View Full Version : Help me choose new wheels please
Mzilliox
01-22-2016, 10:30 AM
Hey all,
In the past i have just ridden whatever wheels came with whatever bike, but now im buying frames and building up bikes, and i can be more picky on wheel choice. the thing is... there's a lot of choices out there. How does one choose one wheelset over another? Im a small guy, 5'9 or 5'10 and 150lbs. probably looking for 24/28 or 28/28?
We have some guys here who build, like oldpotatoe and pacenti, ergott and more. then there's a good used market.
I'm looking for a sort of all rounder clincher set. My best wheelset is a DT build, 350hubs on 440 rims with DT spokes 32/32 for Campy 10speed. Nice wheels, but i want another set to switch among bikes. Prefer to stay away from open pros at this point...
What suggestions? Budget is lets say $600ish. Campy 10 speed cassettes
Front runners for rims are H Son Plus, Pacenti, DT, Hed.
Hubs DT, WI, Pacenti, Campy, I'm open...
Maybe just link me to a classified add and say buy this one idiot... that would help.
Seriously, too many good choices out there... help me choose
bloody sunday
01-22-2016, 10:35 AM
I would go with HED Belgiums with CK classics or DT240s
I think some belgiums were on here recently - do a search
stien
01-22-2016, 10:37 AM
Huge fan of HED rims here. I ride Jet 6s all the time - just not in rain. They fill up! You can get a super deal on the 6+ at Competitive Cyclist now. I think 900, then 10% off with a coupon, then 10% off with Active Junky. That's a hell of a deal.
chiasticon
01-22-2016, 11:05 AM
Huge fan of HED rims here. I ride Jet 6s all the time - just not in rain. They fill up! You can get a super deal on the 6+ at Competitive Cyclist now. I think 900, then 10% off with a coupon, then 10% off with Active Junky. That's a hell of a deal.CC doesn't let you discount already discounted items. at least not with the current sale. would love it if I'm wrong though!
OP, there's a classified ad with sl23's and CK hubs, laced with cx rays and built by ergott. buy those, idiot! :banana:
they're a little over your budget, but they're BALLER wheels and a steal at that price! http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180623&highlight=pacenti
Formulasaab
01-22-2016, 11:12 AM
After working at a shop all summer I've lost any desire to own Chris King hubs. They seem to require much more maintenance than any other hub we dealt with. If you enjoy that part of bike ownership, cool. But if you want something less demanding there are many other good choices.
My favorite for the last several years has been White Industries. The shop prefers DT Swiss but while they are super reliable and offer great performance, I want more color options than they offer (all of 1). However, on the last build I did for myself I used Onyx hubs. I can't speak to reliability or durability yet, but they sure do roll nice and DEAD QUIET, which I love. I really can't stand noisy freewheels.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mzilliox
01-22-2016, 11:13 AM
CC doesn't let you discount already discounted items. at least not with the current sale. would love it if I'm wrong though!
OP, there's a classified ad with sl23's and CK hubs, laced with cx rays and built by ergott. buy those, idiot! :banana:
they're a little over your budget, but they're BALLER wheels and a steal at that price! http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180623&highlight=pacenti
Thanks for that... I am an idiot sometimes. I am considering those wheels as well as these Heds...
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180635&highlight=hed+belgium
as well as a new Pacenti build taking advantage of his Hub sale. any feeback on Pacenti Hubs?
best
Matt
Mzilliox
01-22-2016, 11:16 AM
After working at a shop all summer I've lost any desire to own Chris King hubs. They seem to require much more maintenance than any other hub we dealt with. If you enjoy that part of bike ownership, cool. But if you want something less demanding there are many other good choices.
My favorite for the last several years has been White Industries. The shop prefers DT Swiss but while they are super reliable and offer great performance, I want more color options than they offer (all of 1). However, on the last build I did for myself I used Onyx hubs. I can't speak to reliability or durability yet, but they sure do roll nice and DEAD QUIET, which I love. I really can't stand noisy freewheels.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks for this feedback... interesting to hear about the CK hubs...
rnhood
01-22-2016, 11:20 AM
If you're going to spend a lot of money on a wheel then be sure it comes with a warranty.
drewellison
01-22-2016, 11:23 AM
I've finally come to the conclusion that for all my bikes from now on I'm only going to get Campy (brand) wheels. I don't have a lot of experience with a wide range of wheels, but I have had Mavics, Neuvation, Velomax, Easton, as well as Campy.
Whether it's bearing adjustment, alignment of cassette (wiggly cassette or derailleur cage nudging the spokes in the lowest gear), flexibility (brake pad rub), all non-Campy wheels I've had always have some sort of issue.
All Campy wheels, whether 32-spoke built wheels, or system wheels, are bullet proof and always work well. I can count on them.
