I’m being told by my LBS that this is a bad idea since rebuilding any wheel de-tensions it then stresses and loads the rim in a different direction when you lace the new hub on, thereby weakening the wheel. I have spoken to some nationally recognized shops and have been told that putting a PT on my 808 is no big deal at all, that it’s done all the time and that I could even send it to ZIPP and they will do it.
What’s ST’s collective thoughts on this? I have an 808 so I’m not really up for trying to sell it and then laying out the dough for a new one that is factory laced unless it’s absolutely necessary, which I doubt it is.
my personal view is that if the lacing pattern is exactly the same it is not a problem to change to a PT hub. But if the lacing pattern is different then yes your LBS has a point.
But nevertheless, since your LBS is not comfortable doing it you should send it to someone who is, because if anything happens by letting your LBS do it, they will only say i told you so. Send it to Zipp or a high volume builder like Wheelbuilder.
Use new spokes and you should be fine. I used some old 404 rims (laced to new DT Swiss hubs) to build a pair of CX wheels. After a few hundred miles and a couple of races, they are working great. The lacing pattern was different than the old wheels. Remember, these are 808 rims and not 25 year old alloy rims…
