Wheels for lightweights

MichaelW

We have had a few questions about wheels for big, strong, heavy, unskilled new riders, eg rugby forwards doing a charity ride.
Whilst the std advice is more spokes, some people report that stock, pre-built wheels from decent brands are more than strong enough for the task and have the experience to back up their claim.

If prebuilt wheels are indeed this strong, what does that mean for the lightweight, responsive rider? If you weight 130lbs, spin with a high cadence/low gear, prefer endurance rides to all out sprints and are experienced enough to respond to uneven roads, are these modern wheels simply overbuilt?

danlikesbikes

No I wouldn't say that they are overbuilt for lightweight riders.

Most of the wheels undertake testing where we get the maximum rider weight from & in order to have a product that lasts the manufactures will overbuild for longevity i.e. selling a premium race wheel but one that lasts.

Having said that there are certainly a number of good hand builds out there with less spokes, but you need to consider not just your weight on the bike but the power you would be putting down versus the riding on uneven roads.

ugo.santalucia

A couple of little articles you might find interesting... If you read carefully you get your answers. Don't confuse strength with durability, they are not related.

http://paolocoppo.drupalgardens.com/con ... nd-fiction

http://paolocoppo.drupalgardens.com/con ... g-fatigued