Carbon Wheel advice

kleinstroker

Hi
I recently bought a set of Reynolds Assault wheels from some dude on ebay and they arrived this morning wrapped only in brown paper!! Couldn't believe it my heart dropped when I saw them in the hallway. I have examined them and luckily they seem to be ok, but as I have no idea what I should really be looking at, I could do with some pointers.

How should I check for possible damage during transit?I can't see any chips or cracks apart from a "seam" that goes across the rim, I'm guessing that is normal? Part of the manufacturing process, but I could be wrong. Anything else I should look out for.

Cheers

ugo.santalucia

If there is no sign of impact damage, they are fine... hidden cracks would only come as a result of some serious impact, which should leave a clear dent

kleinstroker

Thanks for that!! It is a relief, can't believe someone sent them wrapped in paper only and without a box, and they arrived safely.

ugo.santalucia

It's hard to find wheels boxes... it is not a common shape.

dmclite-3.0

kleinstroker wrote:

Hi
I recently bought a set of Reynolds Assault wheels from some dude on ebay and they arrived this morning wrapped only in brown paper!! Couldn't believe it my heart dropped when I saw them in the hallway. I have examined them and luckily they seem to be ok, but as I have no idea what I should really be looking at, I could do with some pointers.

How should I check for possible damage during transit?I can't see any chips or cracks apart from a "seam" that goes across the rim, I'm guessing that is normal? Part of the manufacturing process, but I could be wrong. Anything else I should look out for.

Cheers

How do you know for sure though ? Did you ask a load of questions about the wheels before bidding, ie age, use ?

kleinstroker

I see what you did there...!! No I took them on spec! He said they were in fantastic condition and I believed him, end of story!!

mallorcajeff

lucky boy

kleinstroker

Turns out not so lucky...

fitted the wheels this afternoon and they very out of true, rear gets stuck on brakepads even when pads are opened up with the cable lever. Not sure if I should send them back or just get them done myself. Would it be a straightforward job for the LBS to true them??

ugo.santalucia

kleinstroker wrote:

Turns out not so lucky...

fitted the wheels this afternoon and they very out of true, rear gets stuck on brakepads even when pads are opened up with the cable lever. Not sure if I should send them back or just get them done myself. Would it be a straightforward job for the LBS to true them??

It depends... there is always a reason why wheels are out of true. Given the situation, I suspect the guy wanted to get rid of them for some reason which is worth investigating for your own safety.
If they have standard J spokes, provided the rims are not cracked, it is a standard job, if they have straight pull spokes, then it might be a problematic fix.
I think buying delicate equipment second hand is never a good idea, even more so when buying from someone you don't know. Ebay feedback system doesn't always work... sometimes you leave positive feedback and two weeks later you have to bin the item... too late to change your mind...
Worth contacting the guy anyway

dmclite-3.0

kleinstroker wrote:

Turns out not so lucky...

fitted the wheels this afternoon and they very out of true, rear gets stuck on brakepads even when pads are opened up with the cable lever. Not sure if I should send them back or just get them done myself. Would it be a straightforward job for the LBS to true them??

Maybe you should have asked all them questions now, eh ?

kleinstroker

ugo.santalucia wrote:

It depends... there is always a reason why wheels are out of true. Given the situation, I suspect the guy wanted to get rid of them for some reason which is worth investigating for your own safety.
If they have standard J spokes, provided the rims are not cracked, it is a standard job, if they have straight pull spokes, then it might be a problematic fix.
I think buying delicate equipment second hand is never a good idea, even more so when buying from someone you don't know. Ebay feedback system doesn't always work... sometimes you leave positive feedback and two weeks later you have to bin the item... too late to change your mind...
Worth contacting the guy anyway

Cheers! Yeah they are regular spokes. Bit of a bugger really as I really like them and got them for a decent price. I could never have afforded to buy new anyway and these were 1/3rd of the new price.

paul_mck

let your LBS take a look at them

Monty Dog

If you've never trued wheels, don't start with carbon ones - over-tighten and the nipple will simply tear through the rim rendering it scrap. I'd get you LBS to wind-off all spoke tension and start from scratch to get everything bob-on.

kleinstroker

Cheers chaps will take them down to the LBS first thing tomorrow.

paul_mck

best to be sure mate.

kleinstroker

Took the wheels in this morning to my local bike shop and got them back this afternoon. £30 for both wheels trued. Special mention to Troy at "Get a Grip" bike shop on Lavender Hill, nice guy and would recommend to anyone.

Ebay seller has agreed to pay for truing so all is right in the world once again. Thanks for the advice.

markos1963

Great news, just don't ride them in the wet now.

paul_mck

Alls well that ends well

NewTTer

kleinstroker wrote:

Took the wheels in this morning to my local bike shop and got them back this afternoon. £30 for both wheels trued. Special mention to Troy at "Get a Grip" bike shop on Lavender Hill, nice guy and would recommend to anyone.

Ebay seller has agreed to pay for truing so all is right in the world once again. Thanks for the advice.

Good result, nice to hear