music Reviews: http://butnotasweknowit.blogspot.com/
Crimson Glow Photography: http://www.myspace.com/crimsonglowphotography0
