Wheels - steel vs Alu spokes

[jumphigher]

Awesome bike, the C40..

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by galgal

Thanks for input. inclining toward Neutrons but could possibly get Shamals for just $100 more. Am probably over thinking pros and cons as both are nice wheels, so would really welcome any input from forumites.

Find a local wheelbuilder who can design and build a set specifically for you(?).

Like DT, White Industry, PMP or even Record hubs. DT411 rims

[galgal]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Find a local wheelbuilder who can design and build a set specifically for you(?).

Like DT, White Industry, PMP or even Record hubs. DT411 rims

That is very good advice, thanks. Currently have maxed bike budget so just looking for a decent wheelset along the lines of the Campy prebuilts to get the C40 rolling. Don't think there is that significant a difference between them (Shamals or Neutrons) for my everyday purposes. Down the road - pun intended - hope to upgrade to wheels that would be appreciably better, whether Campy or handbuilt.

[ergott]

Shamals in NYC? I wouldn't recommend it. They send out wheels with misthreaded/frozen nipples at times and if you try to true them the spoke breaks. Ask me how I know, I'm 2/4 with servicing them. Nipple just won't turn on spoke. It's a system that offers no advantage worth it considering the hassles involved.

Pick wheels that can be serviced whether they be from a box or custom.

[ergott]

Originally Posted by galgal

That is very good advice, thanks. Currently have maxed bike budget so just looking for a decent wheelset along the lines of the Campy prebuilts to get the C40 rolling.

If you think you can't get handbuilts for Shamal ($900 if you are talking about internet pricing) money you need to look harder. They are all over the area.

[galgal]

Originally Posted by ergott

Shamals in NYC? I wouldn't recommend it. They send out wheels with misthreaded/frozen nipples at times and if you try to true them the spoke breaks. Ask me how I know, I'm 2/4 with servicing them. Nipple just won't turn on spoke. It's a system that offers no advantage worth it considering the hassles involved.

Pick wheels that can be serviced whether they be from a box or custom.

Thanks for advice. And yes, I could always look harder. I can currently get Shamals online for $660-700. I think the handbuilds Old Potato suggested would not be less than that (and would no doubt a very fine wheelset.)

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by galgal

Thanks for advice. And yes, I could always look harder. I can currently get Shamals online for $660-700. I think the handbuilds Old Potato suggested would not be less than that (and would no doubt a very fine wheelset.)

You can get fantastic hand built wheels for $700! If you want the Shamals get them, no need to convince you or us. Your $ your choice...

[galgal]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

You can get fantastic hand built wheels for $700! If you want the Shamals get them, no need to convince you or us. Your $ your choice...

Point well taken. Wheelbuilders here and forumites have forgotten more about wheels than I will probably ever know. Old Potatoes suggestion seems excellent, as I said, and good to know fantastic custom wheels can be had for $700. Did start out with a specific question between two wheels, but did welcome other advice so thank you for that. Cheers.

[doomridesout]

I've ridden a lot of handbuilts, both light racy ones and traditions 32x ones, and they're just not as quick and fun as a high-end alloy factory wheel... took a long time to admit it, but that's how it is, IMO.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by ergott

Shamals in NYC? I wouldn't recommend it. They send out wheels with misthreaded/frozen nipples at times and if you try to true them the spoke breaks. Ask me how I know, I'm 2/4 with servicing them. Nipple just won't turn on spoke. It's a system that offers no advantage worth it considering the hassles involved.

Pick wheels that can be serviced whether they be from a box or custom.

Ahh, barber-pole spokes! Yup, seen that more than once. Aluminum spoke, steel nipple. Such fun to fish the new nipple thru the rim with a magnet..

Agree..on ALL wheels with aluminum spokes..

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by galgal

Thanks for advice. And yes, I could always look harder. I can currently get Shamals online for $660-700. I think the handbuilds Old Potato suggested would not be less than that (and would no doubt a very fine wheelset.)

DT350 hubs, DT411 rims, Sapim race spokes, 20R front , 24 2 cross rear-$660 shipped to you.

[colker]

You can get shammals for 700 bucks but does it come w/ a warranty?

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by doomridesout

I've ridden a lot of handbuilts, both light racy ones and traditions 32x ones, and they're just not as quick and fun as a high-end alloy factory wheel... took a long time to admit it, but that's how it is, IMO.

What magical qualities do you think that factories imbue upon their aluminum rim wheels that custom builders do not? Was the existence of these magical qualities confirmed in blind testing?

[ergott]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

DT350 hubs, DT411 rims, Sapim race spokes, 20R front , 24 2 cross rear-$660 shipped to you.

20/24 out of your shop!?!

I never thought I'd see the day. Welcome to the dark side!!


PS: That's a nice build

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by doomridesout

I've ridden a lot of handbuilts, both light racy ones and traditions 32x ones, and they're just not as quick and fun as a high-end alloy factory wheel... took a long time to admit it, but that's how it is, IMO.

One term is fully subjective the other is not. When you say quick what data do you have for such a claim?