queanda

HI,
I'm looking to swap out the stock wh-r500 shimano's and want to know if generally, anyone had any ideas if , easton or bontragers are better fits,
used bargain options i'm exploring for pairs
ea 90 for 375,
ea 70 for 220
bontrager for 200, they're all 2-3 yr old wheels, i'm a 220 pound guy. THANKS!!

roccobike

I can't tell you about bontragers or easton wheels, but I bought used Mavic Ksyrium Elites ($300) locally. My freind did the same a few months later. Both of us are extremely happy with these wheels. We could feel the difference when accelerating. I would strongly recommend Ksyrium wheelsets such as ES, Elite, SC (but not the Ksyrium Equippe unless you get them for under $150).
EDIT: We both weigh in at around the 185 to 200 lb zone but I have a freind who weighs in at around 240lbs riding Ksyrium wheels, your 220 is NOT a problem for these wheels.

queanda

thanks, I haven't seen too many mavics for sale. I had a 2007 trek 1000, upgraded to 105 with 2005 dura ace wheels and that thing was lightning fast, this bianchi with ultegra and shimano 5500's is significantly slower feeling so i figure better wheels will make a difference

AngryScientist 

wheels for a nirone you say??

urbanknight

Aren't those all low spoke count wheels? At your weight, it's best to get some wheels with at least 32 spokes on them. Most "clydes" I know pop spokes too frequently to use less. However, I know a few people heavier than you who have ridden fewer spokes without issue, so take my advice as you wish.

valleycyclist

I agree. At your weight a 32 spoke wheelset should be considered. You may also like to try a wider rim like Velocity A23.

MegaTom

What is your budget? You can get an good set of custom built wheels from BWW for well under $500. Almost a year ago I had them build a set with Mavic CXP33 rims, Dura-Ace 7900 hubs and DT Comp 2.0/1.8 spokes for about $600-ish. I weigh about 220 now, but was over 240 when I started riding these wheels, and they have been pretty indestructible, yet fast and really smooth rolling to this point. Their prices have come down a bit, and you can save a lot of money from what I have spent by going with an Ultegra or 105 hub for similar quality but higher weight.


--Edit--

Also, I third going with 32 spokes.

revchuck 

My 2009 CAAD9 6 came stock with the same wheels as your Bianchi. I recently replaced them with wheels made of Ultegra hubs, Mavic Open Pro CD rims and somebody's spokes (32/wheel), bought on sale from Performance for $241 shipped. They weigh about the same as the Shimanos according to published weights for each, and seem to ride more smoothly...but that difference may exist only between my ears. No issues in the about 1,000 miles since I got them. I weigh ~200 lbs. I decided to replace the stock wheels after having to have the front hub rebuilt after 4,000 miles.

Another possibility is Mavic CXP-33 rims with the same hubs for greater strength. One company that makes them to order is Colorado Cyclist https://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/display/25350/ and they're ~$400 and up depending on options.

A couple of months ago, Road Bike Action magazine had an article about a wheelset that weighed about 1500 grams and cost about $400. They were pretty impressed with them, but I don't remember if those wheels had a recommended weight limit.

ptle

At 220 pounds, I would focus on getting some durable wheels. Generally, (well) handbuilt wheels will be more durable and last longer. They may cost a bit more, but in my opinion it's worth it. Try to get something with a high spoke count (32/32) for increased durability (and stiffness).

I've heard good things about Open Pro Rims with Ultegra hubs and DT Swiss spokes (32). My friend's commuter bike has got a Open Pro front rim with 105 hubs. He weighs over 250 pounds and commutes daily (he lives car free). He only had to true them once in 3000 miles.

JVoigt

I think these were Vuelta Corsa Superlites.

queanda

sweeeeet wheels, thanks for the pic, love the black crank, i'm going to end up paying more than i ought to

queanda

sadly, the bike consumed most of the $$, Ideally i'd like to spend $250 and top out around $375. $5 or 600 is out for me now.

urbanknight

https://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com...a/prod_26.html

MegaTom

Check the link I posted above. There are several choices for new custom wheels that are well within your budget.

--Edit--

Urbanknight beat me to it:

urbanknight

^ I hadn't even noticed you linked to the whole 232 or less category. All are good choices, and my link was my favorite in that class.

By the way Queanda, you never mentioned why you want to swap wheels. If spokes are breaking, you should hop on one of the sets we're recommending, maybe even 36 spokes in the rear if you can. If it's just cuz, wait while you save enough for a true upgrade.

queanda

actually, that's pretty good advice, I don't have a need for new wheels just aesthetic, however, now i need to think about getting a triple and a bigger cassette, the hills are amazing challenges THanks again!