I have a 2008 GT Vertigo, and I want to get back into riding it as I've spent the last decade riding MTB. I have a *small* issue though, I stopped riding because I needed a new rear hub and I dropped the wheel off to a bike shop, and they lost it, so I need to buy or build up a new rear wheel. I was hoping for a little advice on the best way to do it. It has a 33t sprocket iirc, but I remember that being part of why it was difficult to replace, so I know I can change the sprocket and chain for something more common, but how do I know what to buy for it?
I've modified cars before and maintained bikes, but this will be my first custom bike job and I'm feeling out of my depth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, even if it's just pointing me in the right direction. Thank you and happy riding!
by KamakaziDemiGod
5 Comments
They fucking lost your wheel. They owe you a wheel. How are the Google reviews on that place?
Get a wheel with a 9t driver, a 25t sprocket and a new chain. Only pay for the chain and sprocket
Yeah so the tricky problem here is. No one really makes a 12t cassette wheel anymore. Profile made a hub with any size driver but it’d cost more than bike is worth!
So thankfully get any decent rear cassette wheel with a 9t driver and also a 25-28t sprocket as well. This will all fit your bike and work.
The EASY answer is swapping the sprocket to a 25ish tooth and running a modern rear driver (9t). I can’t tell but I assume that it’s a full 3pc setup, meaning the sprocket is removable. So- you would pull the cranks, pull the sprocket, put a new one on (I like profile, but i also like setting my wallet on fire) and then choosing a rear wheel set to finish it off. A complete from someone like Odyssey would be the easy answer, then you don’t have to fuck with lacing a wheel or anything. You’ll likely need/want a new chain too- perfect time to get a half-link.
NOW, you could get freaky with it, knock the cranks out, throw a whole new set in there with a new BB and the works, but that might be overkill. I’m going to GUESS that that is an american BB- i’m not sure they were putting mids in completes back then. I could be wrong, though. I’m having a hard time finding out what came in it from the get go.
Lean on that shop. Update drive train.
This bike looks like it wants some different pegs if you want to grind. Otherwise ditch em completely. You could ditch the brakes too, definitely the front ones.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a quality BMX wheel that’s not 9. But any sprocket between 25-33 is great depending on how much torque you want. If you are comfy on a mtb you probably know what gearing you like when you are rolling around on flats. I really like 28 and have dabbled with 30. new chain whenever you replace a sprocket and especially a driver.
id grab some fresh grips and pedals but it’s up to you. Later down the line consider a new seat and pivotal post unless you are really feeling the rails, they still make railed BMX seats for the trail guys. Maybe bigger bars if you are to hunched over.
There’s a bunch of other specs to be aware of when you are tweaking your bike but this seems outside the scope of your question.
BMX bikes are pretty straightforward to build, way less complex than any of the other things you have worked on. Youll be sweet 🙂
Edit* I’ve noticed it’s also got bearing cups, so you probably want to check that they are seal bearings and then get some bearing cups and sealed bearings for the forks. It’s likely this bike in not full chromo so it might be good to start with but it’s gonna wear and tear quickly with intense riding.