what rims to choose?

[AngryScientist]

as mentioned elsewhere, i have a steel bike being built right now that i will use as a true "all rounder". the main purpose will be a dirt road machine, courses like D2R2, battenkill etc. definitely will use on-road too, and in reality, most long rides are a combination of dirt/paved/gravel.

while the bike is still months and months out, i'm gathering parts slowly to ease the financial blow. i'm pondering wheels on this friday morning.

i'm going to build the wheels, they will definitely be 32spoke clinchers. hubs will almost certainly be ultegra, for low cost, durability and bomb-proof awesomeness. wheels will be built with durability and low maintenance in mind. set it and forget it. i plan on using them for a lot of miles over all sorts of roads. tires will most likely be something in the 28-32 file thread cx typed tire.

spokes and rims are up for discussion, my thoughts:

(1) h+son archetype

i just built a set as my first wheel build, i like them.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vVw5Q90oqc/UPxeztOlPZI/AAAAAAAABEU/izY5eaANZnk/s640/IMG_1245.JPG

(2) h+son tb14

a true box section rim with modern flair. nice finish. wide rim (23mm)

http://suicycle-store.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TB-14-600.jpg

(3) velocity A23

another wide rim, readily available, can get with offset rear.

http://www.velocitywheels.com/img/prolly%202.jpg

others to be considered??

what about spokes for such a build??

thanks for any insight. again, just pondering wheels here on friday morning, dreaming of warmer weather!

[FlashUNC]

FWIW, I had a deep and unhealthy love for my HED C2 Belgiums.

Not sure if you want to add them to consideration or not.

[MattTuck]

Nick,

Any specific reason to exclude the HED Belgium rims? Is it because of cost?

When I was talking to my wheel builder about my new wheels (similar to yours in expected uses, bomb proof), he cautioned me away from the TB14, which he felt were too flexy for me. I was at 225+ at the time, so may not be as much of a concern for you.

He also suggested a KinLin rim, which I cannot remember the exact model.

[AngryScientist]

Nick,

Any specific reason to exclude the HED Belgium rims? Is it because of cost?



that's my inclination, and i dont know what the HED rims get you above the velocity or h+son offerings, but i'm open to learn more.

[echelon_john]

The HEDs are a little nicer than the A23s in terms of finish quality. They both build good wheels, but the HEDs are a little easier to build with, especially in terms of vertical tolerance at the seam. For the money, A23s are excellent, and the OC is a nice option. For your size, though, I don't think OC is critical.

[dekindy]

How much do you weigh? How hard are you on wheels?

[Kirk Pacenti]

I'd humbly submit the new Pacenti SL23 for your consideration.

We'll put full details on the site soon, but for now you can check out the flickr site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9856980@N02/8413441673/in/photostream


Cheers,
KP

[EDS]

as mentioned elsewhere, i have a steel bike being built right now that i will use as a true "all rounder". the main purpose will be a dirt road machine, courses like D2R2, battenkill etc. definitely will use on-road too, and in reality, most long rides are a combination of dirt/paved/gravel.

while the bike is still months and months out, i'm gathering parts slowly to ease the financial blow. i'm pondering wheels on this friday morning.

i'm going to build the wheels, they will definitely be 32spoke clinchers. hubs will almost certainly be ultegra, for low cost, durability and bomb-proof awesomeness. wheels will be built with durability and low maintenance in mind. set it and forget it. i plan on using them for a lot of miles over all sorts of roads. tires will most likely be something in the 28-32 file thread cx typed tire.

spokes and rims are up for discussion, my thoughts:

(1) h+son archetype

i just built a set as my first wheel build, i like them.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vVw5Q90oqc/UPxeztOlPZI/AAAAAAAABEU/izY5eaANZnk/s640/IMG_1245.JPG

(2) h+son tb14

a true box section rim with modern flair. nice finish. wide rim (23mm)

http://suicycle-store.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TB-14-600.jpg

(3) velocity A23

another wide rim, readily available, can get with offset rear.

http://www.velocitywheels.com/img/prolly%202.jpg

others to be considered??

what about spokes for such a build??

thanks for any insight. again, just pondering wheels here on friday morning, dreaming of warmer weather!

You could look at the new Pacenti rims.

As an FYI, you do not need anything special for wheels or tires for a course like battenkill. Carbon, skinny tires, whatever is more than fine.

