Quality of this 700C Road Wheel?

[Sir Ridesalot]

Hi again. I have a rear 700C(?) road wheel I'd like to know a bit more
about regarding its quality and cost as I want to get a new spoke for
it as well as a matchine front wheel.

It has a black hub with the Word "RITCHEY" on it in upper case
lettering. The straight-gauge spokes are black too as is the aero rim.
The rim has 32 spokes but one is broken. One label on the rim at the
valve hole (presta) states : "ALEX RIMS" unsurpassed performance &
quality. Another rim label opposite this one states "DA 22 DOUBLE WALL
6061H-T6 622x14. The side-walls of the rim appear to me to be machined.

I don't know how to post a picture of this wheel to the newsgroup or
I'd include one as I know that would make identifying the wheel much
easier. Nor do I have a model number for the hub although I do see an
EF on the left flange.

Can any one here idenyify this wheel and give me some idea as to its
quality and worth. I want to get a front wheel to match.

Thanks very much for all useful replies.

Peter

 

[Dave Mayer]

"Sir Ridesalot" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi again. I have a rear 700C(?) road wheel I'd like to know a bit more
> about regarding its quality and cost as I want to get a new spoke for
> it as well as a matchine front wheel.
>
> It has a black hub with the Word "RITCHEY" on it in upper case
> lettering. The straight-gauge spokes are black too as is the aero rim.
> The rim has 32 spokes but one is broken. One label on the rim at the
> valve hole (presta) states : "ALEX RIMS" unsurpassed performance &
> quality. Another rim label opposite this one states "DA 22 DOUBLE WALL
> 6061H-T6 622x14. The side-walls of the rim appear to me to be machined.
>
> I don't know how to post a picture of this wheel to the newsgroup or
> I'd include one as I know that would make identifying the wheel much
> easier. Nor do I have a model number for the hub although I do see an
> EF on the left flange.
>
>
> Peter
>

Peter: Things to look for in a wheel:

Rims: aluminum obviously over steel. Steel rim wheels are so substandard in
every respect that they are not worth the taking even if they are free.

Rims: a double wall rim with sockets to reinforce the spoke nipples is
preferred. Sockets that brace up against both the inner and outer rims
walls is best, as this spreads out the stresses better. Unsocketed rims are
subject to cracking at the spoke holes.

Machined sidewalls: this is a pointless manufacturing step that costs money.
The first time you ride your bike in the rain, any perceived initial
advantage of machining will be gone. Poor machining will cause
irregularities in the rim wall thickness, which will reduce rim strength.

Anodized or painted rims. Just say no. Plain aluminum finish is better.
Lower cost, less problems due to stress cracking from anodization, and with
plain rims, you can observe any cracking or structural problems with the
rims sooner. When bike parts manufacturers paint parts, it is usually an
attempt to hide an irregular finish or to add some flash to attempt to
offset poor quality.

Rim joint: pinned, not welded. Rims are under compressive stress, so
welding the ends is pointless. I have had rims in which the welded joint
material was harder than the rest of the rim. After they became worn, the
joint turned into an annoying high spot that cause pulsations in braking.

Hubs: get a pair cup and cone hubs from Shimano and Campagnolo. Cartridge
bearing hubs are a fundamentally poor design flogged by small fry
manufacturers. In 2 years you'll understand, when you unsuccessfully try to
track down some obscure 6901X2RS cartridge bearing from every bike shop in
town, why standard 1/4" ball bearings are preferred. You should also know
that most bike shops have a pile of wrecked wheels. Most of these have
Shimano hubs. This is a limitless supply of cheap hub parts such as cones,
cups and axle parts.

Spokes: double butted stainless spokes are better. 14-gauge straight gauge
spokes are a cost saving measure. This will certainly result in a heavier
wheel, and from what I understand from this newsgroup, lower spoke
elasticity, and a lower spoke lifespan. Painting spokes is stupid, and is
likely a cost-saving measure by the manufacturer to allow the use of cheaper
plain carbon steel.

Spoke pattern. This has been beat to death in this newsgroup. Unless you
are racing, go for 32 or 36 spoke 3-cross with low profile rims. This is a
standard design that is easier to find spokes and replacement rims for.

