Wheelset choice - opinions needed

[fa63]

Let's say I have around $900 to spend on a new wheelset. Do I choose:

- Lightly used Reynolds 46 rims (with the swirl lip generator, but not the current "wide" version) with WI T11 hubs?
- New custom wheelset built around Pacenti SL23 rims / WI T11 hubs?

Opinions welcome.

Thanks!

[Louis]

What will they be on, and for what type of riding?

[fa63]

Good point; they will be on this:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/20131109_172625_zps5abd384a.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/fikretatalay/media/20131109_172625_zps5abd384a.jpg.html)

Mostly group rides (which are not so fast).

[Gummee]

None of the above. If you're not going fast, why bother with the deep aero profile?

More questioning: what's 'wrong' with the current wheelset that you're trying to fix? :ear

M

[fa63]

Why else do most go for aero wheels, for vanity of course.

There is nothing wrong with the current wheels, just want to upgrade and stimulate the economy :)

[kramnnim]

Get the Reynolds!

[thirdgenbird]

Split the difference with archetypes laced to t11s?

If I were in your shoes, I would look at tb14s laced to record hubs but that's not aero :)

[merckx]

If you get carbon wheels you will loath changing out brake pads when you switch back to alloy wheels. If you go in the direction of the Pacenti rimed wheels, you will discover that they are not any different than what you currently have. Maybe a pair of Bullets or Cosmic SL's will scratch your itch.

[Louis]

The following is all opinion, and not based on any real knowledge or science:

To my layman's eye 23mm rims + 25mm tires look way too fat for a front tire on a bike that's to be used on decent quality paved roads. On the rear they look OK. (based on personal experience on my bike)

I think 46mm is pretty deep for run of the mill group rides. (based on looking at pictures on the forum, and the "vibe" typically felt on not-so-fast group rides.

[guyintense]

In both the options you mentioned you used WI hubs.
Not a fan of the Chris King R45s?

[fa63]

Well, the Reynolds already come laced to the WI hubs so no choice there. That said, I prefer the WI hubs to the CK R45 anyways.

[Louis]

I've never used the CK's, but all the WI hubs I've used have been great.

(caveat: I haven't yet had to adjust the bearing preload on any of mine, which apparently is easy to do, but with the grub screw system they use, doesn't seem to be the ideal approach)

[HugoBear]

Nice bike. I think I saw some Reynolds like the ones you describe and they look great. I have a set of DV46's and I love them. Zero problems. I rock them on my Strong TI and took the stickers off and get a lot of compliments on them. Mine are the cheap ones with supposedly crappy hubs, yours will be much better.

[tiretrax]

Since it's in your budget, I'd go new.

[fa63]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I should also mention; I have another bike that I use for the more leisurely rides and I tend to go to the Seven for the faster rides (faster being relative, of course). This is the other bike:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/P7310074_zps721cd404.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/fikretatalay/media/P7310074_zps721cd404.jpg.html)

[guyintense]

I'm a big fan of White Industries hubs, they're my second favorite hub.

[HugoBear]

Wow, nice Zanc!

[tv_vt]

You got the Zanc off of VSalon, yes? That's a beauty!

Wheels? If you want some blingy looking aero wheels, why not Mavic Cosmic, with alloy brake track?

Or Dura Ace 7850 or 9000?

Or stick with the handbuilts W/I & whatever rims.

[dnades]

It looks like you've already got some shallow aluminum rimmed wheels so I'd probably go with the reynolds just to check it out. If you find they don't float your boat you can always sell them again and get your money back or close to it. The SL23s are nice though(I've got a set laced up to some Tune hubs) and I much prefer the wider aluminum rims over the traditionally narrower style in general.

[FlashUNC]

Record Hubs (since it looks like you're a man of taste and distinction using the bits from Vicenza), HED C2 Belgiums.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.

[josephr]

DT Swiss R23. Light. Smooth. Quiet. Strong. Good lookin.

[zap]

Zonda's.

Done

[Idris Icabod]

I think my Neutron Ultra are my mostest favouritest wheels. You should get some of those!

[Gummee]

Split the difference with archetypes laced to t11s?

If I were in your shoes, I would look at tb14s laced to record hubs but that's not aero :)
That reminds me... I need to build up that set of rims I ordered here 'soon.'

TB-14s in 28/32. I'd planned on using the hubs/spokes from my Hugi/Matrix set, but I may hold out for some Ambrosios for that wheelset...

M

[tribarbet]

Another option could be Flo 30's or Boyd's. Both of them you can get them new for under $900. You'll get new wheels and with warranty. I have the Flo 30's and they are great.

[thunderworks]

I laced some DT 440 rims to White Industry hubs and think they are really beautiful wheels. Not aero. Not carbon. But really lovely traditional wheels. Relatively light and so far, really durable and easy to maintain. I built them (28 hole front, 32 hole rear) 2X on the front and 3X on the rear. I have 3 bikes I ride in rotation. One has Mavic Ksyrium SL (K10 model). One has Zipp 303 clinchers, and one has the WI/Dt wheels. I think the WI/Dt wheels are noticeably more comfortable. I like the polished silver hubs visually, but FWIW, White Industries is starting to offer anodized hubs in colors ala King.

[fa63]

Thanks everyone.

I ended up going with the Reynolds / WI T11 combo. If I am not going to be fast, might as well look good going slow! I will post a picture when I put them on.