Replacing a wheel hub and Spoke question?

Hey all, I am thinking about bidding on a pair of used velocity deep Vs but they are set up with an 8 speed cassette on the back wheel. So, first question, would it be a relatively easy job to replace it with a single speed hub?

Second question, The front and back wheels have different spoke counts? would this make much of a difference while riding?

They might be going for cheap and I thought I might snag them since I'll be in the US for a few weeks. Worth it or not? what do you think? I guess thats three questions?

  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320285037147&indexURL=2#ebayphotohosting

road wheels and are aeroheads.

just buy some deep v's and build some wheels urself. not hard!

road wheels and are aeroheads.

just buy some deep v's and build some wheels urself. not hard!

Never built a wheel? What's the best way to go about it and make sure it's done right? Wheel building classes? Where would I go to find out about it. I would love to try and build my own wheels.

Just checked out the almighty Sheldon Brown. I would love to do this.

There are many more experienced wheel builders than I (i've built about 10-15), but the only bit that might cause you any problems is the tensioning. If you get the correct length spokes and the rims are true, following a lacing guide, plenty on the net, or copy another wheel and the wheel will pretty much build itself. Getting the tension right is a bit trickier, but again, copy from another wheel, true it up, again as instructed in one of the online guides, and your good to go. If they feel wierd, or go out of true quick, then they might be too loose. Check for true after a week or two. Never pay for someone to do wheel stuff for you again.

Seems like there are a few fiddly bits of equipment for truing and getting the tension right? expensive?

Seems like there are a few fiddly bits of equipment for truing and getting the tension right? expensive?

Flip bike upside-down and use forks (with brake calliper attached). All you'll need is a flathead screwdriver and spoke key

Nice! Thanks. Couldn't be more common sense really? I'm sorely lacking obviously.

+1 Pifko
£7 multi spoke key and old screw driver - as its an old wheel take it apart, then re-assemble it to test your skills (take photos if you are worried about the lacing)

It's very relaxing, and once done there are plenty of people on here who can run their eye over it for you at one of the drinks

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread6470.html

I have a tutorial on my wheel site.

http://yogarup.com/wheels