Handbuilt Campagnolo Neutron Equivalent?

pb21

Possibly going to have a bit of disposable money soon so am think about treating myself to some new wheels. I used to have a set of Neutrons and I really liked them so am thinking of getting another set, but I’m also thinking hand built might be more interesting, plus making maintenance and getting tyres on/off easier!

So what would an equivalent build be both in terms of performance and the low key look? I would ideally like a quiet hub/ratchet system too!

Thanks

ugo.santalucia

The latest fashion in hand builds is wider rims... they give you a lot of comfort without sacrificing on performance. Some of these rims are acceptably light, other are bricks... The Velocity A 23 is the lightest and builds to around 1550 grams with a range of decent hubs. Your quiet free hub request rules out Hope hubs and it is a shame.
Among the reasonably priced ones, only Novatec makes 20-24 and 28 drilled sets so the choice is pretty much there. You are left to choose the spokes and the number will be chosen depending on your weight.
This is the most "up to date" hand built alternative to a set of Neutron... the ride will be completely different though... smoother and more subdue, provided these adjectives can be applied to wheels.
H plus Son Archetype is a prettier alternative rim, but it is a few grams heavier, if you care about these things

pb21

Thanks for the reply. I am interested in your description as you say they would be smoother and subdued. I always found the Neutrons to be a very smooth ride, or at least that’s how I would describe it, they just seemed to roll along. Also by subdue do you mean dull or slow? Whilst I don’t race I would prefer a lively, quick wheel!

ugo.santalucia

No, what I mean is kind of the difference between a vinyl record and an MP3, where the MP3 is a bog standard Shimano 500 wheel... completely dead... your Neutron are probably like a good CD, somewhere in the upper middle...
A 23 is sold as a racing rim for cyclocross and as a clincher for amateur racing and sportives, so no, not dull at all, very responsive ride.

pb21

Ok thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Seems like some Velocity A23 rims, 28r/24f (or 20) Novatec hubs and some kind of spokes would be a sound option!

smidsy

Definitely go with some spokes

I opted for DT swiss competition spokes on my handbuilt Ambrosio Excellights but many out there will say go with Sapim spokes.