frodo0304 Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 Hi, I currently have a 2013 Merida Big Nine (29er) TFS500, which still has the standard wheels on. Not sure which wheelset this might by, but it says Merida... What I've noticed is that if I turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels it spins for a short while, and then stops, it also feels as if there is quite a bit of resistance on the wheels spinning movement. The wheels also does not make the ticking/ratchet noise which I've noticed most other bikes make while the wheels are spinning. When riding with groups, I usually have to pedal quite hard, to keep up with guys going downhill, where it seems that they are freeing down. When we free down next to each other, they usually leave me far behind... Does this have to do with the wheelset? Will changing the wheelset improve my ride and is it worth the change? Any other advice would also be appreciated. Lastly, if I look at changing the wheelset, which ones can I consider on a budget?
RockCoach Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 It actually sounds like your brake calliper is misaligned. If you want a good wheelset with a loud freehub then choose a good rim and have it laced to some Hope hubs with double butted spokes and brass nipples. Not cheap but will be strong, reliable, last well and be quite light.
cpelser Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 I think it's rather your brakes that's a bit stuck.When last was this bike serviced? I think Merida's standard wheelsets use Shimano hubs with Alexrims. The shimano hub should perform fine, and they don't really make much of a noise.
the nerd Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 I would start by taking your bike into a reputable lbs and have them servicing the hubs and take a look at the brakes. Go from there.
frodo0304 Posted August 18, 2015 Author Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks. The bike was serviced about a month ago. The brakes were also serviced then... Where in Pretoria would a good service center be?
the nerd Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks. The bike was service about a month ago. The brakes were also serviced then... Where in Pretoria would a good service center be? So a possible scenario is they over tightened the cup and cones in the wheel, that will give the feeling of resistance and not really smooth rolling. Cup/Cone wheels can be awesome if set up right and should roll really well! I'm not sure about places in PTA but I am sure someone can point you in the right direction.
mtbride Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks. The bike was serviced about a month ago. The brakes were also serviced then... Where in Pretoria would a good service center be? Tool-up cycles ftw
MarcBurger Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 Yes a new wheelset is always the best upgrade, however, try re-centre your brake callipers to make sure they aren't rubbing. Things tend to move and services don't always sort this out. Google will know how.It's just basically loosening them slightly, squeeze brake to centre the loose caliper, then tighten. If the brakes aren't rubbing and it's still slowing down. then its probably hubs. You can fix this also, but it's a great reason to convince yourself to get new wheels.If so, as Robo says: Go Hope.
ChrisN Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 It sounds like the bearings might be over-tightened on the hubs.... An cycle shop who I will not name; serviced a set of Hayes for me once. After the service it was broken and wanted me to buy a new set of brakes. I took it to Solomons (on Lynnwood rd), and they serviced and bled them for me, and worked perfect for years to come. since then I have always received great service from them. Thanks.The bike was serviced about a month ago.The brakes were also serviced then...Where in Pretoria would a good service center be?
Salty Posted August 18, 2015 Posted August 18, 2015 Agree re Brakes rubbing - if it is not the brakes - then I think your bearings (in hubs) are about to sieze (or really need to be regreased or replaced - go Hope). If you are unable to re-center your brakes as above, it could be that the piston has got dirty and is sticking slightly - meaning does not retract properly when brakes released. I had two "services" at two shops and both did not pick this up (even though the second time I told them exactly what was wrong). Both times they tried to center in front of me arguing that's all it needed. A quick clean works well - I didn't want to do it myself since was concerened I would get air into the system and did not want to go through bleeding process.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.