New bearings & skewers for rigida flyers or PlanetX Bs?

neil²

The

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12684304&start=40&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight= thread on wheels is most interesting.

Now - I'm in need of some new bearings and skewers for my Rigida Flyer rims on OEM hubs (for my Raleigh AirLite 400). I reckon that they'll cost me £40 ish.... and then I've still got the Rigida wheels. I am so so so tempted by the Planet X model Bs instead, but of course that costs a lot more cash.

What do you think? Is the Rigida to Model B a worthwhile updgrade? These Rigidas are pretty unusual and so I don't really have a benchmark of how good they really are.

Thanks!

N²

blorg

I'd upgrade to the Model Bs, I don't know those wheels but I suspect they are not great and not worth putting money into. You could probably sell them on for some small sum, as long as you are upfront about the bearing issue, someone might want a rear for a turbo etc.

Are you sure you need new skewers? Very difficult to see what could go wrong with a skewer other than it snapping.

neil²

blorg wrote:

Are you sure you need new skewers? Very difficult to see what could go wrong with a skewer other than it snapping.

They're going rusty! Not pretty at all

lemon63

I think the PlanetX B's come with new skewers anyway.

fastercyclist

lemon63 wrote:

I think the PlanetX B's come with new skewers anyway.

Mine did.

Lady Venom

Rigida flyers come on Bianchi baseline models such as the Via Nirone, I had to google them to find out the price - you can buy a rear wheel on CRC for £25 and the most expensive is about £43. When I have some cash that's the first thing that's getting upgraded on the Bianchi which will become my Winter trainer as of June when I buy myself a new summer steed

Seriously if you want some new rigida flyers and skewers I'll sell you mine for £50!

kfinlay

You'll pickup new axles/cones on ebay for about £6 each, replacement bearings £2 for 50 and get a pair of skewers for £10-15 so all in £30 or less. This for hubs with unsealed bearings and of course depends on the hubs being used with the rims. Just don't tighten the skewers up to silly pressures and that won't damage the bearings in the future*

* I think it was on Sheldons site I got the info but adjust your bearings so they are just on the cusp of having a little play. When attaching the wheels to the frame/forks and tightening the skewers you are effectively squeezing the axle/cones/bearings therefore attaching the wheel tightens the bearings just a touch to give the perfect adjustment. I hope this makes sense. I found it hard to believe but tried it and it works - wheels run fabulously well.

Long term it could be worth buying the model Bs as they are a great buy and keep the rigidas for winter.

sturmey

You'll pickup new axles/cones on ebay for about £6 each, replacement bearings £2 for 50 and get a pair of skewers for £10-15 so all in £30 or less.

Can you show us where on Ebay these can be bought cos I can't find any?

I am looking for cones for some Miche hubs-no bike shops near me can help at all.

kfinlay

just search for "hollow axle" and there's lots but remember to check the size you need.

and I can confirm the info on adjusting is on Sheldon Browns site in the wheels section.