FAQ
Do you ship internationally? I just started a program using United States Postal Service. Note that service varies widely because the US Postal Service hands the merchandise over to a different carrier when it arrives in the destination country. Tracking numbers simply do not work and goods can take anywhere from a week to two months to arrive. The customer assumes this risk when they purchase. Any goods returned due to the customer not taking care of delivery on their end will be changed for the return freight and the credit will only be issued when the good have arrived back in the US. The customer is responsible for taxes , duties, and any other charges affecting the shipment. These can sometimes run as much as the cost of the merchandise. The price quoted for freight is an estimate only and the actual price will be quoted based on the destination country. Wheels ship in oversize boxes which would cost on average about 3 times as much to ship by UPS or Fedex.
Can you make M 28 Aero’s in Campy?
No. The design of the cassette only allows it to be made for Shimano cassettes. There are, however, two conversion cassettes available that slide onto Shimano cassette bodies and have Campy spacing. They are available from American Classic www.amclassic.com and from Wheels Manufacturing http://www.wheelsmfg.com/
Do you have 650C or Tubular wheels?
Not yet. I have the carbon tubulars only and will have an alloy one when I can find a rim.
What is the difference in strength between your models?
The M 28 Aero’s are the strongest. Even good enough for Cross. Because of the lighter rim, the new R series are less durable, but still strong enough for everyday riding. The carbon wheels should be used as race wheels.
What’s the weight limit on your wheels?
I really don’t have set weight limits. But here are some rough guide lines:
- M 28 Aero: The strongest wheels I sell. Good for really big guys even over 250.
- M 28: Still very strong wheels but not quite as strong as the Aero wheels. Good to 240.
- R series: Probably good to 220 but if you are 220 pounds of muscle and are hard on wheels it might be a stretch.
- Carbon wheels: Your taking your chances at any weight. The heavier you are the more likely you will bottom out the tire and crack the rim.
What makes a person (or condition) hard on wheels?
Things that are hard on wheels are high tire pressure, small tires, and pushing big gears instead of spinning. Things that are easier on tires are lower tire pressure, larger tires, and spinning smaller gears. These are in addition to road conditions and rider weights and riding styles. For this reason you can get away with lighter wheels on Cyclocross bikes than one would think because they use large volume tires at low pressure.
Are the spokes hard to replace and do I need to send the wheels back to the factory if I break one?
All the wheels (with the exception of the C 38’s) now come with spare spokes and can be easily changed using normal tools. The C 38’s use the Sapim CX Ray and cost megabucks, but can be replaced with any spoke.
Where can I get replacement spokes?
I have them. If you need any spokes, just e-mail me and I will send out 2 of each length for free (except for the CX Rays).
Do I need a rim strip?
On the clincher wheels you do. I recommend the cloth Velox 16 mm rim strips.
What is the easiest way to remove or replace decals?
If you do it the wrong way you’re going to have a nasty night of it. Particularly with the R series decals. The key is that you want to heat up the decal and the glue so that it is very warm but not hot. I use a heat gun but you can also use a hair dryer on hot setting. It normally takes about 60 seconds of moving it over one decal to get it hot enough. Try pulling up the end of the decal and it should be soft and come off with all or almost all of the glue. Any glue residue is tough to get off but it’s possible with glue remover made to remove decal glue available at auto stores or The Home Depot.
