What All Purpose Wheels

xbenhanleyx

Hi,

I recently bought an old Raleigh Triathlon, with a nice 531 Frame. I want to use it as my second bike, which means that it will be used for a mix of commuting, training and touring.

The wheels on it are shot, so I want to get myself a new set that is responsive enough for my training rides, but which can handle some serious touring too... I was thinking about getting a set built with Tiagra Hubs on Open Sport Rims (32 front, 36 back), with 25mm tyres. The other option is to upgrade to 105 Hubs with Open Pro Rims, although I am not sure whether this would be any better for what I need.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Ben

maddog 2

depends what you mean by 'serious touring'

if it's big panniers and/or dodgy roads then you may want to go burlier on the rims, such as the A319.

If it's just a light pannier and/or CC touring then the OPs on 105s sound fine. You could go 32h f 36h r with DT DB spokes and DT straight gauge on the rear driveside, with brass nipples. Depends on your weight too.

xbenhanleyx

Hi! I am going to be mainly using the bike for commuting and training which will involve a sadle bag at most. I will also be doing the occasional weekend trip with two rear panniers (with al the stuff for me AND my partner!). and this summer we are doing a 10 day tour in the Pyrenese, and I am likely to be loaded front and back.

I really want to avoid wide rims as my frame will only take 25mm tyres. I weigh 12 stone and was hoping I could get away with standard racing wheels, with perhaps 36H on the back...

maddog 2

tough ask from one pair of wheels.

To get them strong enough for fully loaded touring they are going to be built pretty strong, and heavy.

I'd say, as a starting point, consider

32h F and 36h R Open Pros on 105s, as described above, or

32h F and 36h R Open Pros on 105s with straight gauge spokes (heavier but stronger), or

36h F and 36h R Open Pros on 105s with straight gauge spokes (more so) or

or if you want stronger still, consider Mavic CXP33 rims, or maybe DRC rims, which are a bit heavier than OPs but should be narrow enough.

Have a word with Paul Hewitt. He advise you well and his builds are excellent.

sicrow

Paul hewitt will build you a brilliant set of open pro's, no one better on 105 hubs arong the £200 mark another £40 for Ultegras either will ast you for miles