What wheels? Decision time...

swa90

Hi all,

I am currently riding a B Twin Triban 3 and so far have been impressed with how the wheels have been faring under my very heavy weight '290lbs'.

However, I feel it may be time to invest in some new wheels, and have narrowed down a few options. Please could anyone offer advice on what will a) deal with my weight and size the best and b) offer best value for money.

I am ofcourse open to options that I havent suggested here - including if anyone knows where I can get hand built wheels for a similar price bracket.

Choices are here:

£99.99 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... 3_Wheelset
£99.99 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... d_Wheelset
£149.99 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... 9_Wheelset
£159.99 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... 4_Wheelset

keef66

Two of those appear to be Campag freehub only. Which is OK if you're running Campag obviously.

pippi_langsamer-2

You're a bit of a big bugger

To be honest, I'd save up a bit more seeing as your wheels are still "holding up", and seek a good, renowned wheel builder that will build you a set of wheels to suit your weight and riding. Buying the Fulcrums might be false economy tbh. Unless you're racing, I'd be looking at a set of Mavic Open Pro's on a decent hub of your choice/ budget, with probably 36 spokes.

They're not local to you, but these are two of the most renowned wheelbuilders in the North West, and indeed the country.

http://petematthews.com/home/
http://www.hewittcycles.co.uk/

For what it's worth, I had a set of Fulcrums years ago and they were awful. Spokes snapping regularly (I was about 78kg). I'm sure they are either a) better now or b) were a dodgy batch (but I would still never buy Fulcrums again).

edscoble

Do not buy from Winstanleys, I repeat, do. not. buy. from. Winstanleys.

Get Shimano R501, ride it to fuckery, bin it, buy another, etc.

Grill

At 290lbs, none of those. Pippi's advice is sound. Build up some 36h Open Pros on 105 hubs.

junglist_matty

If you can't find a decent wheelbuilder, these are good, should hold out for 290lbs, although as stated, 36spokes would be better, but 32 would probably be adequate.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/w ... o-rim.html

mjbennett

I've had really good service from Winstanley's and delivery is very quick. Returns are also not an issue.
I can only recommend them.

ugo.santalucia

At 130+ Kg you are too heavy for those, sorry... they are likely to let you down.

You really need 36 spokes on the rear wheel and plain gauge spokes, attempts to shed weight there will result in almost certain wheel failure, grief and hassle. The front wheel can be a 32 with lighter spokes

Would really recommend to have a set built bespoke on Shimano 105 hubs on a medium profile rim, Ryde DP 18, Ambrosio FCS 28 or Balance or Velocity Deep V are excellent candidates

cycleclinic

I would go further ugo, 36 spoke with something like the Sapim strong single butted spoke. They have a diameter at the elbow of 2.3mm, the extra fatigue resistabce of these spokes will be needed in the long run. A 130 kg rider is putting load on the rear wheel like I would carrying 25kg on paniers.

the rims ugo mentioned are spot on, the only other that would work are the shallow Rigida Sputnik.

maltloaf_df

I'd like to join this thread rather than making another if that's ok as I'm another big fella looking for an upgrade wheel over what was supplied with my bike. I'm currently 260lb down from 280lb and doing about 150 miles a week.
Reliability and smooth running are my priorities over weight but obviously lighter would be better.
Looking for some off the peg factory built wheels that would not break the bank and to be honest I was just going to buy shimano r501 from ribble as they're so cheap but if suitable those mavic/105 quoted from Merlin above look lovely. Any other options I should be looking at ?

swa90

I guess I could just ride the stock ones out until the weight is down. This time of year most work is done on the turbo anyway

sloppyschleckonds

Have you considered not eating this time of year?