Wheels

dboden

Hi, fairly new to the road scene. Giant SCR 1 and am having a few problems with wheels (Xero XSR-3). So am thinking of upgrading.
How much do I need to spend, to get a noticeable difference?
Budget £200/300. Is this enough? And suggestions please, there are just too many out there.
I am about 13.5 stone, and ride a couple of 40/50 milers a week.

Thanks in advance.

dennisn

What sort of problems??? I only ask because "upgrading" may or may not solve whatever problems you're having.

Dennis Noward

bornagaincycler

I've lost three spokes off the front wheel in the last two weeks. They seemed sufficiently tight but just appear to shake loose very quickly. I've heard it said that Giant wheels are crap, so I might be looking for somwe new ones for my Giant SCRC4. 13st, 6ft, 100 miles a week now on average.

dennisn

bornagaincycler wrote:

I've lost three spokes off the front wheel in the last two weeks. They seemed sufficiently tight but just appear to shake loose very quickly. I've heard it said that Giant wheels are crap, so I might be looking for somwe new ones for my Giant SCRC4. 13st, 6ft, 100 miles a week now on average.

Since you didn't say anything about the rear wheel giving you any problems(and if
anything it's usually the rear) I'm going to say you've had a bit of bad luck. I would say
if the rim and hub are in good condition take it to your local bike shop and have them
rebuild it using new spokes. Cost you a lot less than new wheels. Then again if you've
got money burning a hole in you pocket, well, go for a new set. I wouldn't put to much
into what you "heard" about Giant wheels. Always someone around complaining about something. I have heard something bad about every wheel out there. They are all far from
perfect despite what the ad-men say.


Dennis Noward

bornagaincycler

I've had no problems with the rear wheel at all. The wheels came with black spokes, but I phoned 6 bike shops this morning & not one of them had any, only silver. I'll see how it goes & if I lose anymore then I might upgrade in the winter if I have any cash left. Guess I should change my name to Born Again Unlucky Cycler, as I've had 7 punctures this year so far, & those are with Gatorskins!

dennisn

bornagaincycler wrote:

I've had no problems with the rear wheel at all. The wheels came with black spokes, but I phoned 6 bike shops this morning & not one of them had any, only silver. I'll see how it goes & if I lose anymore then I might upgrade in the winter if I have any cash left. Guess I should change my name to Born Again Unlucky Cycler, as I've had 7 punctures this year so far, & those are with Gatorskins!

I would add that if you're getting them rebuilt to use all new spokes. I'm not a big fan
of reusing spokes..

Dennis Noward

dboden

Somebody has hi-jacked my post!!!!. The problem that I am having is that the little metal hub bearing cover rattles loose all the time, it just snuggly clips back on, then rattles loose again, then jingles about whilst riding (which drives me bonkers) and leaves the bearing exposed, has anybody else had this problem? Seems to be a design fault to me. I feel reluctant to order brand new parts, have a rebuild, for it to happen again. So was thinking how cheap could I get an upgrade? I only want to do the cheapest option, to be honest i also quite like the xero wheels, but just want ithe problem sorting one way or another.
Cheers

bornagaincycler

dboden - You did name the thread - Wheels, which kind of covers a lot of territory.

Just to update this. I did the 150k Test Valley Tour yesterday & lost a further 4 spokes, 2 in each wheel resulting in a severely buckled rear wheel, that's 8 spokes in the last 3 rides. Enough was enough, & called into a LBS who contacted GIANT for me & they admittted their wheels are crap & gave me £80 towards some new ones. At least they were honest about it. I had some Bontrager Race Light wheels fitted & hope these ones do not give the problems of the GIANT branded ones which came with the bike initially.