gattm99

Hi, if you've got a minute offer me some wheel suggestions.

In 2010 I bought a Ksyrium elite rear, and ksyrium equipe front wheel from catalogs. I think I spent about 350 for the set. At the time I weighed 275. They have been my favorite wheels, the front has never been touched and the rear has had 3 spokes replaced.

In 2014 I was feeling some thumping and found a cracked eyelet on the rear rim. Just for a lark I used carbon tape and patched over the crack effectively binding the spoke into the rim. To my surprise it worked, and I've put probably about 5000 more miles since then.

Near the end of 2015 I could hear some noises coming from the back wheel and some slight thumping. I can't find any cracks but I'm worried that wheel is on it's last leg.

I currently weigh 230 and am trying to loose more weight for the next season.

I can't afford expensive wheels, but I'm interested in buying something to replace the Ksyriums, I'm curious about the new wider and more aero wheels having heard that the Ksyriums have terrible aerodynamics.

I may be able to spend 400 dollars.

Thank You

dr_lha

$400 is a tough price point for wheels. A few hundred more and you can get some really nice wheels.

However, H+Son Archetypes are a great rim, and wide. You can get a pair of quality machine built ones laced to Ultegra hubs for $289:

H Plus Son Archetype Wheelset Shimano Ultegra 6800 hubs 32h [74762] - $289.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

Another suggestion just over the $400 might be these:

AERIS STANDARD PWB SIGNATURE WHEEL SET CUSTOM HANDBUILT BY - prowheelbuilder.com

Muffin Man

Front hub

Rear hub

Spokes

Nipples

Rims

Using 32 spokes for both front and rear wheels, materials come out to around $262 before shipping and tax so you have lots left over to find a reputable wheelbuilder.

Cheap, light, and strong.

dtrain

bdop kit plus a local builder?

eric1971

For a little more you could swing something from Boyd or Williams.

2016 Rouleur Alloy Clincher - Boyd Cycling

Williams System 30 Alloy Clincher Wheelset

dr_lha

Do you have a reputable wheelbuilder who will accept a bunch of internet bought parts dumped in front of him?

I don't.

gattm99

Thanks for the feedback!!!

My Dad has H+ rims and really likes them but I think they are kind of heavy. He's also had a set of Boyd wheels that broke a rear spokes constantly.


I can build wheels if given the correct spokes, I've got access to a tension gauge and I own a truing stand. I mainly replace broken hubs and rims on my mountain bikes. I've been under the impression that home built wheels with 32 regular spokes and rims wasn't cool anymore LOL. I've actually got a set of open pros with dura ace hubs on my other bike.

Muffin Man, thanks for the links, I'm strongly thinking about homebrew now. I really don't need 32 spokes in the front though. I've been mountain biking with some wheels with 24 front spokes for a while now. I like having 32 in the back though. The most difficult part will be getting correct length spokes.

superdex

start here?

Damon Rinard's free spoke length calculator

gattm99

just looked up bdop kits, that could be just what I'm looking for.

Sy Reene

In another current what-wheel thread, someone linked these -- in your price range and wider width. Can speak to weight limit rating. Spoke count isn't everything (in fact I'm not sure it tells you much at all), though I think compared to Ksyrium Elites they have about 8 spokes more in front and rear each..
Kinlin XR-22T Aivee Wheelset - Fair Wheel Bikes

mooder

Having build wheel from bdop, I *highly* suggest you to buy a spoke tension meter. Or go to a local bike shop and ask them to true your wheel and specify the spoke tension you want.
I had some experience with truing wheels but the tension meter will give you a *near* exact reference point and make the whole process much more precise. While building the wheel, I had serious doubt of my capacity but once it was properly trued, I was amazed how true they were and great to ride. I bought the park tool one. It wasn't cheap but you will never need to pay for some one to do it. You also need a truing stand and a spoke wrench.
The process takes some time and patience but for the money saved and the weight, nothing beats it.

Muffin Man

Last time I did this, I laced the wheels myself, and took it to my lbs to get it tensioned and trued. Worked pretty well, a d I got a sub 1400g wheelset for under $600.

noodle soup

i would prefer 279 hoops, but either is a great deal.

Muffin Man

I've used the 279 rims, and they're really nice. I just chose a deeper section because of OP's weight. 279 would probably work as well.

gattm99

ended up going with the BDOP kit and should be getting it soon.

noodle soup

I think you'll be happy.

which kit did you choose, and will you be doing the build?

gattm99

I got the wheel kit II which is KINLIN XR31T and CX-Ray spokes. Wheels built up easily and now I'm working on tension and truing. Looks like information online suggests going four about 15 on the park tool for front and drive side rear. That sound about right?

fietsbob

230 Pounds ? Sun CR 18 , 32 hole 3 cross 14-15 DB spokes .. can your frame take a 32 wide tire?.

assume Shimano Drive train so a Shimano Hub. mid price say 1 notch below 105 will be fine.

Jiggle

Good work my friend. Few are able to take the goodly advice of bikeforums as you have and convert into a tangible improvement in personal weal.

Inpd

Hi

Vuelta make a HD line of wheel sets for heavier riders. Most have good reviews and are under $400.

Drew Eckhardt 

I do. He shares a bedroom with my wife.

Building wheels is easier than adjusting front derailleurs, although with tens of nipples to turn takes a lot longer.

You'll take a lot longer than some one good who does it professionally but can achieve the same results.

cicatrize

The Vuelta Corsa Lites are at an incredible price point, and interestingly enough, you can find them for ~$200 on sale sometimes ($207 at nashbar right now after 20% disc): Vuelta Corsa Lite Road Wheelset


They're under 1600g and they're tough wheels. I weigh 200 lbs and have no issues on them, but I'm not sure if 230 is stretching it or not.

noodle soup

Sounds about right.

Hiro11

Lots of great advice here. I was going to suggest 32 hole rims, three cross straight gauge spokes with Ultegra hubs.