Alloy vs. Steel rims

[Meloman]

As I prepare to make my final decision to buy (most likely) a TT250, I have been doing my due diligence and creating a list of parts for all the mods I plan to make.
However, one issue that I have not seen addressed is swapping the vulnerable and heavy steel wheels for alloy rims. Has anyone done this and if so, where is the best and most economical place to get them ?

[Megadan]

I think many people haven't done this mainly because of the cost. The most economical way to get them is used, usually by finding a complete wheel assembly from another bike, often for 50 bucks or so, then rescuing the rim. There is also the unknown factor of the spokes, and if they can be used from another model of bike or if they have to be custom made.

Manufacturers like Tusk and Warp 9 make good alloy rims for tight budgets, but they still cost around $100 a peice. If custom spokes have to be added into the mix, then the cost can go up from there. It is entirely possible the factory spokes could be used, but the factory spokes are the biggest weakness of the stock rims on these bikes imho

[Goshawk]

Alloy rims have a weight advantage over their steel counterparts but deform easier. To some, the reduction in unsprung weight is worth the cost and over rides the strength factor. Steel rims, being heavier, also have the advantage of a greater gyroscopic effect, which manifests itself in the form of greater straight line stability. Pros and cons either way, but a cost effective improvement could be had by replacing the stock spokes with better quality, Buchanan specialize in wheels and spokes, a good place to start looking. A cheap upgrade if you can lace the wheel yourself

[Weldangrind]

You'd be amazed at how much abuse an alloy rim can take and still return to its original shape. Son of Weldangrind hit a nasty pothole during our ride from Idaho to Bonneville and taco'd the front rim and broke several spokes. He rode it the last 30 miles like that, looking like something you'd see on a clown car.
I figured the rim was toast and was amazed to find out that the rim was still perfectly straight. I had custom stainless spokes made at Buchanan's and the rim trued perfectly.
It is a DID rim from an early '80's XR200 that I had laced to the Lifan hub. As Dan suggested, it was the cheap spokes that gave out, but the rim bounced back. A steel rim would have likely remained as a taco.

[2LZ]

'Better"? Alloys
"Necessary"? Nope.

I have both. My Q Link came with alloys stock, TT250 and RX3's have steel.

Difference? Unnoticeable for my riding style. If I raced, I'd want the less un-sprung weight and durability of the alloys....but then again, if I raced, I wouldn't be on a TT250. If I ever trashed one, I'd switch to alloy but not while they're true and straight.

[Meloman]

My desire to change rims is two fold. I hate black rims so by changing to alloy I have the silver color I like and a better rim than the steel one.
I thought about painting them but I didn't think it would hold up and once I go through the effort to strip the wheel and then lace and true it, I might as well replace it. But now the cheap spokes come into play so they would have to be replaced as well. Ka-ching, Ka-ching. $$$$$$$$

Maybe someone out there will want my black rims and trade for chrome rims from another chinese model (21" and 18"). Though still steel, at least they look better than black IMO.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

[pete]

The only reason i don't like coloured rims is tyre changeing they show the lever marks.
i have had gold & black the Husaburg had blue rims... they all got marked... the silver also get marked but don't show the marks as much... and no I haven't got time to use rim protectors... i want the old tyre off and the new one on... not going to piss around with rim protector...
so silver is my choice every time...


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[Megadan]

I have a set of good quality plated tire spoons that have made changing tires without marking up my rims a breeze. They were worth the investment.

[timcosby]

i noticed on the hawk black rims underneath the black is chrome. maybe not good chrome(reason for manufacturer painting) but chrome still.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by Goshawk

Alloy rims have a weight advantage over their steel counterparts but deform easier. To some, the reduction in unsprung weight is worth the cost and over rides the strength factor. Steel rims, being heavier, also have the advantage of a greater gyroscopic effect, which manifests itself in the form of greater straight line stability. Pros and cons either way, but a cost effective improvement could be had by replacing the stock spokes with better quality, Buchanan specialize in wheels and spokes, a good place to start looking. A cheap upgrade if you can lace the wheel yourself

Good alloy wheels do not deform easily. Good ones are DID rims from Japan, used on many older Japanese off-road and enduro bikes, and often found on e-bay. Buchanon rims and spokes are the best that money can buy, but are expensive ...ARH

[pete]

I have cheap chinese alloy rims lased into my 77 Montesa Cota 348 trials bike hubs..
4mm stainless spokes... the rims have not given any issues and i run them at only 5/6psi...



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