New wheel set for a Cyclocross

JamesT20

Im looking to replace the wheels on my Specialized Tricross, budget isnt great but iv had a look around and the only set that iv seen that would suit are the Fulcrum racing 7's CX which are around £150 on CRC at the moment. Anyone eles got some suggestions in and round that price range?

Monty Dog

Get some handbuilts e.g. 32 hole 105 hubs and Open Pro rims from someone like Paul Hewitt or Harry Rowland. If you're mainly looking for CX use, I'd also suggest a slightly wider rim like a Velocity A23 - not only stronger, but also help with traction. A handbuilt will be as light and strong as the Fulcrums but easier to service / repair. Whilst I've got nothing against factory-built wheels (I have 4 pairs) their advantage doesn't really kick-in unless you start moving towards higher-end models.

FransJacques

Second the A23, not seen them but the dimensions are right on the money for good tyre spacing and traction, etc. Read stuff about C2 rims in case you missed all the whooopla about wider rims.

You have a Spesh so not sure what your stock wheels were but more than a few guys I know race CX and do the Roubaix sportive on Roval Paves with good results.

Not so common aftermarket so ask the shop where you got the bike maybe.

Buckled_Rims

Mavic Aksiums are CX compatible for around £140 at Planetx I believe. They are standard on Kona Jake the Snake CX bikes as well as a few others. I've had tyres from 23mm to 35 mm on them rims!

JamesT20

Thanks for the replys,

What sort of price would you be looking at for a set of hand built?

The origianl wheel set came with unbranded/spesh hubs and Alex ace 19 rims.

How well have the aksium held up with use off road?

Buckled_Rims

On the Aksiums, a rear wheel spoke keeps loosening every few thousand miles. I have hammered them mind you, so I might have damaged it. For example I recently did a 60 mile bridlepath route on 25mm tyres (including 2 races over farmers fields) So they are tough.

Noclue

Planet x do a set http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPP ... 7-wheelset don't know much about these but alot of there wheels come highly reccomended.