Rajah wrote:
> I'd like to replace my wheelset of my Trek 1000.
>
> I see a lot of specs in the catalogs for manufactured wheelsets, like:
> * 26.5mm wide
Width of the rim determines the width of the tires you can mount on
them. Wider tires are more comfortable to ride on, but at the cost of
more friction.
> * 700c
This is this the diameter of the rim - which should be the same as the
size of your tire. If you currently have 700c wheels, please replace
them with 700c. Changing to 650c would require tweaking with the brakes
so as to make sure that the brake pads line up with braking surface of
the rims.
> * alloy hub with 36, 14 gauge, Wheelsmith stainless steel spokes in a
> 3x pattern.
hubs are important. A good quality hub can roll smoothly for a long
time. Generally Shimano 105/Ultegra hubs are good. Generic hubs can last
a long time as well, but would require good maintenance.
3x (cross-3) pattern is a found on most reliable/strong wheels. 3x is
not really needed in the front wheel - most of the newer front wheels
comes with radial spokes.
> * 8/9 speed Shimano cassette compatible.
If your current cassette is Shimano 9Sp. make sure the hub is compatible
with. If you are planning for an upgrade to 10Sp later, go for a 9/10
Speed compatible hubs.
> * 132.5mm rear axle spacing to fit both 130 and 135mm spaced frames.
most road bikes have 130mm rear drop out spacing. MTBs have 135 and i
think tandems have 145mm spacing.
> * Front spacing is standard 100mm.
Almost all bikes have 100m front dropout spacing.
> * Drilled for schrader valves.
If you are currently using Presta tubes, then why go for Schrader ??
Most road bikes have presta type valves.
> I have an 8 speed cassette. Will any width do?
It depends on what tire widths you normally use. refer:
http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width
> Will any spoke pattern do?
I think strength of a wheel is a combination of (rim, spoke, spoke
pattern, hub and the builder). Generally speaking higher the cross, the
more stronger it is. Stronger in terms or rotational stress ?
> Are these standard front and rear spacing?
100mm on front is standard for ever.
130mm is a standard on recent bikes. So, refer your bike's specification
or just measure the rear drop out spacing.
> I see a lot of 700c, so
> I'm guessing that the size is also standard.
there are two sizes that are common now - 700c and 650c. You could still
find some 27" and 26" as well. I would simply look at the specification
of the tires and find what you need.
A comprehensive website is sheldonbrown.com
If you want to build your own wheel, it is pretty straight forward:
http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html
+ravi