Stronger Road Wheels?

Billyfatboy
Billyfatboy Posts: 10
edited July 2007 in Workshop
Due to a combination of my weight and bad local roads my rear racelite wheel is constantly out of true and maintainance costs are mounting up. As a last resort I'm considering either a DT Swiss RR 1.1 or a DT TK 7.1 touring wheel wih 36 spokes with my Ultergra 10s hub. I posted similar back in March but other than going to lbs for truing no actual wheels were recommended. Any wheel suggestions? I've been told the narrowest tyre for the TK 7.1 is 700 x 25, would this affect overall performance as I have always used 23c? Thanks

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Comments

  • OnTow
    OnTow Posts: 130
    Hi,
    Well, I run Mavic Open Pro CD rims on Ultegra hubs. Solid, with a good braking surface, and light.
    Going for an eyeletted rim is a good idea, as they're stronger for a slight weight increase.
    The non eyeletted DT rims got some negative posts due to problems with cracking/spokes pulling.

    25C tyres - I run GP4000 25C with reflective sidewalls - The slightly larger profile should improve your wheel's survivability from pinch flats/nasty bumps, and poss. a slight improvement in comfort for very little difference in weight/rolling resistance.

    There are a couple of lesser known rim manufacturers out there - I'm sure someone will be along in a moment to moan about another "Open Pro" poster!

    36H is a good idea - the weight increase from extra spokes/nipples is negligible.
    I went for straight gauge spokes, though some say there is no advantage in durability over double butted, which are generally lighter. If you've never broken spokes, then something like a Sapim or DT DB spoke would be a good option.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    If you want something tough, get some Pete Matthews 'Roubaix' wheels: www.petebikematthews.com. I think they're about £400 but by all accounts are bombproof. Alternatively, go for the ubiquitous open Pros, but get them built by Harry Rowland or Paul Hewitt who have excellent reputations too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Gary Holmes
    Gary Holmes Posts: 5
    I can't praise Harry Rowland enough. He builds light, strong and true wheels. He built mine up 3 years ago on an Ambrossio hub and Open Pro rims. I wanted Dura Ace hubs but he told me (and proved right) that the cheaper Ambrossio hubs were better. The cost was less that £200.00. I have used these wheels for everything (including 2 full 290 km Tour of Flanders over the cobbles sportives) without ever having to have they re trued. I am over 90kgs and ride a stiff CAAD 5 Cannondale so they haven't had an easy life! Try Harry and talk through your requirments. He lives in Ramsgate Kent. Phone 01843 597443
  • harrywolper
    harrywolper Posts: 95
    I've got 2 sets of wheels from Harry Rowland. Very, very good and cheap for what they are. He's also very friendly and takes time to talk to you about what you what.

    Regards, Harry
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    If you want a strong wheel, you should be looking at 36 spokes. You might dry a deeper rim for more strength, such as Mavic's Cxp-33. DT also makes and aero (i.e. deeper section) rim. My wheels from spa are very good. They mostly focus on audax and touring, where strenght and durability are the top priorities.

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