Advice on clydesdale wheelset

[Robbos]

My brother, who is both heavy (220 pounds) and a strong rider needs some nicer, more aero wheels that what he currently has. I've been looking at different options, like shimano RS-30's, Fulcrum Racing 7's, etc., but I have misgivings about whether theses wheels are not only 'strong' enough, but also stiff enough. I got a totally decent pair of A-R501 Shimano wheels for him, but I think he needs something stronger, like something with 28 spokes. Thoughts?

His current wheels are Campy Sydneys, 36 straight gauged spokes laced to ultegra 9 speed hubs. Un-believably heavy, though strong.

[FlashUNC]

What about something like the Mavic Cosmic Carbones?

[William]

Big Bill's Big Barbarian Bike Blog


This blog is dedicated to all the Barbarian Clydesdale cyclists out there who tend to get overlooked by the cycling industry in favor of the weight weenie, helium in the under wear, under 175 pound set (and I mean that affectionately). I will attempt to gather all the information that I can find for the "special", tall, heavy, and extremely powerful riders out there.****Bill (aka- William)**** CROM!!!

Big Strong Wheels for Big Strong Riders
http://barbarianbikeblog.blogspot.com/2005/02/big-strong-wheels-for-big-strong.html





Older but still good advice here.


William

[Robbos]

I realize now I should have mentioned that I'm trying to stick to a budget of roughly $250-300 max...

[rugbysecondrow]

For frame of reference, I am 6'2" and teeter between 225-230...built more like a linebacker than a cyclist.


I ride handbuilts and like the CXP33 rim. I use WI or DT Swiss, but Ultegra or Campy branded hubs are good to. I am no wheel expert, but my CXP rims haven't had any issues.

Something like this maybe: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Shimano-Ultegra-Mavic-CXP-33-Road-Bike-Wheels-Wheelset-36-Hole-6700-DT-/270981455717?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f17c0df65#ht_2049wt_943

[Earl Gray]

I've heard these hold up quite well.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7170044565_1f0a50629e_b.jpg

[verticaldoug]

I'm not as big as your brother (185-190), but ride pretty hard. I was going to suggest 32h DT Swiss 465 laced to Chris King hubs but not your budget. If you can find a set of ZIPP Team which are the aluminum rims before the 101s. You may be able to get at a good price. I have a set and these have been very good to me. I also have a pair of Fulcrum 3 and these are a headache.

Good luck. And tell big brother to ride 25c to soften the ride.

[jr59]

I realize now I should have mentioned that I'm trying to stick to a budget of roughly $250-300 max...

Good Luck!

[palincss]

My brother, who is both heavy (220 pounds) and a strong rider needs some nicer, more aero wheels that what he currently has. I've been looking at different options, like shimano RS-30's, Fulcrum Racing 7's, etc., but I have misgivings about whether theses wheels are not only 'strong' enough, but also stiff enough. I got a totally decent pair of A-R501 Shimano wheels for him, but I think he needs something stronger, like something with 28 spokes. Thoughts?


When you weigh 100kg you do not have to worry about aero-ness of your wheels. You do have to worry about your wheels being strong enough. 28 spokes is not strong enough for 100kg riders, they used to be for flyweights. He needs 36 spokes, not 28.

[biker72]

For frame of reference, I am 6'2" and teeter between 225-230...built more like a linebacker than a cyclist.


I ride handbuilts and like the CXP33 rim. I use WI or DT Swiss, but Ultegra or Campy branded hubs are good to. I am no wheel expert, but my CXP rims haven't had any issues.

Something like this maybe: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Shimano-Ultegra-Mavic-CXP-33-Road-Bike-Wheels-Wheelset-36-Hole-6700-DT-/270981455717?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f17c0df65#ht_2049wt_943
Nice wheels. I'm running these on my Specialized CX bike. They just raised their price from $259 for the wheelset.

[echelon_john]

The exception is wider rims. A23s, Synergies, Dyads, and C2s would all work with a lower spoke count.

The challenge will be finding any of these, well built, in your price range. A set of A23s in 32/28 on Velocity hubs will be as cost-effective as anything else you'll find in terms of non-machine built wheels. Throw some decent sized rubber on them and they'll last very well for his size.

JC

When you weigh 100kg you do not have to worry about aero-ness of your wheels. You do have to worry about your wheels being strong enough. 28 spokes is not strong enough for 100kg riders, they used to be for flyweights. He needs 36 spokes, not 28.

[Bruce K]

Any HED in a "stallion build" will last him years of good solid use.

