Another wheel thread...
I'm contemplating some new wheels for the summer; currently I'm using the wheels that came with my bike as standard, which are Miche hubs on some (medium section?) Ambrosio WS23. The rims weigh in at 560g each according to the Ambrosio site.
Like everyone else, I'm thinking of having a set of Mavic Open Pro rims built onto some decent hubs, Record would be my first choice, assuming my budget will stretch that far.
I'd probably get them built at the local bike shop (Sidwell Cycles in Exeter), as that's a service they offer, plus if I had any issues they'd probably be best placed to help me out.
Having done a couple of reasonably long rides in the wet, it looks like the rear rim is the one that has most of the nastiness build up on it, so to keep costs down I'd probably go with a normal Open Pro at the front, with a ceramic one at the back.
I'm about 80kg (or maybe a shade under, not sure), so these built up with 32 spokes front and rear should be up to the job I think? Would there be a notable reduction in weight/drag going with 28 spokes up front?
DT Aerolite spokes look like the ones I'd go for, as they're bladed and pretty light - or would that also be a compromise in terms of strength?
A lot of my rides take me out accross Dartmoor, which means a lot of climbing - but I still need something quite strong because of all the cattlegrids...
Does this seem like a sound choice? I think I should be able to get these wheels built for around £300 - which looks like the best strength/weight/longevity compromise I can find.
Anything else I should consider? I imagine these would come in at under 1600g for the pair which would seem to make them comparable to some pretty pricey factory wheelsets, such as the (admitedly very cool) Campag Neutrons. Would it be worth spending a bit extra and going for them or maybe the Zondas/EA90SLXs?
Like everyone else, I'm thinking of having a set of Mavic Open Pro rims built onto some decent hubs, Record would be my first choice, assuming my budget will stretch that far.
I'd probably get them built at the local bike shop (Sidwell Cycles in Exeter), as that's a service they offer, plus if I had any issues they'd probably be best placed to help me out.
Having done a couple of reasonably long rides in the wet, it looks like the rear rim is the one that has most of the nastiness build up on it, so to keep costs down I'd probably go with a normal Open Pro at the front, with a ceramic one at the back.
I'm about 80kg (or maybe a shade under, not sure), so these built up with 32 spokes front and rear should be up to the job I think? Would there be a notable reduction in weight/drag going with 28 spokes up front?
DT Aerolite spokes look like the ones I'd go for, as they're bladed and pretty light - or would that also be a compromise in terms of strength?
A lot of my rides take me out accross Dartmoor, which means a lot of climbing - but I still need something quite strong because of all the cattlegrids...
Does this seem like a sound choice? I think I should be able to get these wheels built for around £300 - which looks like the best strength/weight/longevity compromise I can find.
Anything else I should consider? I imagine these would come in at under 1600g for the pair which would seem to make them comparable to some pretty pricey factory wheelsets, such as the (admitedly very cool) Campag Neutrons. Would it be worth spending a bit extra and going for them or maybe the Zondas/EA90SLXs?
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Comments
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Nice choice but I'd avoid the Record hubs, they are great but at your weight the flange width is a problem. This is ok on the Campagnolo rims with their differential drillings but on a normal rim it poses problems, you risk not getting a good enough angle. Think instead about DT240 hubs if you are after similar quality/budget.
Alternatively it is hard to beat the Neutron wheels, shop around and you get get some good prices.0 -
I'm having some Record hubs built onto Excellight rims with Sapim CX ray spokes.
I'm around 88kg and these are going to be built with 32 spokes per rim.My wheel builder thinks they'll be fine as its all good quality kit.
Remember that a wheel is only as good as the guy who's building it.0 -
Thooms wrote:Would there be a notable reduction in weight/drag going with 28 spokes up front?
No, but 28/36 would be more sensible than 32/32. Hardly anyone does it these days, which is odd.
DT Competition are stronger than aerolite and you need to choose whether the 3 secs/25 miles or whatever it is difference is worth being stranded in the middle of Dartmoor for. I'm exaggerating but you get the drift.
Mixing rims front and rear will look odd - I would suggest going for ceramic front and rear if you can. I run them on my Audax bike and they last forever. If anything the front wears quicker due to braking load.0 -
robbarker wrote:Thooms wrote:Would there be a notable reduction in weight/drag going with 28 spokes up front?
No, but 28/36 would be more sensible than 32/32. Hardly anyone does it these days, which is odd.
DT Competition are stronger than aerolite and you need to choose whether the 3 secs/25 miles or whatever it is difference is worth being stranded in the middle of Dartmoor for. I'm exaggerating but you get the drift.
Mixing rims front and rear will look odd - I would suggest going for ceramic front and rear if you can. I run them on my Audax bike and they last forever. If anything the front wears quicker due to braking load.
I have a set of Mavic ceramic rims also. No problems and better stopping power. Well,
maybe a slight problem as they require ceramic pads and this type of pad must not be used on any rim other than ceramic. So if you switch wheels you will need to switch pads(not a big deal). Regular pads CAN be used on ceramic rims but tend to clog up
the breaking surface.
Dennis Noward0 -
Zondas are a good buy. Very strong, pretty light, good smooth hubs and fairly aerodynamic.Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/
http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!0 -
28/32 on DT240 hubs, with DT Comp spokes with the exception of the rear drive side where you can put the heavier gauge DT Revs, with brass nips
works for me...
Is the only benefit of the ceramic rim better braking in the wet? Or is there something else to it?
jon0 -
Hmm, well the DT240s do look gorgeous, but that puts the price up a long, long way.
I found a place that would sell me the record hubs for £145 for the pair, which seemed like a steal. The best deal I've been able to find on the DT240 hubs would be about £285 a pair - so almost twice the price!
With the Zondas at £325, Fulcum R3s and Neutrons at £350, I think at that price I would end up going with a set of factory wheels.
With the angle on the Record hubs - would a different spoke arrangement be a possibility - or is there just not enough material on the hub?
I have to say I'm surprised that <80Kg would be a problem for them though...0 -
I'm a hand built wheel person myself.I like the fact that if a rim breaks, I know I can get a replacement easily.This is not always the same for factory built wheels.Also with some of the spoke patterns they use trueing them can be a nightmare.
I know a set of factory built wheels will in most cases be a bit lighter than hand built but at least you get to spec what you want plus they will be a stronger wheel set.
Decathlon do a nice wheel set, http://www.btwincycle.com/EN/penta-aero-20-rear-mp-wheelset-33639325/
These have DT hubs possibly 240's with a Rigida rim and aero spoke for £300 they do come with a Shimano freehub but can be changed to campag.I thnik the weight is around 1550 grams the pair.A good wheel if you must have factory built.
Worth a look if you have a store near you.0 -
If you want handbuilts in Exeter go and see Chaz at the Bike Shed on Fore Street. He really knows his stuff.0
