List Price: $49.37
Sale Price: $26.33
Today's Bonus: 47% Off
I've had this Wheel Master coaster hub wheel for about 1 year. The other day, for the first time, I accidentally dropped off a 4" curb. The result was a broken spoke. I weigh 165 lbs, and with the original 1977 Schwinn S-6 wheel, I've dropped off curbs many times without a problem.
The mechanic at my local bike shop sold me a stainless steel spoke and mentioned that Wheel Master spokes are notorious for breaking. Of course, replacing an occasional spoke isn't such a big deal, if you know what you're doing, but even then it is highly aggravating.
On the plus side, this wheel trued up okay with the new spoke. This wheel spins a bit truer than the original wheel, and is noticeably lighter. The weight difference can be felt, particularly when climbing a hill.
Update one week later: I broke another spoke!! This time, I don't even know how or when. The spokes on this wheel are not as tightly laced from the factory as those on the original Schwinn front wheel (S-6). Perhaps that's why these spokes seem to break so easily. I run a coaster break bike for low maintenance and dependability. This wheel certainly defeats those objectives.
2nd update, three weeks after previous update: Two weeks ago, I was pumping up the tire (to 65 lbs). "Tink" went yet another spoke. "Groan!" Needless to say, something was not right with this wheel. So, this time, when I replaced the spoke, I loosened all the spokes a quarter turn and re-trued the wheel. It's been running fine since then (2 weeks). But, with looser spokes all around, my confidence level is dropping.
I later asked a professional wheel builder, on line, about my wheel problem. He believes these wheels are breaking spokes because the spokes are too small diameter for the hub holes. They are in fact a bit smaller diameter than the replacement spokes I'm using (14 guage). I can tell by rolling them together on a tabletop with my index finger pressing down on them.
According to the wheel builder, the loose fit at the hub hole creates extra stress at the spoke elbow. Indeed, all three broken spokes broke at the elbow. Thinner spokes (and rims) means less tension can be applied to the spokes. That, along with extra stress at the hub, results in significantly lowered wheel strength. Knowing this, I intend to ride this wheel very gently until I can find an original Schwinn replacement.
It seems to me that by recklessly cheapening their product, Wheel Master is subjecting users to much aggravation and increased danger of wheel collapse. Would you want to trust your life to such a wheel? Thank you Amazon for making this review possible.
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I ordered these wheels for my bike, and they are superior to the stock wheels, they are heavy duty, much stronger than the originals..