Of course, there are probably many other wheels out there which would perform as well. I just don't have the time nor resources to find them. I'm sticking with Campy.
YMMV.
bloody sunday
01-22-2016, 11:25 AM
After working at a shop all summer I've lost any desire to own Chris King hubs. They seem to require much more maintenance than any other hub we dealt with. If you enjoy that part of bike ownership, cool. But if you want something less demanding there are many other good choices.
My favorite for the last several years has been White Industries. The shop prefers DT Swiss but while they are super reliable and offer great performance, I want more color options than they offer (all of 1). However, on the last build I did for myself I used Onyx hubs. I can't speak to reliability or durability yet, but they sure do roll nice and DEAD QUIET, which I love. I really can't stand noisy freewheels.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
wow, a whole summer?
snowcrash19
01-22-2016, 11:31 AM
You won't find better wheels than these for $400 or less
http://amclassicsales.com/store/index.php/wheels/victory-30-tubeless-pair.html
donevwil
01-22-2016, 11:32 AM
I've finally come to the conclusion that for all my bikes from now on I'm only going to get Campy (brand) wheels. I don't have a lot of experience with a wide range of wheels, but I have had Mavics, Neuvation, Velomax, Easton, as well as Campy.
Whether it's bearing adjustment, alignment of cassette (wiggly cassette or derailleur cage nudging the spokes in the lowest gear), flexibility (brake pad rub), all non-Campy wheels I've had always have some sort of issue.
All Campy wheels, whether 32-spoke built wheels, or system wheels, are bullet proof and always work well. I can count on them.
Of course, there are probably many other wheels out there which would perform as well. I just don't have the time nor resources to find them. I'm sticking with Campy.
YMMV.
I'll second this, until you have specific needs necessitating a custom build I'd give a look at what Campy wheels Ribble has that fit your budget and wants. If you wait for a sale/discount you could probably get a pair of Shamals.
makoti
01-22-2016, 11:34 AM
I have a set of Pancenti SL23's (older version) & WI hubs. These are simply great wheels. I would suggest them without reservation. If you can build, very easy to work with. If not, lots of people will set this up for you. Those wheels mentioned from Ergott would be a mighty fine choice, as well.
Formulasaab
01-22-2016, 11:34 AM
wow, a whole summer?
Yes. Bike mechanic is more of a hobby for me than a profession. However, I needed a job after my previous employer of 13 years decided to consolidate my position. My friend owns the bike shop and needed some good summer help. It was a nice arrangement.
However, sadly, I doubt you actually intended me to to take the literal meaning of the question mark. More likely you were being snide. In that event, I would suggest that even just a single lowly summer is enough to witness a trend given that this particular shop sells more Chris King components than any other in the country, at least according to what the Chris King rep told the shop owner. I have no idea if it is true or if they were just blowing smoke up his shorts.
dave thompson
01-22-2016, 11:39 AM
If you're going to spend a lot of money on a wheel then be sure it comes with a warranty.
...and skewers. :D
chiasticon
01-22-2016, 11:39 AM
fwiw, I haven't had issues with my CK's and I've got six pairs going. one pair I disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed. but only after about 10k miles of riding. they didn't need it, but it was winter and I was bored. haven't touched the others, and they've been cyclocrossed pretty hard with no issues.
bloody sunday
01-22-2016, 11:53 AM
Yes. Bike mechanic is more of a hobby for me than a profession. However, I needed a job after my previous employer of 13 years decided to consolidate my position. My friend owns the bike shop and needed some good summer help. It was a nice arrangement.
However, sadly, I doubt you actually intended me to to take the literal meaning of the question mark. More likely you were being snide. In that event, I would suggest that even just a single lowly summer is enough to witness a trend given that this particular shop sells more Chris King components than any other in the country, at least according to what the Chris King rep told the shop owner. I have no idea if it is true or if they were just blowing smoke up his shorts.
You were right, it was a snide remark - but I'm just giving you a hard time :beer:
You have more experience than me with CK components even if you did only work with them for a summer - what do I know? :D
But, based on my anecdotal evidence, my CK hubs have been nothing but luxurious worry free buzzy miles.
Formulasaab
01-22-2016, 12:05 PM
You were right, it was a snide remark - but I'm just giving you a hard time :beer:
You have more experience than me with CK components even if you did only work with them for a summer - what do I know? :D
But, based on my anecdotal evidence, my CK hubs have been nothing but luxurious worry free buzzy miles.
Cool cool. :beer:
Lots of people love them, obviously. As the saying goes "## of people can't be wrong, can they?" ;)
I can't fault them at all for their finish. They're lovely to be sure. That counts for a lot in my book so they were very attractive to me prior to this past summer.
stien
01-22-2016, 12:10 PM
You are. They come to 899 when added to cart. Use active junky to get them for $809! Considering what I paid for my used regular width Jet 6s a few years ago (more), this is a ridiculous bargain. The jet series is such a good all arounder.
