RX3 Rear Wheel Rebuild with Warp9 Rim

[rjmorel]

Why is the wider rim harder to get tire off? I would of thought it gave more room to work the tire off once broke loose? rj

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Huck369

Nice Job Spud, I'd like to switch to aluminum rims, I have a 19" for the front off another bike I need to get spokes to lace it onto the RX-3 Hub..

Thank you, Huck. I am pretty sure the front spokes are all the same. If you send a single spoke to Buchanan's, they will help you to measure your 19-inch hub, and create custom spokes for the new, larger wheel.

http://www.buchananspokes.com/catego...spoke_sets.asp

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Spud you didn't happen to weigh both sets of rims to see how much weight you took off did you? I put on the 5.10x17 also and noticed it does rob some power, especially on long up hill grades. But it is nice in the rougher stuff for protecting the rim and tube when impacting sharp rock ledges etc. rj

I did not weigh the steel rim, but it is significantly heavier than the narrower, alloy rim. The entire wheel feels much lighter with the Warp9 rim. After I switch to a smaller rear tire, the wheel will get even lighter.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Why is the wider rim harder to get tire off? I would of thought it gave more room to work the tire off once broke loose? rjj

The problem arises after you spoon both beads over the rim, and you either attempt to push the tire over the rim, or attempt to pull the rim out of the tire. The wide rim doesn't want to exit the tire. Also, the sharp edges of the steel rim bite into the bead of the tire and grip it, instead of allowing it to slip off.

In addition, the wide rim also makes it more difficult initially to break the bead of the tire from the rim.

[detours]

That's a really nice rim, spud. Good job!

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Detours.

I went for a 110-mile ride today. After I returned, I examined the new wheel, and all the spokes were tight. Therefore, I am confident the wheel is sound, and I will check the spokes again the next time I remove the rear wheel.

Here are a few photographs from today's ride, showing the new rear wheel from several different perspectives.

[SpudRider]

Here is a photograph showing how the size 5.10-17, Shinko 244 tire mounts very well to the narrower rim.

[SpudRider]

Finally, here are a few other photos from today's ride.

[Pliskin]

You did a fantastic job Spud. I recommend slime for punctures if you are not using already.

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Pliskin.

[SpudRider]

I just got back from a 3-day ride to the Great Salt Lake. The new rear wheel did a good job.

[ArExThree]

Spudly, Did you use the stock rear spokes on the Warp9 rear wheel build or did you need to have Buchannon make up the correct length spokes for you. Also....have you noticed any acceleration gains with the lighter rear wheel and tire. And......are your running a 13 or 14 tooth countershaft sprocket? Thanks for your feedback as always.

[SpudRider]

Yes, I used the stock rear spokes for the Warp9 rim. I only needed to purchase a 2.50-17 rim from eBay.

The rear wheel is much lighter, which makes it easier to change tires, and mount the wheel. The wheel will get even lighter when I switch to a size 4.60-17 tire. The bike handles great with the new rear wheel, and the unsprung weight of the wheel is much less. My butt dynamometer is pleased with the results, but I don't have any scientific data to corroborate an improvement in acceleration.

I am running a 13T C/S sprocket, and it definitely has improved acceleration. I would love to test my RX3 versus a stock bike to note the difference in acceleration between the two.

[RedHawk47]

Spud,
Have you removed a tire from your new aluminum rim? Was it "easy"? Easier than the steel rim?
The reason I ask is that the aluminum rim looks like it has an extra rib a quarter inch or so inside the flange. I think I've read that the rib is for tubeless tires to hold them on better in low pressure situations.

[detours]

Spudrider, I'd like to rebuild my wheel, but I'm trying to decide whether to do it myself or have it done professionally.

Is it something a total noob can do? or should I get a pro to do it? I'm especially worried about warping the rim and screwing up the dishing.