I am using an old Xtracycle Free Radical to convert my hybrid 90s Specialized CrossRoads to a cargo bicycle.
The Free Radical was originally designed for 26” wheels, but many people used them on 700c bikes using disc brakes.
My plan is to stay with the 700c tires, but move to disc brakes because the 26” to 700c V-brake conversion kit was discontinued a long while ago, and the FreeRadical tail does have an area to mount disc brakes from.
My rims are old Araya 700c-PX 45 rims, but years of using the bike with pad brakes has deeply carved out the rims, so I fear that I have no choice but to replace them both in this project to stay safe. In order to cut down on costs, I’m going to build the wheel set and put together the disc brake in the rear. I’m reading Sheldon Brown’s Wheelbuilding site, but I am having a hard time figuring out what components to use to build these rims and the rear disc.
Here are some details about this build: I weigh about 125 lbs. The Xtracycle can haul up to 200lbs (additional). I doubt I’ll ever haul 200 lbs, I’m mainly going to be getting groceries and running errands with it. The Xtracycle can only take a disc brake with a 203mm rotor. I’m attempting to build this economically, so I’m hoping for decent quality, at an affordable price that is lower than buying pre-made new wheels. I do have access to a bicycle co op where I may be able to harvest used parts.
Do you have any suggestions on what type of rim, spokes, hub, rotor and brakes I should use?