Sage-Tips

Do you need new spokes when changing hubs?

The distance from the holes in the hub flange to the holes in the rim are dependent on flange diameter, flange spacing, and maybe even spoke hole diameter (assuming same spoke crossing pattern). If the new hub is dimensionally exactly the same as the old hub, then you can re-use spokes.

Can I change the hubs on my bike?

Simple answer: yes, but it’s not worth doing. Cost of hub, spokes, nipples and having wheel rebuilt will exceed the cost of a new wheel. Even if you re-use the spokes a new wheel will still be cheaper. Wheel building requires special equipment, expertise and time to do correctly.

How much does it cost to replace a bicycle hub?

Labor Rates

TUNE-UP PACKAGES
Spoke Replacement with Tune-Up	$10.00	$30.00*
$25.00*
Remove / Install Cassette on Bike	$7.50	$15.00
Free Hub Body Replacement	$20.00	$10.00*

Can you reuse spokes when rebuilding a wheel?

Unless a spoke has a kink that cannot be straightened by hand, it can be reused.

Are bike hubs universal?

Most hubs (except Shimano) have both types of hub bodies available so you can run either brand of cassette once you have the right cassette hub body. Campy hubs can be fitted with a Shimano/SRAM compatible cassette hub body.

When should I change my bike hubs?

Don’t forget about the hubs and bearings For those hub using cartridge bearings, the entire unit can be replaced when balls or races are damaged. Similarly, cup and cone hubs can be overhauled with new parts (cones and bearings) though not all have replaceable cups, so once pitted, the hub will have to be replaced.

How much does a front bike wheel cost?

It can cost thousands of dollars to replace a wheel on a high-end racing bike. For most people, the cost for a basic wheel will be somewhere between $50 and $150, and most likely in the $75 to $200 range if you also need a new rim strip, tire and tube.

Are spokes and nipples reusable?

Is It Ok To Re-Use Spoke Nipples? It’s not advisable to re-use spoke nipples because they’re made of soft material (aluminum or brass) and can therefore be damaged when dissembling an old wheel and building a new one with the same set. Also, spoke nipples are fairly cheap. Thus, the incentive to reuse them is lower.

Can you mix bike spokes?

As long as all the new spokes are traveling in the same direction, I think they will balance out fine.

Is it possible to replace a wheel without replacing the hub?

Simple answer: yes, but it’s not worth doing. Cost of hub, spokes, nipples and having wheel rebuilt will exceed the cost of a new wheel. Even if you re-use the spokes a new wheel will still be cheaper.

What is the function of the rear hub on a bicycle?

Rear hub role Rear bicycle hub has one main role, that is allowing the wheel to turn freely, while keeping it attached to the frame at the same time. Also, unlike the front hub, the rear hub has another important role: transferring driving force of pedalling to the rear wheel (usually, but not necessarily through chain and rear sprocket).

How does a freewheel work on a road bike?

Freewheel with threaded hub and a freehub with a cassette. Threaded hub has threads for screwing the freewheel on. The freewheel holds a cluster of sprockets and a ratcheting mechanism that allows free backpedaling (and coasting), while locking when pedals are turned forward, driving the rear wheel.

How do you clean the inside of a bike hub?

Dip a rag into paint thinner and wipe around the exterior of the hub. Then poke the rag through the hub opening to clean the interior. If the hub is dented or out of shape, the wheel may need total replacement. Bring it to a bike shop for an assessment.