New Wheelset? Need Some Advice

[Andrew_Smith]

Howzit guys,

 

I am seeking advice in regards to a new wheelset.

 

Quick background on my scenario:

"So I have a 2014 Scott Scale 940 running the factory Syncros XC39 wheels. A few months ago I noticed play on my cassette. Ignored and continued to ride. Late September I took my bike in to check out the rear hub. The bearings got replaced and the hub is a bit smoother, but there is still play on the cassette and a roughness which can be felt on the chainstay when freeing. Was told to replace the hub with a new one and to rebuild the wheel."

 

My options which I have in mind: 

 

1.) Replace only the rear wheel (because there is nothing wrong with the front wheel - still running perfectly)

 

2.) Replace the whole wheelset

 

3.) Replace the hub (Shimano Deore FH-M615) and rebuild the wheel

 

My problem is with the above options is will it be even worth it to invest in a good quality wheelset or rear wheel? Because if I upgrade later on, the next bike will most probably have a TA (through axle) system. While my Scale 940 is only QR front and rear. Yeah, I know I can buy a conversion kit, but still. 

 

Would it be worth it to rebuild a new hub on a three-year-old wheelset? The last option would be the most cost-effective option compared to the other two.

 

I am not a serious racer, but I would categorize myself as a serious amateur and I love climbing. I ride about 150km plus each week with 2000 to 3000m of climbing. Now a lighter rear wheel/wheelset would be greatly appreciated. But then again, 90% lies in the legs.

 

I am a student, so I would like to make a wise decision before spending any money because I would not be able to replenish it quickly. My budget is R4000.

 

Thanks.

André

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Do you know what exactly is wrong with it?

[Andrew_Smith]

Do you know what exactly is wrong with it?

 

If I can recall the hub is worn, but I can still ride. Not so smooth though.

[brad890]

How much were you quoted to repair? 

 

Being a shimano hub, could be the bearing races are pitted or worn hence the roughness? in this case I'm afraid that would mean replacing the hub. 

[Kalahari Vegmot]

If I can recall the hub is worn, but I can still ride. Not so smooth though.

Is your freehub worn, are the cones worn, are the cups worn?

 

Could you take it apart and post some pics?

[madbradd]

The problem is that a rebuild is going to cost you around R1000 plus the cost of the hub (so probably 2k for a rebuild with a new inexpensive hub). I'm sure you can pick up a new set of OEM wheels for the same or less.

[Andrew_Smith]

How much were you quoted to repair? 

 

Being a shimano hub, could be the bearing races are pitted or worn hence the roughness? in this case I'm afraid that would mean replacing the hub. 

 

That's the one alright. Roughly around an R1000 if they can source the hub.

[madbradd]

That's the one alright. Roughly around an R1000 if they can source the hub.

That's not too bad. Does it include new spokes and nipples? Or are they intending using the old ones?

[Andrew_Smith]

The problem is that a rebuild is going to cost you around R1000 plus the cost of the hub (so probably 2k for a rebuild with a new inexpensive hub). I'm sure you can pick up a new set of OEM wheels for the same or less.

 

If they cannot source that current hub on the bike, might this be an option?

 

https://www.easybike.co.za/shimano-xt-front-hub-fh-785-32h.html

 

Rebuild if I am not mistaken will cost me roughly R500.

[Andrew_Smith]

That's not too bad. Does it include new spokes and nipples? Or are they intending using the old ones?

 

Very good question, not sure.

[brad890]

That's the one alright. Roughly around an R1000 if they can source the hub.

 

If you wanting to upgrade and not spend too much then possibly look for a second hand set in the classifieds.

 

otherwise something new with sealed bearings, if you want less maintenance.

 

Either way its going to cost more than the R1000 to upgrade.

 

So boils down to if you want to upgrade or not.

[Andrew_Smith]

If you wanting to upgrade and not spend too much then possibly look for a second hand set in the classifieds.

 

otherwise something new with sealed bearings, if you want less maintenance.

 

Either way its going to cost more than the R1000 to upgrade.

 

So boils down to if you want to upgrade or not.

 

Okay, I see.

 

Would you say it would be a good investment to buy another wheelset even if it won't be compatible on my next bike if I upgrade in time?

[brad890]

some options for your 4k budget

 

https://www.evobikes.co.za/wheels/wheelsets-mtb/mavic-crossride-disc-29-wheel-set.html

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb-wheels/products/american-classic-terrain-29-tubeless

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb-wheels/products/fulcrum-red-power-hp-29-wheelset

[johanpre44]

I respect cup and cone hubs, but they need a lot of maintenance to continue running smoothly.

 

If you are looking at replacing the hub and rebuilding the rear wheel only, try and get something like the Novatec hubs which uses cartridge/sealed bearings (like Brad890 says). Complete rebuild with spokes is expensive (last time I checked it was also in the R500-R800 region), but I think well worth the effort, especially for the kind on mileage you are doing each week.

 

Proper wheel set will be around R6k-R7k on special (like the Hope hub and Crest rims every now and again at CWC). For maintenance on spokes try and stick to J-Bend spokes and brass nipples.

[brad890]

Okay, I see.

 

Would you say it would be a good investment to buy another wheelset even if it won't be compatible on my next bike if I upgrade in time?

 

Compatibility depends on the wheelset, most sealed bearing wheels can take the different size thru axles with adapters. (check before buying)

 

only thing that would throw a spanner in the works is BOOST. some wheels can be bodged with aftermarket adapters, however these adapters are very limited to certain brands

[Andrew_Smith]

some options for your 4k budget

 

https://www.evobikes.co.za/wheels/wheelsets-mtb/mavic-crossride-disc-29-wheel-set.html

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb-wheels/products/american-classic-terrain-29-tubeless

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb-wheels/products/fulcrum-red-power-hp-29-wheelset

 

Thanks for the options Brad! But, I am not entirely sold on those... Have checked them before. Call me a weight weenie, but those sets are quite heavy IMO, especially the Mavic's. I'll rather keep an eye open on the classified section.

 

I respect cup and cone hubs, but they need a lot om maintenance to continue running smoothly.

 

If you are looking at replacing the hub and rebuilding the read wheel only, try and get something like the Novatec hubs which uses cartridge/sealed bearings (like Brad890 says). Complete rebuild with spokes is expensive (last time I checked it was also in the R500-R800 region), but I think well worth the effort, especially for the kind on mileage you are doing each week.

 

Proper wheel set will be around R6k-R7k on special (like the Hope hub and Crest rims every now and again at CWC). For maintenance on spokes try and stick to J-Bend spokes and brass nipples.

 

What would a Novatec rear hub cost me? Yeah, sealed bearings would be very nice. But isn't replacing the bearings expensive? My only gripe is will it be worth it to rebuild a new hub on an old wheel?

 

Very true! Sadly out of my price range. 

 

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/stans-no-tubes-ztr-crest-mk3-xt-29r-wset-qr

Wanted to buy a set, but unfortunately, they did not have stock of the QR version. Conversion kit did not also work out due to rear hub axle length of 142.

 

Would have been the perfect setup! Because (I forgot to mention) I am a very light rider. I weigh 59kg.