Edit: I was wrong about the originial price in my original post, it starts at 999, not 899. So 809 is what you end up with.
CC doesn't let you discount already discounted items. at least not with the current sale. would love it if I'm wrong though!
Lovetoclimb
01-22-2016, 12:22 PM
I have a set of wheels that may fit your needs and budget, currently sitting unused since being built up.
Specs:
DT 240 hubs (used but good condition)
28h 2x front and rear
Hed Belgium+ rims, tubeless ready if you so desire
Black DT spokes and nipples with 4 white spokes at the valve on each wheel
PM me if you are interesting
bloody sunday
01-22-2016, 12:47 PM
Cool cool. :beer:
Lots of people love them, obviously. As the saying goes "## of people can't be wrong, can they?" ;)
I can't fault them at all for their finish. They're lovely to be sure. That counts for a lot in my book so they were very attractive to me prior to this past summer.
Yeah, I would have a hard time loving them if I had to work on so many of them :D
Lovetoclimb
01-22-2016, 01:13 PM
After working at a shop all summer I've lost any desire to own Chris King hubs. They seem to require much more maintenance than any other hub we dealt with. If you enjoy that part of bike ownership, cool. But if you want something less demanding there are many other good choices.
I wonder if this is due to the fact that their entire inner assemblies are meant to be rebuildable? I have seen a number of CK hubs that were supposedly only ridden for a few seasons of road and cross and sorely in need of service, some that were built into wheels wrong and had bearing issues thereafter, and some that went years without the need for a second thought. Seems like it can vary widely but ultimately they can be all be serviced 100% in about an hour. A very meticulous and labor intensive hour with lots of small parts that can be lost.
I will echo that if color is less important the DT or Campy hubs can't be beat as far as performance and cost balance.
Mzilliox
01-22-2016, 01:19 PM
I have a set of wheels that may fit your needs and budget, currently sitting unused since being built up.
Specs:
DT 240 hubs (used but good condition)
28h 2x front and rear
Hed Belgium+ rims, tubeless ready if you so desire
Black DT spokes and nipples with 4 white spokes at the valve on each wheel
PM me if you are interesting
PM sent
Thanks everyone for the info... wheels are still a mystery to me, only thing to do is ride a few sets and see what i like eh?
chiasticon
01-22-2016, 02:26 PM
You are. They come to 899 when added to cart. Use active junky to get them for $809! Considering what I paid for my used regular width Jet 6s a few years ago (more), this is a ridiculous bargain. The jet series is such a good all arounder.
Edit: I was wrong about the originial price in my original post, it starts at 999, not 899. So 809 is what you end up with.NICE! yeah they generally don't let you do that. sales are always on full priced items only. maybe there's an exception for HED at the moment? or just on those wheels? no idea, but I'm about to go lose an hour combing through their site to see what I can get a deal on...:help:
JasonF
01-22-2016, 02:44 PM
I used to think that Campy Neutrons were the ultimate wheelset and impossible to beat for everyday use. That was until I had Eric (ergott) build me a set of Hed C2's with WI T11 hubs last year.
- TONS easier to mount tires than the Neutrons
- They're lighter than the Neutrons (despite the higher spoke count) and going lighter wasn't even a consideration
- The Hed's are completely bombproof (like Neutrons)
- The handbuilts don't have proprietary spokes like the neutrons.
- They look awesome.
- I like how they handle better than the Neutrons.
Treat yourself to a pair of handbuilts. The upfront cost may be a touch more than your budget, but it's well worth it in the long run.
oldpotatoe
01-22-2016, 03:26 PM
Hey all,
In the past i have just ridden whatever wheels came with whatever bike, but now im buying frames and building up bikes, and i can be more picky on wheel choice. the thing is... there's a lot of choices out there. How does one choose one wheelset over another? Im a small guy, 5'9 or 5'10 and 150lbs. probably looking for 24/28 or 28/28?
We have some guys here who build, like oldpotatoe and pacenti, ergott and more. then there's a good used market.
I'm looking for a sort of all rounder clincher set. My best wheelset is a DT build, 350hubs on 440 rims with DT spokes 32/32 for Campy 10speed. Nice wheels, but i want another set to switch among bikes. Prefer to stay away from open pros at this point...
What suggestions? Budget is lets say $600ish. Campy 10 speed cassettes
Front runners for rims are H Son Plus, Pacenti, DT, Hed.
Hubs DT, WI, Pacenti, Campy, I'm open...
Maybe just link me to a classified add and say buy this one idiot... that would help.
Seriously, too many good choices out there... help me choose
Hard to beat what you have. 8 less spokes(28/28) or 12 less(24/28) is 2 or 3 ounces lighter..trim your nose hair. :D
Other hubs and rims, unless carbon, aren't going to do anything the ones you have, don't do.
