Where should I buy a bike wheel?

[CONSIDERABLE SHOUTING]

I need a new wheel for my first hub motor build, but the local bike shop near me didn't have any spares or used wheels in stock that could fit my bike. Does anyone here have a preferred manufacturer for a basic 29 x 2.10 sized wheel with rim brakes? I'm trying to support better companies than lord Bezos and I know lots of wheels off Amazon aren't the best quality.

 

[amberwolf]

Are you looking for a whole wheel to take apart and build your motor wheel with, or just a rim and spokes for the motor? (noting that you'll probably need different length spokes than come with a regular bicycle wheel to lace the motor into it)

Assuming you don't need a whole wheel:

For the rim itself, it partly depends on the load the wheel has to support. If it's typical bicycle-duty, a typical double-wall aluminum / alloy bicycle rim will work. If it's higher weight or harsher riding conditions, a stiffer heavy-duty rim might be better. I'd go with eyeletted nipple holes, as they help minimize the chances of cracking at the holes, partly by helping spread the force of the nipples more evenly around the hole, etc.

For spokes, Sapim 14-15 butted or 13-14 butted would work well for most typical wheels, along with matching nipples for the nipple hole size of the rim.

More specific good info on both of those can be found in many of Chalo's posts on this general topic, among other members that have built lots of wheels (PapaSteve, etc).

 

[CONSIDERABLE SHOUTING]

Are you looking for a whole wheel to take apart and build your motor wheel with, or just a rim and spokes for the motor? (noting that you'll probably need different length spokes than come with a regular bicycle wheel to lace the motor into it)

Assuming you don't need a whole wheel:

For the rim itself, it partly depends on the load the wheel has to support. If it's typical bicycle-duty, a typical double-wall aluminum / alloy bicycle rim will work. If it's higher weight or harsher riding conditions, a stiffer heavy-duty rim might be better. I'd go with eyeletted nipple holes, as they help minimize the chances of cracking at the holes, partly by helping spread the force of the nipples more evenly around the hole, etc.

For spokes, Sapim 14-15 butted or 13-14 butted would work well for most typical wheels, along with matching nipples for the nipple hole size of the rim.

More specific good info on both of those can be found in many of Chalo's posts on this general topic, among other members that have built lots of wheels (PapaSteve, etc).

Thanks amber. Just rim and spokes.

So far- typical bike duty so double-walled aluminum or alloy with eyeletted nipple holes. Any good manufacturers?

 

[amberwolf]

Some names (mostly from other wheelbuilders' experiences) and random google links below:

Weinmann

Weinmann Bicycle Rims and Spokes

www.modernbike.com

SEBikes

Wheels

SE Bikes is the most legendary bike brand in BMX. From the original SE PK Ripper and Quadangle to the current Big Ripper, Big Flyer, Monster Ripper, and much more, SE Bikes is all about BMX Innovations.

www.sebikes.com

Sun

Sun Rhyno XL Rim 29

A classic, and for good reason. If you find yourself on a road too gnarly for the Rhyno Lite, you should probably be on a mountain bike. In fact, the Rhyno Lite makes a great 29er rim. Price is for 1 rim only. Some photos may show 2 rims. Specs Sizes: 609mm Weight: 630g Hole Counts:36 Width...

peddlepowerbmx.com

EDIT this one is mc rims

Buchanan Spokes - SunRims

SunRims

www.buchananspokes.com

I'm still using an ancient SunRims "big mammoth fat" (not by today's ideas :lol that was given to me already well-used, as my front wheel of SB Cruiser. i don't use it for rim brakes now, but I used to and it worked well for that.

Amazon.com

IIRC, my Crazybike2 used an AlexRims off an old BionX, transplanted to the 9C I used.

Welcome - Alexrims

alexrims.com

(both of those are heavy-cargo trike/bikes but the front wheel is not carrying that load)


Sapim spokes

Sapim Strong Single Butted J-Bend Spoke

A butted spoke is drawn to its specific profile, which defines its high strength. The strongest spoke in Sapim’s product range, the Strong is developed for specific and heavy usage such as tandem, e-bikes or heavy load use. In case of large hub holes, the Strong is the recommended choice...

wheelbuildingparts.com

nipples on same site
(plenty of other places to get them, too)

Once you know the ERD/etc for the rim you are getting, you can take taht and your hubmotor info to various spoke calculators like this

Online Spoke Calculator for Hubmotors and Ebikes

Our handy spoke length calculator allows for easy calculation of spoke length for custom builds - and is the only one of its kind to include paired spoke holes in the flange as is common with many large diameter hub motors. It also creates an automatic side view drawing of the laced wheel and...

ebikes.ca

or these

spoke calculators - Google Search

to get the right length for your wheelbuild.

make sure you take note of the nipple hole size in the rim, so you get the right size nipples for it (if it's eyeletted, drilling htem out bigger isn't an option (removes the eyelet...) unless you also get nipple washers (which the eyelet replaces)

 

[nicobie]

I've had good luck on Pinkbike