Using different wheels

Mrtennis

As I've mentioned before on here, I'm in the process of putting a bike together from second hand bits I'm buying here and there.
So as mentioned in the title, is it ok to use different makes/brands of wheels front and back? If it isn't then I've already made the mistake as I've bought a font wheel already (pro lite bracciano). They don't seem that common though and it seems like it's going to be easier to get my hands on a planet x for the rear (I know about the issues).
So am I going to have to sell on the pro lite and look for a set or look for a matching rear pro lite wheel, or getting buy a new matching pair?
Thanks

Grill

There's no real issue from a practical/ride-ability standpoint, but in my mind the only time it's okay to mix front and back is on a TT or track bike.

Mrtennis

Grill wrote:

There's no real issue from a practical/ride-ability standpoint, but in my mind the only time it's okay to mix front and back is on a TT or track bike.

Just so I know, what's different about a TT or track bike in that you think it's ok for them to have "odd" wheels?

When I bought the bracciano I just thought it would be fine to use odd ones. But there's just been this nagging feeling in the back of mind, knowing that there always seems to be some stupid rule as to why you should or shouldn't do certain things.

Tried googling it but nothing came up. One or two mtb threads but people were talking about rim width and what tyres to use...I don't see why this should be a problem in my case

Grill

The fastest wheels are disc, so for a TT or on the track you would want a rear disc. The front is more dependent on preference and conditions (I use a tri-spoke) than anything.

Like I said you can run two different wheels, it's just not the prettiest.

doug5_10

Or you can pretend you've had to take a spare wheel from the neutral service car

declan1

Grill wrote:

There's no real issue from a practical/ride-ability standpoint, but in my mind the only time it's okay to mix front and back is on a TT or track bike.

What about a deeper rim on the back of a road bike like a 606 combo?

foggymike

Just take the stickers off and no-one will be any the wiser.

Grill

Disc will be faster and it can actually produce negative drag. The only reason you wouldn't use one would be a very hilly course as the weight would be a disadvantage, but you wouldn't use an 808 either as they're almost as heavy.

Emphursis

It might look odd if the front is an aluminium clincher with narrow rims and the rear tubular with deep set carbon rims. Just make sure they're the same size and you should ok.

Mrtennis

foggymike wrote:

Just take the stickers off and no-one will be any the wiser.

I had my eye on a planet x model B rear wheel to go with the pro lite bracciano. The planet x didn't have any stickers on it anyway so that's why I wasn't worried about it looking wrong.
Missed out on it the end though as it went for £80 including p+p! That's more than a new wheel pretty much (£150 for a new pair)!
The search goes on.....

keef66

I drove past a kid on a mountain bike yesterday pedalling like a lunatic. I suspect part of the reason being he had a 26" front wheel but a 20" rear. That plus a suspension fork made it look like he was constantly pulling a wheelie.