New wheels for Raleigh Quadra (1987)

[iamcheapskate]

Hello.

I've just bought a 1987 Raleigh Quadra and I need to replace a few parts on it to make it usable. The rear wheel is slightly buckled, so thats my first task. I'm a novice at road bikes so forgive the probably daft questions....

I've looked at a few wheels I liked, but have realised that i need to get the right wheel for the shimano 105 6 speed cassette. None of the wheels i've looked at 'seem' to be suitable. Have I missed something?

Would it be better to just replace the rims instead?

Can I replace the cassette on there for a new shimano 9 speed cassette, or is that use introducing a new problem?!

Any help gratefully received!!

Thanks

 

[mattsccm]

Can't be sure with 6 speed but I bet there is a special freehub body needed.Sods law that would be.
7 speed cassettes have a shorter freehub than those used for 8/9/10 cassttes. Maybe a 7 will fit where the 6 does. That would be the easy change or maybe 6 speed cassettes are different. You still have a damaged rim.
Lets assume that you are buying a new wheel which would be easier and probably nearly as cheap as you can find good deals on a pair of wheels or even used one whereas a build for the back one may cost nearly as much and you have a non matching "pair".
That way you can go for as many gears as the down tube shifter will deal with.
I would go for one with a 8+ freehub as they will be more modern/common as are the cassettes. 8 speed should be fine with the down tube levers. Maybe scrounge an old 9 speed cassette to see if the levers and mechs count. Bet the local shop has a few in the bin although they will probably be MTB ones which may not work with the mech.
Thinking it through, go 8.
So a pair of wheels, try and buy silver rims to keep to the period look and an 8 speed cassette.
Without doing any research you could probably get some used classy wheels from Hilary Stone (google it) or even Dave Hinde had deals in the mag. Lots of people will have an old pair in the shed. I have but want to hold on "just in case" . Jumbles would help.
Hope this helps. Sorry its a bit disjointed.

 

[iamcheapskate]

Thanks so much for your reply, that really helps.

 

[RooKilo]

I'd try and keep the wheels you've got as they're quite good quality. How badly buckled is the rear wheel? Even bad buckles can be trued out, where are you based? If you're not too confident with trueing it yourself maybe you could take it to your LBS. I'm sure with a re-grease and a clean these wheels could be brought up to nearly good as new

 

[dubscratcher]

I have much the same problem, although my Raleigh Quadra is a later 7 speed version. Front wheel is missing and the rear is very rusty. I have spare modern wheels so I'm hoping this is going to solve my problem. http://www.halorims.com/products-detail ... e=road&c=J

 

[iamcheapskate]

As an update, I picked up my bike from the local shop today – sporting new rims and a new 8 speed cassette and indexed bar shifters.

I just need to find some white Shimano 105 SLR hoods and i'm off!!

Thanks for all the advice.