All around clincher set..Record, Pacenti(which are WI), DT350 hubs, Pacenti, H+Son, DT rims...all good choices.
_how's THAT for a non-answer!!:D
Mzilliox
01-22-2016, 03:40 PM
Hard to beat what you have. 8 less spokes(28/28) or 12 less(24/28) is 2 or 3 ounces lighter..trim your nose hair. :D
Other hubs and rims, unless carbon, aren't going to do anything the ones you have, don't do.
All around clincher set..Record, Pacenti(which are WI), DT350 hubs, Pacenti, H+Son, DT rims...all good choices.
_how's THAT for a non-answer!!:D
Hey Old Potatoe, I love non answers, they are why i come here!!! I pretty much asked a non question too. :beer:
On a more serious note: Not trying to beat what i have, trying to add to what i have, because i seem to have this issue of trying out new bikes, and its nice to have wheels for all of them! I have 2 frames without wheels right now, thats sad. Plus it would be fun and nice to swap out wheels among different rides so sometimes i have a wheelset with some range on the cassette for climbing, sometimes i have a bomber set for dirt roads, etc etc.
This is paceline, I'm not trying to be practical, I'm trying to be difficult:crap:
also, wheels are something i haven't tried many of yet, I've tried a lot of bikes but I'll be damned if 90 percent of them don't come with 32 hole Mavic Open Pros (nothing wrong here, but did you only date brunettes? )
Crap man, I just discovered how much better Campy 10 speed is than anything else, some of us are a bit slow.
carpediemracing
01-22-2016, 04:33 PM
At 150 lbs, if you want your "nicer" wheels to have some pretense of being more efficient, you can easily go 18/24H, like the factory HED wheelsets. No statements on if they're faster or whatever, for me I like the idea of "just enough" instead of "just in case". I'd rather ride a 18/24 than a 32/36, for example. As an illustration I raced and trained on DV46s for a while, those were 16/20, but they had stronger rims (and I was 180-210 lbs on those). The only time I questioned my choice was when I broke a front wheel spoke in a race. Ended up fine, after about an hour more of racing I contested the field sprint and placed in the money. 45-50 mph descent every 3 miles.
I run factory Bastognes in 18/24 and I never got down to 150 lbs. Typically on those wheels I've been 160-180 lbs. I trued them once since I got them in 2010.
Problem is 18H replacement parts aren't readily available. I'm looking at replacing a set of tubular rims at some point soon and it may be that I just buy new wheels.
I've read that HED hubs get some bearing play or something but it's not something I've experienced.
I'll echo that the nicer Campy wheels I've seen appear to be problem free. I had steel spoke Eurus for forever, only gave them up because I went to very wide tubulars. Never trued them, never nothing, and for at least a year they were my only 10s wheels so I raced on them and trained on them.
cv1966
01-22-2016, 04:44 PM
I have a set of HED/WHite Industries that have been great. I have WI on 3 wheel sets and have never had any issues.
Thanks for that... I am an idiot sometimes. I am considering those wheels as well as these Heds...
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180635&highlight=hed+belgium
as well as a new Pacenti build taking advantage of his Hub sale. any feeback on Pacenti Hubs?
best
Matt
I've had a bad experience with his hubs, defective. I would look elsewhere.
ergott
01-22-2016, 05:20 PM
I've had a bad experience with his hubs, defective. I would look elsewhere.
The road hubs in question are White Industries T11 hubs with a different shell (same flange dimensions, no engraving). I have built up a few pairs.
The road hubs in question are White Industries T11 hubs with a different shell (same flange dimensions, no engraving). I have built up a few pairs.
Too bad mine were not.
RockinTukker
01-23-2016, 01:19 PM
NICE! yeah they generally don't let you do that. sales are always on full priced items only. maybe there's an exception for HED at the moment? or just on those wheels? no idea, but I'm about to go lose an hour combing through their site to see what I can get a deal on...:help:
Don't fail to check out some of the UK-based web-based stores. I bought some Fulcrum Zero wheels from Wiggle last year and paid at least $400 less than what I could find it for here in the US. Friend just bought an entire Ultegra component set and saved similar amounts. Unless you are super patriotic, you cannot afford to take advantage of the strong $ vs. Sterling at the moment.
Mzilliox
01-23-2016, 04:02 PM
CC doesn't let you discount already discounted items. at least not with the current sale. would love it if I'm wrong though!
OP, there's a classified ad with sl23's and CK hubs, laced with cx rays and built by ergott. buy those, idiot! :banana:
they're a little over your budget, but they're BALLER wheels and a steal at that price! http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180623&highlight=pacenti
I bought them, thanks all for your help.
gasman
01-23-2016, 07:55 PM
I'm going to close this as the OP got his wheels. Let me know if they don't work out.
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