Help with brand new bike!!!

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

Hello all,

I have purchased a new Odin Storm bike, when I was assembling it I did such a stupid thing, I removed all the axle nuts, the wat and the ball bearings on one side came out, then I put all back on as "normal" but the wheel wont spin freelly, it is very hard, if I release a little bit the adjusting nut the wheel stays very loose and unsecure. What can I do? Do you think the wheel has been broken?

What can I do? Do you think the wheel has been broken?So long as you haven't attempted riding with it in that state you should be fine. Take it to your local bike shop and I'm sure they'll be able to sort you out for a few bucks, or maybe even for free if they know you and you have all the bits and have just messed up the assembly order.

But a word of warning: I'd suggest you take just the wheel. As soon as they see the bike they'll recognise it as an eBay junker (sorry!) and charge accordingly.

Sorry to be so brutal in my description of your new pride and joy. I'm a keen eBayer myself. However, I'm afraid these bikes do not have the greatest reputation for quality. With bikes it's a case of "Cheap. Light. Strong. Choose any two."

.Sorry to be so brutal in my description of your new pride and joy. I'm a keen eBayer myself. However, I'm afraid these bikes do not have the greatest reputation for quality. With bikes it's a case of "Cheap. Light. Strong. Choose any two."
Thanks for answering, do you know how many AUD would I be paying for a wheel? I think the ball bearings are broken :(. This bike wasnt purchased in ebay, it was purchased on bigshop.com.au, i think it is the same rubbish, isnt it?

Thanks for answering, do you know how many AUD would I be paying for a wheel? I think the ball bearings are broken :(. This bike wasnt purchased in ebay, it was purchased on bigshop.com.au, i think it is the same rubbish, isnt it?Wheels are expensive. eBay is a good place to look for these.

I bought a veru good quality unused pair secondhand for about $120 freight paid, but that did not include cogset or brake discs. (Wheels-only store prices would be about $300 for something trailworthy) Add $35 for SRAM PG850 cogset and about $60 for a pair of Hayes discs (eBay prices). Or $30 for a pair of unbranded discs I have if you ask nicely. :p

Seriously, try taking the wheel to the bike shop first and see what they say. If you haven't ridden it you're most unlikely to have broken something. If by some freak chance you have, then look at buying some name brand replacement wheels. Be careful what you spend though - you don't want to overcapitalise.

WRT buying bikes over eBay or at places like Bigshop, my thought is that unless you know exactly what you need or are getting a substantial saving for a quality bike (such as i did recently) and swapping things liek seatposts and bars to get the fit right is within the budget, you are much better off going to a local bike shop and getting yoruself fitted properly. It doesn't matter how cheap you got it, a bike that fits you poorly is not a bargain, it is a source of financial and physical injury.