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Wheel maintenance or replacement?

I've owned my Specialized Allez Elite for over 10 years now, using it sporadically, mainly dry weekends rides in the summer, but more regularly this year since lockdown (albeit mostly in dry weather as well).
I took it to my local bike shop a few weeks ago to fix some loose spokes. The mechanic mentioned to me that I should consider getting new wheels based on what I told him about the bike's age and usage.
TBH, I've never even considered getting my wheels replaced and having a quick look online it looks like costs to replace them would be more than my whole bike is probably currently worth!
So my question is: would replacing my wheels be completely necessary at this point? Or is there anything I can do to maintain them better to potentially prolong their life and, at the same time, save some money?

Posts

  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,629
    Assuming that the rims are ok and nothing is cracked just keep using them. Check your rims for wear as they can wear thin, you normally get a small groove or dimple that disappears once the rims are worn down. You can pick up reasonable wheels quite cheaply or buy 2nd hand / New ones that people have removed from new bikes to fit better wheels from day one.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • First.AspectFirst.Aspect Posts: 13,280
    Presumably the local bike shop sells wheels...
  • dj58dj58 Posts: 2,211
    If the rims are not excessively concaved or factured, spokes breaking, wheel bearings not worn out, consider buying a spoke key and truing stand and learn to DIY. Clean the rims and brake pads regularly and use an alloy friendly brake pad like swissstop blue BXP. https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help?query=&area[]=62
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