Just wondering if any one els had problems with there wheel builds from CRC??
I feel I need to share my experience!
After deciding that it was time for a new set of wheels and spending a bit of time choosing the rims, spokes and hubs, I went for CRC to do the build. The full package from them seemed like a good deal.
The rims I wanted where Spank Sambrosa, Silver DT DB spokes and Red Hope Pro 2 hubs, so I went for it and placed the order, I waited a week that felt like ages but finally they arrived and I quickly got them fitted on to my steed and promptly went to Carron Valley for a quick blast to try them out...
So there I am bombing round the trail when all of a sudden I feel a pop and hear what I only can describe as a noise akin to a rock hitting the front wheel (but actually didn't). I stop and take a look... every thing seems OK and I continue on my way. When I get back the car I notice two spokes on the front wheel where so loose I could tighten them by hand, I check the back and I find three spokes loose. Gutted, shocked and disappointed is what I'm feeling at this point.
So I take them to my LBS to have a look he sorts the rear for me but cant do anything for the front as it's a faulty rim, He says the build looked like an amateur had build built them but thats just his opinion. (but to be honest I agree). So I send the front one back to CRC, they take a week before they would even have a look at it, They replace the rim and do a rebuild.. First ride I do on it I hear the spokes detention. Very Disappointed. You would think they would have made sure this wheel would be spot on before they sent it out. They say the wheels need to bed in but come on surely they should tension the wheel properly before it leaves the shop 😯
One positive out of this is, I have decided to learn how to build wheels my self, I have build a pare and they seem to be doing better than CRC efforts.. so far...
Machine built perchance?
If you live anywhere near Carron Valley you should have been buying wheels from Big Al at Wheelcraft, Clachan of Campsie. Great wheels, good prices too!
Good call learning to build your own instead.
I had a similar problem with a Sun Rhyno on a LX rear from them 10 years ago but have never met someone with the same problem. After lots of retightening I ended up getting a local chap to rebuild it and then it was fine.
We use linseed oil when building wheels at work as its great for when building and then sets so the wheels stay true for ages.
wheels requiring "bedding in" is a myth spun by poor wheel builders
Well built wheels do not need re-tensioning.
Had exactly the same problem from CRC with a wheel a few years back. Will never buy wheels from them again, no matter how good their deals seem.
Always now get my wheels from Merlin or Wheelpro and never have problems.
All my DH wheels have been built by CRC and never had any problems....same with Stif
Had several wheel builds from CRC inc DH builds, never had a problem, even the 5yo set i sold to my cousin (who ride skate parks and regularly does 180/360 stunt things) is still running true.
Also, built several sets myself, from superlight xc to tank DH and cos im lazy they all go 'ping' when first ridden, again, never had a problem with them tho. The 'myth' that you need to be some sort of god to build good reliable wheels is a myth spun by shop wheel builders (and forum dwelers).
The 'myth' that you need to be some sort of god to build good reliable wheels is a myth
Never seen that said on here - the general consensus from those who've built wheels is "have a go, it's easier than you think".
I think it is one of the most satisfying things ever to go ride on a set of wheels you've built yourself.
2yr old crc build never needing any attention, staight as a die and been hammered
The front 321 on Pro2 on my DH bike is just fine. Very well built, and would happily buy more from there
All of CRCs wheels are machine built.
Building my own wheels was surprisingly fairly strait forward, hardest part was getting all the spokes tensioned equally, which I think Ive done 🙄 I'm sure time will tell, Ive been out on a good few treks with them and all seem well, There is a good sense of achievement when cutting about on wheels you've built yourself.
If CRC had done a good job I probably wouldn't have bothered giving it a go.
building your wheels is fun and fustrating 😆
Is the popping sound the spokes unwinding?
In which case rest the hub/axel on a block of wood and lean on the rim to release the tension off a an opposing quartet of spokes at a time. Work round the rim untill one side is done, then start on the other side. Check the tureness, tighten the spokes as neccecary, and repeat the unwinding process. Takes about 3 repeats to get the whole wheel perfectly done.
I had exactly the same with my wheel build from then ProII XT and XM719s first ride up the road, Ping ping ping etc, They were egg shaped i noticed too when i fitted them and within a week of using managed to get a slight buckle on the front.
Ive now sorted the buckle and retensioned them but left the egg in them. theyre shite TBH, I will be replacing the rear this year as i'm not happy with the hub either, Its too quiet 😆