Luckydog

My brother-in-law is building me some new wheels (2) for my ancient Schwinn Racer so I can have a choice of tires in place of the one and only tire (a Kenda) still made for the bike. The Kenda is not puncture resistant and I've had too many flats over the last three years and want to be able to use better tires. I doubt that he will let me pay him for his knowledge and labor, but what is a fair amount for me to offer him for building these wheels for me? I'm supplying all the materials.

CliffordK

Are you changing to 700c? Make sure the brakes will reach the rims.

Just ask him if he wants something. Perhaps take him out for dinner?

You might also ask him how you can be involved in the process. Stripping the old wheels? Polishing and lubing the hubs? Lacing the new spokes?

Retro Grouch 

All excellent points.

Make sure that you have thought the process through. Will the brakes fit? The easy way to know for sure is to borrow a 700c wheelset and test fit them on the bike.

Lots of guys like building wheels and don't get as many opportunities as they'd like. If your BIL is one of them he'll be getting a little benefit from the process too. I'd still offer to take him to dinner or something similar in lieu of money.

Luckydog

Thanks for the reply. We are using 26 x 1 3/8 wheels which are only about 1/4" smaller than the original. My brother-in-law mentioned that the brakes should adjust okay. We live 3 hrs. away from each other so it's difficult for me to help with the procedure, but the dinner idea seems good, at least for a start.