Is this a suitable build?

Nairnster

I am looking, or at least pricing up a new set of wheels for the new year, and am considering going handbuilt.

I weigh 75kgs currently, with scope for some weight loss, and I ride on the roads up here in the Highlands. This means there can be some rough areas, with pitholes, although I do a good job of avoiding them.

I am considering the following build:

Hubs: Shimano Ultegra 6800 32hole front and rear
Rims: Mavic Open Pro Black 32h
Spokes: Sapim Laser silver
Nipples: brass (silver)

Was going to have the rear laced 3 cross, and the front 2 cross.

Does this sound like a sensible, fairly durable build?

I would have loved some Archetypes, but am concerned the wider rim wouldnt get enough protection with 23mm tyres (my frame doesnt take 25c tyres).

Thanks

Bobbinogs

Looks good to me, nice set of all rounder wheels. You could also consider the Ambrossio Excellights, same quality as Open Pro and similar construction.

matt-h

I have the excellights on 105 hubs and I'm very happy with them.

Matt

ugo.santalucia

Why don't you give a call to big Al?

http://www.wheelcraft.net

I've only heard good things about him and you can find out for yourself if he is really as big as they say...

PS: there are no advantages in using laser spokes on a rear wheel, only drawbacks

buckles

I think 3x is supposed to be better for 32 spoke wheels, 2x is OK for 28 or fewer spokes.

Maybe go for Sapim Race spokes on the back and lasers on the front?

Nairnster

What spokes would you recommend instead then Ugo?

ugo.santalucia

Nairnster wrote:

What spokes would you recommend instead then Ugo?

Alpina double butted (also called ACI)... built about 5000 of them, yet to see one fail. You can use the laser for the front.

Nairnster

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Regarding what lacing pattern to use, and what buckles said - any problems with 2 cross on the front?

ugo.santalucia

I agree with him, 32 x 3 cross is the established pattern and there is no benefit in changing it

Nairnster

Thats great then. Thanks for all of the advice everyone.

cycleclinic

I would not use Laser both sides rear on a open pro rim I have tried and while I have not heard of problems the build was not the stiffest. Try race spoke 2/1.8/2.0. Alpina 2.0/1.7/2.0 as ugo suggested will probably be fine given you are light. Laser on the front will be fine.

If you used an Archetype rim then Lasers on the rear would be fine the rim is stiff. So not always drawbacks just sometimes depending on the build and the rider.

Good luck with you search.

buckles

ugo.santalucia wrote:

I agree with him, 32 x 3 cross is the established pattern and there is no benefit in changing it

No, I agree with you. I think I read it on your blog.