Advice on buying handbuilt wheels for the first time?

big_den

After a bad experience with my MAVIC wheels I am on the cusp of following my local bike shop's advice and getting them to build me some wheels.

As I am on the large side ~100kg and 6'4" I put down a lot of power and they are suggesting a combination of Hope Hubs (I know about the loud freewheel click which apparently you come to love) DT Swiss RR 465 rims and DT Comp spokes. The frame is an Orbea Onix and I will be using them for social riding i.e. looking as cool as I can muster while going as fast as I can, but no racing or other foolish activities!

Any comments/advice? Have I misssed anything or is this a good combo for my needs?

Thanks

Big Den

Monty Dog

32 spokes minimum, maybe 36 rear built 3 cross front and rear and you can't go wrong with that spec. You could also consider a slightly wider rim like a HED Ardennes or Velocity A23 and run them with a 25mm tyre. Also make sure you get them checked regularly for even spoke tension.

Gazzetta67

Same Height just a tad lighter than you Always used 36 Hole hubs Campag Record and Ambrosio Excellence rims never any problems. Just had a pair of Ambrosio FCS28 rims on Ambrosio Zenith 36 hole hubs built really nice looking wheels that are solid - Suppose it's how much you want to spend.

stokepa31

I have to say is always makes me chuckle when folks with a bit of timber ask for wheel advice and everyone suggests 36 hole hubs with 3 cross lacing or sometimes even 'go for tandem wheels'. at my heaviest i was 20 stone and am now 18. I have put 3000 miles on my easton ea70 wheelset and ive never needed to take a spoke key to them.

i put down a lot of power especially when climbing out of the saddle and the eastons eat it up without a squeek.

just my 2ps worth

should have added. they are 28 spokes rear (2cross) and radial 24 spokes front. I think the key is that the spokes are strait pull rather than j bent.

wicked

stokepa31 wrote:

I have to say is always makes me chuckle when folks with a bit of timber ask for wheel advice and everyone suggests 36 hole hubs with 3 cross lacing or sometimes even 'go for tandem wheels'. at my heaviest i was 20 stone and am now 18. I have put 3000 miles on my easton ea70 wheelset and ive never needed to take a spoke key to them.

i put down a lot of power especially when climbing out of the saddle and the eastons eat it up without a squeek.

just my 2ps worth

should have added. they are 28 spokes rear (2cross) and radial 24 spokes front. I think the key is that the spokes are strait pull rather than j bent.

But then again after 5000 miles my Easton's would break a spoke on the rear EVERY ride despite being rebuilt in an attempt to cure it. They must have struggled with my 63kg!

Gazzetta67

Same Height just a tad lighter than you Always used 36 Hole hubs Campag Record and Ambrosio Excellence rims never any problems. Just had a pair of Ambrosio FCS28 rims on Ambrosio Zenith 36 hole hubs built really nice looking wheels that are solid - Suppose it's how much you want to spend.

big_den

Hi

Thanks everyone for the feedback on this topic. The question now is here to get them made? Any views?

Other forum posts have suggested that while a lot cliam to be able to wheel build it still has a lot of zen alchamy attcahed to the process and so its best to go to someone with a recommended with a good track record. Is it better to stay local or does anyone have any views/recommendations on builders from across the UK who operate mail order?

I'm Leicester (East Mids) based.

Thanks

APIII

I've had a pair from a local wheel builder and a pair from the infamous wheelsmith. Both have been excellent.

I would talk to your local shop. You can usually get a good idea if they know what they are doing jus from chatting to them. Being local means if you have any problems it's easier to get them resolved.

Tom Butcher

I wouldn't give up on Mavics - my Ksyriums have been bombproof and they have a reputation for reliability if nothing else. The only wheels I've broken spokes on have been handbuilts - personal experience is that they may be easier to repair but it's just as well as they'll need it at some point.

Having said that I have the number of a guy in Ambergate area of Derbyshire who is meant to be a very good wheelbuilder - if that's not too far I could pass it on - haven't used him myself but he's been recommended to me by a few people.