Buying used wheel set - what to look for?

[The Ouzo]

The rear wheel on my road bike has been breaking spokes (granted it has not done so in about 2 months though).

I was contemplating rebuilding the wheel, but then someone mentioned looking into a new wheel set.

 

Now it crossed my mind not to long ago to get a second rear wheel that I could mount an old tyre to and use on the IDT.

 

I dont have anything exotic, currently have metal/aluminum alexrims, so wont be going carbon

What do I look for when looking at used rims ?

Obviously do my best to check the trueness of it.

Maybe feel the spokes for tension

Nicks, bumps scratches

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[Thomo]

You could add:

- brake surface wear

- cracks, particularly around nipple holes and also spoke/hub contact areas

[Mountain_Goat]

When buying used wheels this is normally what I do:

 

*Check overall appearance, nicks, scratches etc.

 

*Check nipples and spokes for corrosion or if any has been replaced (ie all nipples and spokes should match).

 

*Check braking track for any bumps, nicks or wear. (Theres usually a wear indicator on rims in the form of a dot in the aluminium.

 

*Lastly check that the hubs match the rims eg Zipp wheels should have Zipp hubs. I've seen people advertise wheels before as Zipp for example but then the hubs are cheap pieces of crap.

Remember the hubs are what makes the wheels perform and they should spin freely and smoothly.

 

Forgot to mention, make sure that the wheels are compatible with your drivetrain.

If you ride shimano or sram then the wheels must have a shimano freebody.

If you ride campy then the wheels must have a campy freebody.

 

Some wheels also, especially the older wheels can only accommodate up to 10speed casettes.

[Thomo]

*Lastly check that the hubs match the rims eg Zipp wheels should have Zipp hubs. I've seen people advertise wheels before as Zipp for example but then the hubs are cheap pieces of crap.

Remember the hubs are what makes the wheels perform and they should spin freely and smoothly.

 

 

Valid point, but keep in mind that it is possible for standard hubs to be "upgraded". (matter of opinion)

I've seen Zipp wheels rebuilt with Chris King, Tune, DT Swiss and/or Powertap for that matter.