 

[dtmeister]

Sir Ridesalot <[email protected]> wrote:
> It has a black hub with the Word "RITCHEY" on it in upper case
> lettering. The straight-gauge spokes are black too as is the aero rim.
> The rim has 32 spokes but one is broken. One label on the rim at the
> valve hole (presta) states : "ALEX RIMS" unsurpassed performance &
> quality. Another rim label opposite this one states "DA 22 DOUBLE WALL
> 6061H-T6 622x14. The side-walls of the rim appear to me to be machined.

My commuting bike has Alex DA 22's. It's an entry level road bike, so
these rims are low end. That being said, they have coped well with
daily commuting over the last two years. They seem to be staying true
too, so I don't have any complaints.

--
..dt

 

[landotter]

Sir Ridesalot wrote:
> Hi again. I have a rear 700C(?) road wheel I'd like to know a bit more
> about regarding its quality and cost as I want to get a new spoke for
> it as well as a matchine front wheel.
>

As long as the front wheel is black, I wouldn't worry about matching
the components exactly. Finding one with black spokes may be slightly
tricky.

> It has a black hub with the Word "RITCHEY" on it in upper case
> lettering. The straight-gauge spokes are black too as is the aero rim.
> The rim has 32 spokes but one is broken. One label on the rim at the
> valve hole (presta) states : "ALEX RIMS" unsurpassed performance &
> quality. Another rim label opposite this one states "DA 22 DOUBLE WALL
> 6061H-T6 622x14. The side-walls of the rim appear to me to be machined.
>

Those are cheap but just fine parts. I'd venture to say you could find
a similar machine built wheelset online for under a couple hundred
bucks. They'd benefit from getting a once-over by some real human
hands.

> I don't know how to post a picture of this wheel to the newsgroup or
> I'd include one as I know that would make identifying the wheel much
> easier.

Try flickr.com, accounts are free. It's a wonderful and easy to use
service for photo hosting. After uploading, you just post the url here.

> Nor do I have a model number for the hub although I do see an
> EF on the left flange.
>
> Can any one here idenyify this wheel and give me some idea as to its
> quality and worth. I want to get a front wheel to match.

As a single wheel, I'd wouldn't say it's worth more than a hundred US
dollars. It's nothing special, but nothing bad as well. I ride
similarly normal wheels every day.

Got $70?:

http://tinyurl.com/z3vhy

 

[Hank Wirtz]

"Dave Mayer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:VOwag.169056$7a.35834@pd7tw1no...

> Hubs: get a pair cup and cone hubs from Shimano and Campagnolo. Cartridge
> bearing hubs are a fundamentally poor design flogged by small fry
> manufacturers. In 2 years you'll understand, when you unsuccessfully try
> to track down some obscure 6901X2RS cartridge bearing from every bike shop
> in town, why standard 1/4" ball bearings are preferred. You should also
> know that most bike shops have a pile of wrecked wheels. Most of these
> have Shimano hubs. This is a limitless supply of cheap hub parts such as
> cones, cups and axle parts.

The OP has a Ritchey hub. The Ritchey Zero hub I built my mom's rear wheel
with had cup'n'cone bearings. I don't know for sure what type the OP has,
but lots of manufacturers still use cup'n'cone.

 

[Booker C. Bense]

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In article <[email protected]>,
Sir Ridesalot <[email protected]> wrote:
>Hi again. I have a rear 700C(?) road wheel I'd like to know a bit more
>about regarding its quality and cost as I want to get a new spoke for
>it as well as a matchine front wheel.
>
>It has a black hub with the Word "RITCHEY" on it in upper case
>lettering. The straight-gauge spokes are black too as is the aero rim.
>The rim has 32 spokes but one is broken. One label on the rim at the
>valve hole (presta) states : "ALEX RIMS" unsurpassed performance &
>quality. Another rim label opposite this one states "DA 22 DOUBLE WALL
>6061H-T6 622x14. The side-walls of the rim appear to me to be machined.
>
>I don't know how to post a picture of this wheel to the newsgroup or
>I'd include one as I know that would make identifying the wheel much
>easier. Nor do I have a model number for the hub although I do see an
>EF on the left flange.
>
>Can any one here idenyify this wheel and give me some idea as to its
>quality and worth. I want to get a front wheel to match.
>

