Where to from here??????

I am really starting to consider throwing in the "road cycling" thing.

12 months ago I bought myself a Giant Defy 2 roadie as a means to start myself off on the "road cycling" adventure, I had for the previous 2 - 3 years been ridng around on my mountain bike without hassle. Obviously budget constraints etc kept my options limited to what i purchased but I was happy with the Defy. In January I did both the RLC and MCCT and thoroughly enjoyed both (did the full RLC but only the 110km option of the MCCT). I then progressed to the Bike SA Grand Slams whilst also commuting to work.

On the 2nd Grand Slam my problems started. Now, for those that know me, I'm not the lightest rider, I currently weigh somewhere near 120kg (a slight improvement on what I used to be though!). During the first leg of the 2nd GS I broke a spoke on my rear wheel and whilst riding carefully to try and get back to the start point the wheel continued to get worse. I decided to stop and call for a pick up. End of Grand Slam 2. Dropped wheel into LBS to be fixed and had no problems for the next couple of months or so.

Lately, it seems that I'm dropping the wheel in every 2nd week to be retrued. This has been happening for the past 2 months or so. About 3 weeks ago I busted 2 more spokes. The LBS checked the rim and it is still OK - not fatigued or anything so they respoked the whole wheel for me. Come yesterday, I was checking the bike ready to ride to work and what do I discover - another broken spoke!! Off again to the LBS to get the thing fixed yet again, seriously thinking of putting the bike on eBay or similar when I get the wheel back.

Whilst at the LBS the mechanic suggested getting better wheels. Obviously I only got stock standard budget wheels on the bike when I purchased it. The mechanic has virtually guaranteed that I wont have the problems that I currently have with the DA22 Alexrims wheels. The only problem is the budget - I dont have the spare cash to throw around willy nilly, particularly this close to Xmas. The LBS will knock $100 off the retail price for a set of new Token (i think thats how its spelt) wheels which will bring the price to around $400.

Oh my - decisions, decisions........

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Comment by David Hughes on December 13, 2010 at 9:13: I second michael's last post. The Tokens arent the right wheel for you. And you can buy individual wheels, or get one built.

Comment by Nigel "Griffo" Griffiths on December 13, 2010 at 20:46: Thanks for the further information and feedback guys, this has certainly been thought provoking and eye opening for me. I'm not going to throw this road cycling thing away, enjoy the riding and comararderie too much.

I'm now set in a new direction, as mentioned, the Token wheels probably aren't the best fit for me so I think its time to do some more shopping around, just get a new rear wheel to begin with - I've had no issues with the front and for the record the spokes are breaking at the bend where they go into the hub.

Maybe some suggestions as to where to start enquiring??? I'm thinking Bicycle Express as a starting point. Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

Comment by Bert Olio on December 13, 2010 at 21:08: In the city area I'd go to BMC&R or Megabikes for wheel building. I assume Corsa know their stuff but I've never been into their shop, so I'm just going on indivual reputations. I personally have never, and would never recommned Bicycle Express for service work, too many staff, odds are the person who takes the job isn't the one who does the job (also odds are any exceptionally good work done at Bicycle Express in the past was done by Andrew who now works at BMC&R).

Comment by Michael Warner on December 13, 2010 at 22:32: It's great that you're sticking with it - what's unfortunate is that the mainstream road gear market has moved a long way from serving blokes like you in the last decade or so, hence a shop trying to sell you wheels designed for someone at least 40kg lighter etc.

A small shop is probably a better bet for wheelbuilding or other specialized services - you'll get to talk to the guy who does the job, and you'll see him for follow-up truing or repairs. I've had a good wheel built by BMCR, and have also heard good reports about Corsa, International Cycles and a place on Glen Osmond Rd whose name escapes me :-)

BE has lots of nice toys to look at, and the staff are ok, but it's disorienting to deal with someone different every time - if you order something in, chances are someone else will have to go hunting for it when you turn up to collect it.

Comment by MARK FERGUSON (SPARTACUS) on December 14, 2010 at 10:35: Hi Nigel, Stick with it I am 185cm and weigh 120kg but I have lost 30kg since I took up cycling. So spent the money on better wheels it is an investment in your health and wellbeing.

Comment by Nigel "Griffo" Griffiths on December 18, 2010 at 13:39: Dropped into BMC&R today and after discussion with Peter have ordered a new rear wheel - DT Swiss RR 465 - 32 spokes, Shimano 105 hub. At around $500 this will hopefully end my problems and frustration. Again, thanks for all the feedback and for pointing me in the right direction. See you on the road soon, the wheel should be ready prior to Xmas.

Cheers

Nigel

Where to from here??????

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