New wheels, factory or handbuilt?

flicksta

So, the situation.

Two 700c bikes, One Giant TCR with 9 speed 105, Shimano R550 hubs and rims. One fixed wheel bike with tubs and a bent rear axle.

Need a new rear hub for the fixed as the axle is bent, but want to change to clinchers for simplicity. So, take the 550 rear rim, and get it rebuilt on a new fixed hub for the fixed gear and the front 550 wheel onto the fixed wheel. Easy.

Now, I need new wheel for the giant. Factory suggestions or should I get handbuilt? I could always keep the 550 hubs and have them fitted to compatible 16 and 20 spoke rims?

thoughts?

Budget for the new wheels about £300.

bobpzero

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12644681&highlight=
theres a good bit of reading there hope it helps

maddog 2

I wouldn't swap the rim over if it was me. I'd just get a new fixie wheel built (all new).

Then just ride the 550s on the Giant until they a) break or b) I get tired of them

then I'd get a new set of handbuilts.

IMO.

Infamous

Pointless, leave the giant alone, get some suitable wheels for the fixed wheel bicycle. done.

flicksta

Thing is, that's what the nagging part of the mind has been telling me. Just get a decent pair of wheels for the fixed wheel and stop using it as an excuse to upgrade the Giant.

Made enquiries about simple handbuilts for the fixed.

Monty Dog

Don't the R550s have a proprietary spoke / nipple size making it very to use it with a different hub? Likwise, 16 and 20 spoke rims for use with the R550 hubs could be tricky too. I'd look at a pair on new fixed wheels - a pair of Halos will cost £140