Newbie build advice

[SwtCraigMachine]

Ola!

 

I am starting out in mountain biking, and am totally new to these forums! So, hello

 

I bought a cheapo bike to see if I enjoyed it, but now building up something a little better. The problem is, the 9-speed casette that I bought doesn't fit on the wheels that I have (screw-on casette, apparently). So, I am looking to buy new wheels, but really hoping to keep the costs to a minimum (though I preferably don't want utter rubbish ). So, here are the wheels I have managed to track down:

 

Alex 24 (the guy said wheels, I'm assuming it's only Alex rims and some generic hubs) - R950 set (Olympic Cycles)

Brand-X Brand-X Hubs on DT Swiss X-430 Rims - R1150 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Shimano Deore Wheels Disc M505 - R1100 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Pro-Lite Avise - R1400 (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

USED Shimano RS10 wheels - R800 set (Gumtree)

USED 700c wheels - "from R500 a set" (Gumtree - really not sure what to make of this)

USED XT hubs DT swiss X.R4.1 rims - R850 (Junkmail)

USED DT Swiss wheels (the guy couldn't give me anymore info before this evening) - R1000

USED Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution - R1200

USED Alex A-Class Vectra T2D - R1000 set

 

I'm not sure if I should be avoiding second-hand wheels all together (though most of my build so far is second-hand stuff)? Is there anywhere/anything else I should be looking at? I need them to be able to work with V-brakes too (although both V and disc brake would be choice) I ride mostly cross-country, but like some winding single-track now and again...

 

Any advice you can offer will be appreciated!

Edited April 9, 2011 by SwtCraigMachine

[gummibear]

Have you had a look at classifieds on this forum,some good deals there.

[SwtCraigMachine]

Have you had a look at classifieds on this forum,some good deals there.

 

I had a look through the Hub classifieds. Unfortunately, most of the things are either too expensive, or don't take V-brakes (the two main problems I'm having in finding suitable wheels).

[SwtCraigMachine]

Anybody else got any insight/advice for a newbie builder?

[Palaeodom]

Depends on how much maintenance you want to get into. the XT hubs require some fairly regular servicing and some special love. JB (guy who runs maintenance courses and wheel building and everything to do with bikes), says they are great if you're prepared to look after them. Also when the bearings go you throw away the hub. For a less intense experience try and find sealed bearing hubs, that way you can replace them and service them easily and usually cheaply. I've spoken to a few guys who are looking for XT replacements that are really tough to find at the moment.

 

What about the Mavic Crossride? They seem to be a popular entry level choice.

[wapad]

Ola!

 

I am starting out in mountain biking, and am totally new to these forums! So, hello

 

I bought a cheapo bike to see if I enjoyed it, but now building up something a little better. The problem is, the 9-speed casette that I bought doesn't fit on the wheels that I have (screw-on casette, apparently). So, I am looking to buy new wheels, but really hoping to keep the costs to a minimum (though I preferably don't want utter rubbish ). So, here are the wheels I have managed to track down:

 

Alex 24 (the guy said wheels, I'm assuming it's only Alex rims and some generic hubs) - R950 set (Olympic Cycles)

Brand-X Brand-X Hubs on DT Swiss X-430 Rims - R1150 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Shimano Deore Wheels Disc M505 - R1100 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Pro-Lite Avise - R1400 (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

USED Shimano RS10 wheels - R800 set (Gumtree)

USED 700c wheels - "from R500 a set" (Gumtree - really not sure what to make of this)

USED XT hubs DT swiss X.R4.1 rims - R850 (Junkmail)

USED DT Swiss wheels (the guy couldn't give me anymore info before this evening) - R1000

USED Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution - R1200

USED Alex A-Class Vectra T2D - R1000 set

 

I'm not sure if I should be avoiding second-hand wheels all together (though most of my build so far is second-hand stuff)? Is there anywhere/anything else I should be looking at? I need them to be able to work with V-brakes too (although both V and disc brake would be choice) I ride mostly cross-country, but like some winding single-track now and again...

 

Any advice you can offer will be appreciated!

I saw someone advertise a set of juicy 3 brakes for 500 bucks and you could pick up a set of wheels probably with tyres and rotos for just over 1000 bucks so looking at your prices you should be able to get both

 

xt hubs are allright as long as its not the 24 spoke straight pull version great wheels but as Paleodom said they need tlc

 

I would have been able to help you out with brakes and wheels but out of country for a few months

 

you will find it easier to go hydraulic brakes and then match a decent wheelset, nothing wrong with going second hand on the wheels and you have the hub to ask all the questions you want

[SwtCraigMachine]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

I checked out the Mavic Crossride - it's about R1600 for a set... I know I might sound cheap, but I'm really trying not to stretch my budget too much (especially considering what I've spent on the bike already ).

 

I'm quite happy to stick with V-brakes for the moment (also saves on cost a little - I have a decent set already). I would like to consider upgrading in the future, so it's nice to have the option. A mate of mine (experienced cyclist) actually advised that discs would be very difficult to get a good feel for while I am learning (and explained how his girlfriend was struggling because of her disc brakes).

 

A few updates on what is available - I have some more details on some, and others have been sold or struck from the list (for actually being road wheels - doh!).

 

Alex 24 (I think it's only Alex rims and some generic hubs) - R950 set (Olympic Cycles)

Brand-X Brand-X Hubs on DT Swiss X-430 Rims - R1150 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Shimano Deore Wheels Disc M505 - R1100 set (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

Pro-Lite Avise - R1400 (ChainReaction incl. shipping)

USED Shimano RS10 wheels - R800 set (Gumtree)

USED 700c wheels - "from R500 a set" (Gumtree - really not sure what to make of this)

USED XT hubs, DT Swiss rims - R1000

USED Alex A-Class Vectra T2D, including tyres - R1000 set