Conference noted::bicycle

    Grant,
    
    	Get a copy of the latest Nashbar or Performance catalogs.
    (usually find a BRC (Bus Reply Card) in Bicycle Mag or in
    the classified pages.).  
    
    	You can buy a complete set of Ritchey Vantage wheels with
    Shimano Deore hubs already made up for $89.95/pr.
    
    	Since your close to Boston you might even want to take a
    ride to the Trashbar outlet.  They have an 800 number which
    might even get you a catalog 1-800-345-bike....at least worth
    a call.
    						_Jerry
    
    BTW - Goodales is great for technical capability like 
    rebuilding a broken wheel for you, but if your into do 
    it yourself or just want components, the cats. are IMO 
    the best way to shop.

>Last year I bent the front rim on my mountain bike several times. And several
>times I trued the wheel myself. As a result the spokes on one side of the 
>wheel are streched more than the other. The rim is "true" but is off center.

Are you looking for new rims anyway, or are you planning to buy a new one to 
solve the problem above?  There's nothing wrong with your wheel that can't be 
fixed.  The rim is not "dished" correctly.  If you can't do it yourself, take it
to a shop and have them do it.  Probably cost just a few $.  

If you already know this... sorry 8^)

Kevin

    If you're sure you want to pop for new (and I assume stronger) rims, I 
    might add the Araya RM20s or RM17s to the list to consider.  They are
    reasonably priced and very popular as OEM equipment on mid- to upper
    tier production mt. bikes. And you couldn't go wrong with the Ritchey's.  
    
    As an aside, don't pay extra for anodized rims, because the color just
    scrapes off the first time you put the brakes on anyhow. 
    
    Tom                                
    

    
    This note should be consolidated with 1099.*. Anyway, I have 
    Ritchey Vantage rims on Deore Xt hubs. I was riding last weekend, and 
    had a flat. Upon closer inspection , I discovered that the the 
    rim had split along the inside seam where the rim is put together, 
    and (upon reaching the edge) cracked around the circumfrence of the 
    wheel for about 6 inches. I ride about 1200 miles per year, all trail, 
    and have had the wheels for two years. I keep the wheel trued and the 
    spokes properly tensioned..... I clean the rims with alchohol, and had
    inpected them just three weeks ago. 
    
        I am really disappointed that the wheel split along
    a factory weld, and have sent the wheel back 
    to Nashbar for (hopefully) replacement. It also ruined a tube 
    and tire. Has anybody attempted to get a wheel replaced after two
    years? I feel like this is a manufacturer's defect, and wonder 
    what chance I have of getting Nashbar or Ritchey USA to replace it.  
    
    Doug
    
    

    Hey, two years is great!  I've had troubles with the richey vantage
    rims too - they just didn't do a great job with the weld.  They are
    very light and ride well though....  as long as you don't dent them.
    You should have known, though - on a mountain bike, you buy the frame
    but _lease_ the components (including wheels).  I guess your lease
    expired, so it's time to renew.   I just ordered a set of the Campy
    Contax (from Nashbar).  We'll see if they make rims any stronger.
    
    mark 

    
    
    re : -1, (mark)
    
    How did the Campy Contax work out?  Nashbar wouldn't replace the rim, 
    so I'm in the market for a new one. Does anyone have an opinion on 
    the MAVIC Oxygens?
    
    doug
    

    The Campy's seem fine.  They ride well and have handled the same
    trail where I have now eaten two Richey rims (front and back - you'd
    think I would learn...).  They also have a slight concave surface
    for the brake pads which tends to keep the brake pads wearing uni-
    formly and not sucking into the tire walls.
    
    Good luck, mark