_ I believe these wheels are on sale at Nashbar right now. I've
also seem them at REI. They are basic OEM sealed bearing road bike wheels.

http://tinyurl.com/z3vhy


_ Booker C. Bense

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[David Damerell]

Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
>Hubs: get a pair cup and cone hubs from Shimano and Campagnolo. Cartridge
>bearing hubs are a fundamentally poor design flogged by small fry
>manufacturers. In 2 years you'll understand, when you unsuccessfully try to
>track down some obscure 6901X2RS cartridge bearing from every bike shop in
>town, why standard 1/4" ball bearings are preferred.

Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
--
David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
Today is Leicesterday, May.

 

[Dave Mayer]

"David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:s4l*[email protected]...
> Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
> Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
> --
> David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
> Today is Leicesterday, May.

Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
non-commercial accounts. Couldn't be bothered with individuals/hobbyists.
I did find one supplier who was willing to sell standard-issue 6001
cartridge bearings in small quantities. For $15 each.

 

[John Forrest Tomlinson]

On Thu, 18 May 2006 04:09:26 GMT, "Dave Mayer" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>"David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:s4l*[email protected]...
>> Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
>> Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
>> --
>> David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
>> Today is Leicesterday, May.
>
>Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
>non-commercial accounts. Couldn't be bothered with individuals/hobbyists.
>I did find one supplier who was willing to sell standard-issue 6001
>cartridge bearings in small quantities. For $15 each.

They look to be readily available online from many places for far less
than that.

JT


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[landotter]

Dave Mayer wrote:
> "David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:s4l*[email protected]...
> > Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
> > Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
> > --
> > David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
> > Today is Leicesterday, May.
>
> Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
> non-commercial accounts. Couldn't be bothered with individuals/hobbyists.
> I did find one supplier who was willing to sell standard-issue 6001
> cartridge bearings in small quantities. For $15 each.

Strange, I needed 2 6001's for my press fit BB a couple years ago, and
they only cost $5/each at the local industrial supply center. 10K miles
later, the bottom bracket still has zero play and the spindle feels
buttery. Upscale LBS wanted 15 each, though. I'm in a city of nearly a
million in the American southeast if that makes any difference.

 

[Dane Buson]

Dave Mayer <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> "David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:s4l*[email protected]...
>> Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
>> Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
>> --
>> David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
>> Today is Leicesterday, May.
>
> Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
> non-commercial accounts. Couldn't be bothered with individuals/hobbyists.
> I did find one supplier who was willing to sell standard-issue 6001
> cartridge bearings in small quantities. For $15 each.

Where are you? Here in Seattle, there's a bearing supply place about 3
miles from my house that was reasonably happy to sell to me as just some
schmoe off the street.

--
Dane Buson - [email protected]
The distinction between Freedom and Liberty is not accurately known;
naturalists have been unable to find a living specimen of either.
-- Ambrose Bierce

 

[Blue Gator]

Dane Buson wrote:
> Dave Mayer <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:s4l*[email protected]...
>>
>>>Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
>>>Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
>>>--
>>>David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?
>>>Today is Leicesterday, May.
>>
>>Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
>>non-commercial accounts. Couldn't be bothered with individuals/hobbyists.
>>I did find one supplier who was willing to sell standard-issue 6001
>>cartridge bearings in small quantities. For $15 each.
>
>
> Where are you? Here in Seattle, there's a bearing supply place about 3
> miles from my house that was reasonably happy to sell to me as just some
> schmoe off the street.
>

I live in a smaller town and we have several suppliers who are happy to
sell over the counter. They're here to service local businesses,
farmers, etc. Why wouldn't they want your money?

Arlie

 

[David Damerell]

Quoting Dave Mayer <[email protected]>:
>"David Damerell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>Why won't you just go to a bearing supplier like any sane person would?
>Go ahead: track down the local bearing suppliers. They won't sell to
>non-commercial accounts.

How odd. The last time I needed four cartridge bearings the bearing
supplier in Reading was perfectly happy to sell them to me.
--
David Damerell <[email protected]> Distortion Field!
Today is Brieday, May.