BK

[snowcrash19]

Find a good used pair of American Classic Hurricane's. I was 240lb 6'1" and I've ridden my set down sets of 14 stairs, cross racing, commuting almost everyday. Super strong wheels and only 1600 gr for the set.

[Clydesdale]

I have lots of miles on DT Swiss 1850's and 1450's with no issues. I don't tend to be real hard on equipment, but both sets have thousands of miles on them under my 230lbs and have never needed much attention. The 1850's ride a little like the carbones in my opinion, meaning they spin up and climb slightly sluggish but once they are rolling they feel great and ride awesome. I have also had good luck with Ksyriums, but I know that many big guys have not.

PS - the 1850's are just sitting in my closet. If you are interested in knowing more - shoot me a pm.

[gavingould]

At 225lb myself and a self-confirmed sprinter (former track rider, mainly cyclocross now) I'd recommend getting a set of Mavic Aksium or whatever Ksyrium wheels you can find in the budget - even used.

Currently I'm on a set of Ksyrium ES that were several thousand miles used before they came into my possession, several thousand miles since. No problem on the road, gravel rides, or 'cross. They're plenty stiff under my weight and at 1500W efforts. I have had to replace the bearings once.

Had set of Aksium (2009 edition?) for a year or two as a backup/bad weather set that rode just as nicely albeit a couple hundred grams heavier.

Might be able to get some handbuilts with A23s and fairly cheap hubs if you know a builder who can give you a good deal.

[oldguy00]

At that budget, you could probably look at something like a custom build with 105/ultegra hubs, velocity clincher rims (or mavic open pro), and DT straight gauge spokes.
250 won't get you much in the way of pre-builts. Lots of sets out there for that price, but probably none that are specifically built for heavier riders?

[oldpotatoe]

My brother, who is both heavy (220 pounds) and a strong rider needs some nicer, more aero wheels that what he currently has. I've been looking at different options, like shimano RS-30's, Fulcrum Racing 7's, etc., but I have misgivings about whether theses wheels are not only 'strong' enough, but also stiff enough. I got a totally decent pair of A-R501 Shimano wheels for him, but I think he needs something stronger, like something with 28 spokes. Thoughts?

His current wheels are Campy Sydneys, 36 straight gauged spokes laced to ultegra 9 speed hubs. Un-believably heavy, though strong.

5700 hubs, DT 585 or Velocity A23. DT double butted spokes, brass nipps, 32h 3 corss all around, built well.

[fourflys]

5700 hubs, DT 585 or Velocity A23. DT double butted spokes, brass nipps, 32h 3 corss all around, built well.

I just bought a set of these through the Handspun brand at QBP (inhouse wheelbuilders) and they seem bulletproof... no real miles on them yet but I bought them for my Alaska travel bike figuring they would last... the Handspun quality looks pretty good too...

[Ahneida Ride]

I ride handbuilts and like the CXP33 rim. I use WI or DT Swiss, but Ultegra or Campy branded hubs are good to. I am no wheel expert, but my CXP rims haven't had any issues.



CXP33 rims, 36 spokes, 4 cross lacing, Sapin Xray spokes, White Hubs.

relatively light and bullet proof.

[snowcrash19]

At 225lb myself and a self-confirmed sprinter (former track rider, mainly cyclocross now) I'd recommend getting a set of Mavic Aksium

I'd agree with that. IMO Mavic's cheapest wheelset is one of their best wheelsets :)

[djg]

You're not looking for aero wheels if you're looking at Fulcrum racing 7s and, really, it's going to be hard to find wheels with deep section aero rims, appropriately built, anywhere near 300 bucks. Think maybe 500 for a used wheelset.

There are basically a few options. A stock, pre-built wheel like a Mavic Aksium is likely fairly strong (ask around for particular recommendations for the wheel for big riders) and can be found for reasonable prices. Second, with decent mid-level parts, one can likely have a set of wheels built for about 300 bucks or so, but these days, probably not less than that -- maybe 32 spokes front & rear (depends on the spokes/build -- talk to the builder). Here's where talking to a recommended local wheel builder, or one of the well-liked guys on the board (oldpotatoe, ergott, etc.), can give you a pretty clear sense what might be done on budget and what alternatives might be. The third option is to look for a used wheelset in good condition. A set that runs about 600 bucks new is likely to go for about 250-300 used -- if you're dealing with a trusted source, or can inspect the wheels, that opens up a lot of options with good hubs, spokes, and some of the better alloy rims. If everything is good quality and well-built, I'd think that 32 spoke builds should do it IF they aren't sporting super-light spokes.