[AngryScientist]

How much do you weigh? How hard are you on wheels?

about 135, not particularly hard on wheels, but dirt and gravel roads can be...

[pinoymamba]

I heard those h+son wheels have issues with the braking surface?

[one60]

I have a set of kinlin xr-270 laced to WI hubs with db sapim spokes which I use for SS cx racing & gravel rides. These rims are (almost/somewhat aero) 27mm in profile and build up a very strong wheel. I weigh in at 155-160. Available in colors to boot

[GRAVELBIKE]

There's an offset DT rim that's supposed to be very nice. The name/model # escapes me at the moment, though.

I've been very pleased with my A23s. Just picked up my Archetype/BHS wheels from Vecchio's, and am really looking to see how they compare to the Velocitys.

The Pacenti rims sound/look interesting.

[JAGI410]

I came in to suggest the A23, but that Pacenti SL23 looks impressive!

[mcteague]

There's an offset DT rim that's supposed to be very nice. The name/model # escapes me at the moment, though.

I've been very pleased with my A23s. Just picked up my Archetype/BHS wheels from Vecchio's, and am really looking to see how they compare to the Velocitys.

The Pacenti rims sound/look interesting.

http://www.dtswiss.com/Components/Rims-Road/RR-440-asymmetric

Tim

[EDS]

I heard those h+son wheels have issues with the braking surface?

Interesting. I have a set and have not yet had an "issue" yet. What is the issue the rims have been having?

[Lovetoclimb]

Been putting hard miles on road and cross bikes on my Velocity A23 wheelsets that I built. While I have had to re-true spokes due to less than excellent wheel-building technique, the rims are top notch. At $40-50/rim hard to beat. I used Campy hubs and DT spokes, comps and revs. Probably one of the best wheelsets for me at 165 lbs and riding a lot of gravel. Slap Vittoria Paves on there and, what is that they say around here . . . someone is your uncle???

[cachagua]

I am about to build my new season's wheels too, and I'm considering all the rims mentioned above.

Because I am an ancient, out-of-touch, crusty old geezer, I like silver rims. Which of these can I get in silver? (So far, the only ones I know about are the box-section H+Sons.)

I'd love to hear any information about availability and where to buy them

[binouye]

The A23 are also available in silver. I just got a wheelset here on the forum, silver A23 laced to silver WI hubs -- classic good looks and seem like nice wheels. I haven't ridden those silver wheels much yet, but the black A23s I've had for 2 years (Velocity Pros) have done well.

[GRAVELBIKE]

I am about to build my new season's wheels too, and I'm considering all the rims mentioned above.

Because I am an ancient, out-of-touch, crusty old geezer, I like silver rims. Which of these can I get in silver? (So far, the only ones I know about are the box-section H+Sons.)

I'd love to hear any information about availability and where to buy them

I've seen photos of silver H+Son Archetype rims. Pacenti also has an eyeletted, box-section rim that's available in silver. Velocity's Synergy is also available in silver.

[Kirk Pacenti]

... Pacenti also has an eyeletted, box-section rim that's available in silver...

As seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9856980@N02/7421054468/in/photostream

Cheers,
KP

[merckx]

As seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9856980@N02/7421054468/in/photostream

Cheers,
KP

What is the actual weight of the PL23 in a 700c?

[Kirk Pacenti]

What is the actual weight of the PL23 in a 700c?

Just weighed 3 of the 32* versions, all came in at 414g.

Cheers,
KP

[ergott]

I've built up PL23s and I've been riding an SL23 since September (over 1000 miles on crappy pavement). I can honestly say that they quality is second to none. The weights are just a bit lighter than the competition though not significantly so. Just enough for bragging rights.

With regards to Ultegra hubs, they are excellent, but 105 hubs are even less expensive and are almost the same thing. If you want to save a few bucks on the hubs get them at put the cash towards some of the better rims mentioned in this thread.

I didn't do a great job demonstrating the mirror finish here, but you get the idea.
http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-rjmrB9m/0/XL/Campagnolo%20PL2303-XL.jpg

The rims are black, not silver like this one.
http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-ztfStKt/0/XL/Prototype%20rim-XL.jpg

[Liv2RideHard]

but Nick, have you considered the Ambrosio Nemesis tubular rims? I run them on my Tommasini with polished Record 9/10/11 hubs and they are so buttery smooth with Veloflex tubulars. They would be the ideal choice for your intended use man...dirt/gravel etc. I will be using them when I do Rouge Roubaix in March. These rims are to be used with those sort of road conditions in mind. We are both on the lighter side weight wise but, they just can't be beat. Plus they are on sale at Competitive Cyclist/Backcountry for $60/e!

