twowheelies

Hello all,

Asking for a little help with selecting a replacement wheel for my ca. 2003 Bianchi san lorenzo with dura ace group. Hit a pretty hard bump on a weird road feature on a bridge (dont ask), and my rear wheel is basically trashed. Bought the bike on craigslist, came with Bontrager "RHL elite" in the rear - which must be pretty old, i can't find even a reference to it online:

(I tried to post a photo here but i'm not allowed yet)

So the question is, what do i replace them with? Obviously I need something that is very durable, but i have also gotten used to the speed of the wheels. Is there an equivalent Bontrager made now that is more durable? or should I go to another brand? and I only paid $400 for the bike to begin with, so cost is a factor too.

If i go to say a mavic aksium, will that be more durable? or is that too much of a downgrade? Is there a wheel that will give me extreme durability that performs reasonably well, that won't break the bank? what is gernally considered the most bulletproof rim, in terms of withstanding impacts? I'd like to stay with tubes for now.

i have a newer bontrage race wheel on the front. it's not in perfect condition but its fine for now.

I ride about 100 miles a week on NY city roads and bike paths, and weigh about 210.

thanks for the help, much appreciated.

-Joe

mcours2006

The Aksiums are pretty bombproof, if a bit on the heavy side. I've got over 20,000 km on the current pair, and still going well. Mind you, I'm a relative lightweight.

datlas 

If front wheel is fine, just get a new rear.

edit: given your weight, you may want to get a rear wheel with 32 or even 36 spokes for durability.

BengalCat

Go to the www.trekbikes.com website. (Trek and Bontrager or synonymous.) Click on the equipment link at the top and choose wheels. They offer a wide selection of quality wheels, both alloy, and carbon that you can check out.

bpcyclist

I am not sure what the weight situation is with that bike, but the Aksiums are a pretty darn sturdy wheel overall, in my experience with them. That said, they certainly are not light.

jfranci3

This is probably the cheapest brandname wheelset of the market - https://amzn.to/2uy4PtT
If you go to your local bike store, they may be able to order your a stock wheel off a bike for a little cheaper. You won't save much by buying just the rear new.

big john

You could try and find a competent wheel builder in your area and have him lace a new rim onto your hub. A good builder will know what to do regarding your weight.
Another alternative is contact psimet about this, he is a member here at BF.

I think that bike came with Ksyrium wheels originally.