Spare Wheels?

bossjohnc

Hi there,

First post here - I've had a fairly good look around, and tried to start researching what I'd need to do. Unfortunately I'm a bit of a newbie in the bike world, and there's still a lot I have to learn and begin to understand.

I bought a Giant Terrago Trail on the advice of a friend as a hybrid seems to suit my use.

I have a few nice trails close to home, but I'd also like to use the bike for the road. I've been biking to work lately and have really started to feel the drag from the knobbly MTB tyres. I *could* change the tyres, but then at the weekend I'd like to ride the trials - so potentially I could be changing the tyres once, maybe twice a week - which sounds like hard work!

I've noticed that both wheels are quick release, and a spare set would really suit my purpose, but I don't really know where to start. Are all quick release wheels compatible? I'm assuming I'd have to buy a new gear 'cassette' (not sure that's even the right word), then two new discs for the wheels.

I'm not sure where to start, mainly on compatibility - I don't know how compatible these things are - e.g. could I just walk in to a shop and say 'I need two quick release wheels, a 9 speed cassette and two new discs' or is there a whole lot more to consider? (I'm fairly sure there is!)

I'm not looking for anyone to do the running around for me, I'd just really appreciate some guidance.

Thanks in anticipation...

mellex

Like anything else, bikes can be as complicated as you want to make them. The more you look into them, the more issues seem to rear their heads.

Not to put too fine a point on things but you are right. You could indeed walk into your local store and buy all the things you listed, or you could have them build the wheels up for you.

If you've got discs, you will need to make sure that the rotors (the disc) is compatible with the caliper (the unit that compresses the pads onto the disc surface). Rotor size is generally the most important issue.

To the best of my knowledge, the hub of the wheel will determine the size of the cassette (or freewheel) that you can fit. Most are 8 or nine speed, but do specify your requirements. The cassette is much of a muchness. I find that this is only really important if you require specific gear ratios.

If all else fails, take your existing wheels into the store and say "Two more these please my good man."

Anonymous

best bet is to ensure that you have the same hubs on both sets of wheels.
Everything else, you could adapt to the requirements.

For example, get yourself some lighweight rims, maybe narrower ones, for commuting. Do you need such low gears when commuting, or could you manage with a clode ratio (all gears are higher) cassette for road riding?

beski

Might be easier to just switch the tyres

bossjohnc

Thanks for the tips so far - to answer one thing, I like to be fairly self sufficient in maintaining things like this, so I'm keen to learn at least a bit, and not just drop it off at a shop and let them do it.

I think I'd prefer a decent range of gearing, I'm a bit of a wimp on hills (for the moment at least, although that might be down to the tyres).

What would I need to look for with regard to the hub?

Anonymous

just make sure that the hubs are the same model that you currently have.
This will remove any issues you might have regarding spacing of brake rotor, rear mech lineup etc.

bossjohnc

Thanks again - I've just been persuaded to change my mind and stick with changing the tyres. I went for some Specialized Fatboys for road use (just ordered).

Apparently cartridges, chains, etc all form a bit of a relationship over time, and switching a wheel in that manner might cause difficulties anyway.

I've had a look at the video on changing a bike tyre (or inner tube at least) and it doesn't look quite as cumbersome as I first thought.

Anonymous

nah, should only take about 5 minutes to change tyres.
If you're doing it regularly though, consider getting yourself a little compressor from homebase or something for about 60 quid.