Just an idea though I am sure it has crossed your mind...

Guy

[Kirk Pacenti]

but Nick, have you considered the Ambrosio Nemesis tubular rims? I run them on my Tommasini with polished Record 9/10/11 hubs and they are so buttery smooth with Veloflex tubulars. They would be the ideal choice for your intended use man...dirt/gravel etc. I will be using them when I do Rouge Roubaix in March. These rims are to be used with those sort of road conditions in mind. We are both on the lighter side weight wise but, they just can't be beat. Plus they are on sale at Competitive Cyclist/Backcountry for $60/e!

Just an idea though I am sure it has crossed your mind...

Guy

If I were ever to ride tubulars, these would be the ones.

Cheers,
KP

[Kirk Pacenti]

Some more details here:

http://fairwheelbikes.com/cycling-blog/products/2013-rim-roundup.html

http://fairwheelbikes.com/pacenti-sl23-rim-p-5634.html

[christian]

If I were ever to ride tubulars, these would be the ones.It's like paying 50g to pretend to be Ballerini. At least in my mind...

PL23s look amazing.

[oldpotatoe]

as mentioned elsewhere, i have a steel bike being built right now that i will use as a true "all rounder". the main purpose will be a dirt road machine, courses like D2R2, battenkill etc. definitely will use on-road too, and in reality, most long rides are a combination of dirt/paved/gravel.

while the bike is still months and months out, i'm gathering parts slowly to ease the financial blow. i'm pondering wheels on this friday morning.

i'm going to build the wheels, they will definitely be 32spoke clinchers. hubs will almost certainly be ultegra, for low cost, durability and bomb-proof awesomeness. wheels will be built with durability and low maintenance in mind. set it and forget it. i plan on using them for a lot of miles over all sorts of roads. tires will most likely be something in the 28-32 file thread cx typed tire.

spokes and rims are up for discussion, my thoughts:

(1) h+son archetype

i just built a set as my first wheel build, i like them.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vVw5Q90oqc/UPxeztOlPZI/AAAAAAAABEU/izY5eaANZnk/s640/IMG_1245.JPG

(2) h+son tb14

a true box section rim with modern flair. nice finish. wide rim (23mm)

http://suicycle-store.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/TB-14-600.jpg

(3) velocity A23

another wide rim, readily available, can get with offset rear.

http://www.velocitywheels.com/img/prolly%202.jpg

others to be considered??

what about spokes for such a build??

thanks for any insight. again, just pondering wheels here on friday morning, dreaming of warmer weather!

DT 440, OC rear..double butted spokes, 14/15, brass nipps, 3 cross.

I think for a dirt road machine, the rims 'should' be in the 450 gram range..IMHO.

[jim d]

DT 440, OC rear..double butted spokes, 14/15, brass nipps, 3 cross.

I think for a dirt road machine, the rims 'should' be in the 450 gram range..IMHO.

any thoughts on the dt r450 rims? they seem decent at a fair price.

thanks,
j

[oldpotatoe]

any thoughts on the dt r450 rims? they seem decent at a fair price.

thanks,
j

Mavic OpenSport type rim..not bad considering $45 retail. About same as OpenSport..single eyelet, not welded seam.

[oldpotatoe]

Been putting hard miles on road and cross bikes on my Velocity A23 wheelsets that I built. While I have had to re-true spokes due to less than excellent wheel-building technique, the rims are top notch. At $40-50/rim hard to beat. I used Campy hubs and DT spokes, comps and revs. Probably one of the best wheelsets for me at 165 lbs and riding a lot of gravel. Slap Vittoria Paves on there and, what is that they say around here . . . someone is your uncle???

Where did you find A23 at $40-$50? If I may ask.

[ergott]

Here is some more information about the Pacenti SL23.
http://ergottwheels.blogspot.com/

Fairwheel rim review here.
http://fairwheelbikes.com/cycling-blog/products/2013-rim-roundup.html

http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-c3PNpM9/0/XL/IMG_20130205_233500_958-XL.jpg

[nighthawk]

Eric,
is Kirk the only direct source for his rims or are they being distributed in the states at all? Definitely going to be looking at those SL23s for my next set.

