Recommended handbuilt wheel combinations ?

preeby

Hi all,

Will need to replace my 3 yr old Campag Eurus wheels soon, and am thinking seriously of going down the handbuilt route, based on the positive comments I've read on forums such as BikeRadar.

I've had no problems at all with the Eurus, they're fantastic wheels, still smooth as silk, and as true as a die, I never had to touch them. The braking surface is getting badly worn, that's why I'm thinking of changing them.

So, with a budget of ~£500, what handbuilt combo's would folks recommend? These are for racing, and will need to be lighter than the 1550g Eurus. Also, as I'm 82kg, they will need to be strong.

As a final question, who would you have build them ?

Any advice/experiences appreciated.. Thanks!!

.

preeby

Should have added - Looking for Al-rimmed clinchers, not tubs.

andyp

I'd go for Tune or DT Swiss hubs built on Mavic Open Pro rims with CX Ray spokes. Light, strong and easy to maintain.

TCR ISP

preeby wrote:

Hi all,

Will need to replace my 3 yr old Campag Eurus wheels soon, and am thinking seriously of going down the handbuilt route, based on the positive comments I've read on forums such as BikeRadar.

I've had no problems at all with the Eurus, they're fantastic wheels, still smooth as silk, and as true as a die, I never had to touch them. The braking surface is getting badly worn, that's why I'm thinking of changing them.

So, with a budget of ~£500, what handbuilt combo's would folks recommend? These are for racing, and will need to be lighter than the 1550g Eurus. Also, as I'm 82kg, they will need to be strong.

As a final question, who would you have build them ?

Any advice/experiences appreciated.. Thanks!!

.

Chris King Classic front and rear from Aspire Velotech (in the US of A). Open Pro or Ambrosio Excellight rims. Paul Hewitt build. Under £500.

alan_sherman

Sounds like you have the old steel spoked Euros. Why not replace the rim? Probably a cheaper solution and kindof the point of handbuilts.

The old euros with steel spokes were a very good wheel, strong and at a good weight for your weight too.

JWSurrey

Open Pro ceramics should last a long time.
Just been inspecting my OP CDs, and the grey anodisation disappeared after a handful of wet rides - Great wheels, but I reckon on them needing replacement within 12 months.
Much more hard wearing than my Campag. rims.
Will be replacing them with OP ceramics.

I have a pair of DT Swiss RR1.1 double eyelet rims - I fancied something different to OPs, and they came with wear indicators on them (useful as these are on the winter bike) - Whilst a good rim, I reckon the OP build I have is just that little bit stiffer - but probably more to do with the build I requested.

Radial laced front wheel I have is much stiffer with greater feedback than my 3x.
The rear is a pretty standard lacing pattern. If you want something flash, go for a crossed drive side and radial NDS - but personally, I'd rather have something solid and traditional on the back.[/list]

scherrit

Stick with a hub from your favourite manufacturer (shimano/campag) so that you'll be sure to be able to get a freehub if you ever need one.

Getting a Huegi,bontrager, ritchey, hope, tune, mavic etc etc freehub spare parts can be a bit of a 'mare.

Find a good builder.....

I personally like to build with DT or ambrosio but mavic is OK too (down to p. preference) velocity make nice rims too. stick with brass nipples (practical considerations) and silver spokes (style.....)

I find the braking to be rubbish on ceramic coated rims, and we have tried most of the aftermarket brakeshoes, I'd rather deal with the mucky black dust and have decent braking. ditto carbon rims.....
Good luck,
Scherrit.
www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk

maddog 2

my best wheels are:

black Tune hubs, 32h
black DT revolution spokes (DT DB on the rear driveside)
black prolock nipples
Open Pro ceramics
built by Paul Hewitt

they came in around £460 I think

Contrary to scherrit I find the ceramic rims much better than standard rims for braking in the wet and dry, and they last longer too.

The Tune hubs are quite delicate though so take care preloading the bearings, and the cassette body is alu so best to use a cassette with a spider design to spread the load. If I was building again I might research different spokes as the revs are pretty thin and maybe not as laterally stiff as some others. The rims and hubs have been fine though.