What wheel question - very confused

neiljohn

I have an aluminium trek bike in which the wheels are both not true.

I fancy buying some new wheels but need it for a variety of uses.

I weigh 90kg. It is my training bike and also my commuting bike where I do 26 miles a day. I have a seatpost rack on the back for my work things & lunch.

I would like a strong wheel that will stay true yet still be light enough to enjoy as a racing bike when I am not commuting.

I had a spoke break on my Mavic wheels last year in which it took 3 months to be sorted so servicing/repair is an issue.

I am not looking to spend more than £200/£250 at most but am just confused at all the choice.

As an added extra I may do the Tour of Flanders next year - it would be handy if these wheels could transfer to my other bike.

Thanks in anticipation

cjcp

I'd go for handbuilts from a good wheelbuilder. I've found that it's easier to get them serviced. A common choice (including for Flanders) is Open Pro rims around that price range and should do the job perfectly. As for racing, stiffness is probably a bigger concern if you're around the 90kg mark. You can tailor your build to suit your weight.

I can give you the name of my wheelbuilder if you want.

Bronzie

+1

I'd go for some 32-spoke Open Pro rims on Ultegra hubs or similar from someone like Hewitts (great wheelbuilders) - great all-rounder wheels that you can race on, train on and won't be too precious to use for rougher rides.

You'll be able to replace spokes and true yourself as well.

blorg

Open Pros on Ultegra are a good choice, I have the same on my tourer. Easy to true and rebuildable. Actually lighter than many entry-level "race" wheels (mine are 1,800g.) Probably the best all-around choice for what you want to do, especially given you will also be carrying loads on a rack.

Fru T Bunn

I'm a huskier man and I went for handbuilt Ultegra 36 on Open Pros.

sicrow

Agree with the last 3 posts and Paul Hewitt in Leyland Lancs would get my vote too