[staggerwing]

I like the idea of the SL23's but there does not seem to be a 32h drilling. Am I missing something here?

Yeah, yeah go ahead an try to convince me that 28 spokes are plenty for my beefy, borderline clyde physique. Besides, I have a NOS set of 32h century grey Centaur hubs inbound that need a some nice hoops.

[GRAVELBIKE]

Really looking forward to the SL23s. Do tires mount up similarly to A23s (i.e. you can hear the bead snap into place upon inflation)?

[nighthawk]

I like the idea of the SL23's but there does not seem to be a 32h drilling. Am I missing something here?

Yeah, yeah go ahead an try to convince me that 28 spokes are plenty for my beefy, borderline clyde physique. Besides, I have a NOS set of 32h century grey Centaur hubs inbound that need a some nice hoops.

24, 28 or 32

http://www.bikelugs.com/store/index.php?strWebAction=item_detail&intItemID=434

[ergott]

There are 32 spoke rims.

The tire will make a definitive snap when it locks onto the bead like similar rims.

[staggerwing]

Originally looked at the Fairwheelbikess link which shows 20, 24 and 28 as the options on the SL23. Thought it a bit odd a 32 hole option was not on the list.

[bingomck]

Loving the look of new SL23s...

[jamaris]

I'd say either hed belgium or placenti sl23. Being that Fairwheelsbikes and ergott had a hand in design and also like the placenti 23, I'd go that route. In many opinions, other than mine, smarter people that is, these are some of the go to guys in the market of wheel building.

My next clincher build (whenever that is, on a tubular kick currently) will be the placenti.


If you were inclined to go tubular, I'd say the hed belgian tubular rim is the best out there.

[ergott]

I'll upload nice pictures later.

http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-c3PNpM9/0/X2/IMG_20130205_233500_958-X2.jpg


Shiny new wheel, same old dirty bike.
http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-2h27zNN/0/X2/IMG_20130205_233446_339-X2.jpg

[Joachim]

I'd say either hed belgium or placenti sl23. Being that Fairwheelsbikes and ergott had a hand in design and also like the placenti 23, I'd go that route. In many opinions, other than mine, smarter people that is, these are some of the go to guys in the market of wheel building.

My next clincher build (whenever that is, on a tubular kick currently) will be the placenti.


If you were inclined to go tubular, I'd say the hed belgian tubular rim is the best out there.

Pacenti....

[GRAVELBIKE]

I'd say either hed belgium or placenti sl23. Being that Fairwheelsbikes and ergott had a hand in design and also like the placenti 23, I'd go that route. In many opinions, other than mine, smarter people that is, these are some of the go to guys in the market of wheel building.

My next clincher build (whenever that is, on a tubular kick currently) will be the placenti.


If you were inclined to go tubular, I'd say the hed belgian tubular rim is the best out there.

Sounds messy. :eek:

[crownjewelwl]

Sounds messy. :eek:

have you ever witnessed childbirth??

[GRAVELBIKE]

have you ever witnessed childbirth??

Yes. Twice.

[crownjewelwl]

Yes. Twice.

me2...i wouldnt want to be known as placenti

[FlashUNC]

have you ever witnessed childbirth??

Watched two foals and a calf being born.

Tends to leave an impression on a kid.

[Kirk Pacenti]

I'll upload nice pictures later.

http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-c3PNpM9/0/X2/IMG_20130205_233500_958-X2.jpg


Shiny new wheel, same old dirty bike.
http://ergottwheels.smugmug.com/Sports/Wheels/i-2h27zNN/0/X2/IMG_20130205_233446_339-X2.jpg

Looking good E.

Cheers,
KP

[jamaris]

Sounds messy. :eek:

Whoops. Just found out yesterday that one of my best mates is pregnant. So maybe that was the mistake. We certainly aren't having any more kids....

[nighthawk]

Watched two foals and a calf being born.

Tends to leave an impression on a kid.

When I was a kid I helped my grandfather yank a breech calf out of its mother with a rope tied around its front legs. That was impression bordering on scarred for life.

[bingomck]

When I was a kid I helped my grandfather yank a breech calf out of its mother with a rope tied around its front legs. That was impression bordering on scarred for life.

YES... Pretty sure that would do it.