how to align multiple sets of disk wheels

I bought a second set of disk wheels with the idea of easily swapping out the wheels for different
riding conditions. However, I have to adjust the brakes each time I swap the wheels out because the
two sets of wheels are off a tiny bit which causes disk rub.

Is it recommended to add shims? Will this cause any problems? How can I workaround this problem so I
don't have to adjust the brakes for each set of wheels?

 

"Lennie Garcia" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I bought a second set of disk wheels with the idea of easily swapping out the wheels for different
> riding conditions. However, I have to adjust the brakes each time I swap the wheels out because
> the two sets of wheels are off a tiny bit which causes disk rub.
>
> Is it recommended to add shims? Will this cause any problems? How can I workaround this problem so
> I don't have to adjust the brakes for each set
of
> wheels?
>

As I also have several sets of wheels I gave this idea a thought. My conclusion was that it would be
too much trouble. Instead I became proficient at centering my Hayes brakes. Not worth it to mess
with shims. After you've swapped wheels a few times it will get easier, Did I mention that I use a
work stand? It probably helps a lot. I turn the bike over and loosen the calipers. Remove the
wheels, pop in the new set. Lock em up. Now into the work stand and put a strip of aluminum can on
each side of the rotor. Squeeze and hold the brakes and tighten the calipers. Some variation of this
will get you ready to go without much fuss. Keep the shims cleaned with Isopropyl alcohol.

--
DTW .../\.../\.../\...

I've spent most of my money on mountain biking and windsurfing.
The rest I've just wasted.

 

"Lennie Garcia" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I bought a second set of disk wheels with the idea of easily swapping out the wheels for different
> riding conditions. However, I have to adjust the brakes each time I swap the wheels out because
> the two sets of wheels are off a tiny bit which causes disk rub.
>
> Is it recommended to add shims? Will this cause any problems? How can I workaround this problem so
> I don't have to adjust the brakes for each set
of
> wheels?

You can shim the discs. I was doing this for a while with a set of hefty offroad wheels and another
set with semi-slicks on. It works, but never seemed to be spot on for either wheels. I eventually
fixed the problem by adding a large metal adaptor to the semi-slick wheels in the shape of a second
hand Merlin frame.

Steve.

 

"spademan o---[) *" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lennie Garcia" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> > I bought a second set of disk wheels with the idea of easily swapping
out
> > the wheels for different riding conditions. However, I have to adjust
the
> > brakes each time I swap the wheels out because the two sets of wheels
are
> > off a tiny bit which causes disk rub.
> >
> > Is it recommended to add shims? Will this cause any problems? How can
I
> > workaround this problem so I don't have to adjust the brakes for each
set
> of
> > wheels?
>
> You can shim the discs. I was doing this for a while with a set of hefty offroad wheels and
> another set with semi-slicks on. It works, but never seemed to be spot on for either wheels. I
> eventually fixed the problem by adding a large metal adaptor to the semi-slick wheels in the shape
> of a second hand Merlin frame.

Cunny funt ',;~}~

Shaun aRe

 

"Lennie Garcia" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I bought a second set of disk wheels with the idea of easily swapping out the wheels for different
> riding conditions. However, I have to adjust the brakes each time I swap the wheels out because
> the two sets of wheels are off a tiny bit which causes disk rub.
>
> Is it recommended to add shims? Will this cause any problems? How can I workaround this problem so
> I don't have to adjust the brakes for each set
of
> wheels?

Firstly, you must make sure that the rotors on all the wheelsets are broken
in. Secondly, you must make sure that all of the races are equally adjusted (slightly loose is
best, obviously). Thirdly, you must make sure that you equally clamp the QR skewer on all
wheelsets.

I finally took the time to properly adjust all the wheelsets for my mtn bike and what do ya know,
the rotors line up everytime now!! Before, they were giving me grief and I threw in the towel and
let my non-racing wheelsets rub the pads. Not a problem any more.

In short, fine tune your racing wheels and then take the time to do the same to your other wheelsets
and everything works out well.

Dave