Rim choice for training and club runs

Dick Scruttock

Looking to have a pair of wheels built for training and club rides. I am going for either Chris King or DT hubs but I have no idea what rims to go for. I know i want clinchers but other than that I don't know what rims I want.

Should I even be looking at prebuilt wheels? Does anything in that category get peoples recommendations?

prawny

Open pro or ambrosio excellight

Pre built wheels are for tarts and suckers

racingcondor

Mavic Open Pro's are good rims that will last for ages but they're slightly heavier than some (mine weighed in at 450g and 470g). Cheap though and very easy to build.

Ambrosio Excellight (around 430g) are probably the best balance between weight and durability. My race wheels are these laced to Chris Kings.

If you're looking for lighter then the only real option is the Stans Alpha 340 which is a lot lighter but has a reputation for being more flexy (fine if you up the spoke count) and probably won't last as well as that weight saving has to come from somewhere (thinner brake tracks included).

Personally I think it's hard to beat Chris Kings laced to Excellights.

jibberjim

Velocity A23's or HED Ardennes or something with a wide profile, much more comfortable, and it means you won't have to adjust the brakes when you swap to the wide rimmed race wheels...

Dick Scruttock

Last question is what spoke count to go for and what spokes? I am 170lbs ready to ride.

ugo.santalucia

Rick Draper wrote:

Last question is what spoke count to go for and what spokes? I am 170lbs ready to ride.

28 front and rear seems perfect for you, with an Open PRO it is possible to build a set just under 1600 grams. Most people would advise you on 32, but unless you carry load or aim to get a stronger rim to ride the Paris-Roubaix, then there is really no need to go for 32 spokes