[Robbos]

Thanks guys, lots of good advice. I actually have a pair of DT 585 rims, 32h unbuilt. Horrified by their weight, they're roughly the same as the Campy rims he's riding now. I have a pair of Open Pro's laced to XTR hubs with 36 straight gauged spokes. Nice but pricey, I have to see if I feel extra generous with my brother...
Nice thing is that he's on a classic Steel Marinoni (SLX) so I can get the rear end to accept 135mm hub.

[oldpotatoe]

CXP33 rims, 36 spokes, 4 cross lacing, Sapin Xray spokes, White Hubs.

relatively light and bullet proof.

$250-$300 was the guy's budget. 72 CX-rays are about $250 alone..

[Robbos]

Like I mentioned, I've got a pair of Open Pros laced 36 spokes to XTR hubs.
Any impressions on Open Pros under 220+ pounds of somewhat angry rider?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61820275@N07/7328657216/in/set-72157630029829890/lightbox/

[jr59]

$250-$300 was the guy's budget. 72 cx-rays are about $250 alone..


drat!

[vqdriver]

Like I mentioned, I've got a pair of Open Pros laced 36 spokes to XTR hubs.
Any impressions on Open Pros under 220+ pounds of somewhat angry rider?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61820275@N07/7328657216/in/set-72157630029829890/lightbox/

i think that's just what you're looking for.

[Bob Loblaw]

Most lightweight factory wheels won't last long under a rider like that. Unless he has the resources to lay out for new wheels every couple of seasons, I'm in agreement with those who say invest in a nice set of handbuilts. You can get them fairly light, and they will go forever.

My take is 32 radial up front, 36 3x in the rear. If they are built right, he will probably never need to true them and they will go 30k miles.

BL

[DarkStar]

Like I mentioned, I've got a pair of Open Pros laced 36 spokes to XTR hubs.
Any impressions on Open Pros under 220+ pounds of somewhat angry rider?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61820275@N07/7328657216/in/set-72157630029829890/lightbox/
Have identical rims, 32 hole laced to XT hubs with DT 14/15 spokes which I built for my Goodrich, not a single issue in three years of use. Also a muscular 230lbs, and former sprinter. Only get angry when cut off by cars.
Cheers

[learlove]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Ultegra-6700-Mavic-Open-Pro-36-Hole-Wheelset-Wheels-Front-and-Rear-/270945845637?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f15a18185

done.

[wfournier]

When you weigh 100kg you do not have to worry about aero-ness of your wheels. You do have to worry about your wheels being strong enough. 28 spokes is not strong enough for 100kg riders, they used to be for flyweights. He needs 36 spokes, not 28.

I have to say that I disagree, you don't need 36 spokes you need wheels that are properly built and tensioned. I weight a good bit more than the OP's brother and have been riding 32 spoke wheels that I built up last year. Haven't even had to true them. The 36 spoke wheels that came on my bike kept popping spokes (when I lost 3 in one ride I decided that it was time for something else).

I've never ridden "aero wheels" but my impression is that for a heavier rider a more aero set of wheels would make a bigger difference than light wheels.

[skijoring]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Ultegra-6700-Mavic-Open-Pro-36-Hole-Wheelset-Wheels-Front-and-Rear-/270945845637?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f15a18185

done.

Those are nice, but I have found that straight gauge spokes + Open Pros lead to cracking rims. The spokes need a bit of butting to ensure longer-lived rims, at least in my experience.

[oldpotatoe]

I have to say that I disagree, you don't need 36 spokes you need wheels that are properly built and tensioned. I weight a good bit more than the OP's brother and have been riding 32 spoke wheels that I built up last year. Haven't even had to true them. The 36 spoke wheels that came on my bike kept popping spokes (when I lost 3 in one ride I decided that it was time for something else).

I've never ridden "aero wheels" but my impression is that for a heavier rider a more aero set of wheels would make a bigger difference than light wheels.

I disagree with your disagreement. Big riders need 36 spokes on a wheelset that is properly built and tensioned using appropriate components, like a proper rim, proper spokes. The wheel that kept popping spokes weren't because they were 36h, it was because they were poorly built. 4 spokes weigh about 28 grams and all things being equal, 36h is a much stronger wheel. NO reason to NOT use 36 holes if available for a 'larger' rider. NO disadvantage, except that most MO/web based places don't sell 'em..some even say 36h hubs and rims are not available.

[jmoore]

Open Pro/Ultegra 32 hole front and back here. I'm 23-235 and never had a problem in three years. One or two minor true ups and go ride.

I wouldn't say they are light but they are strong.