xfimpg

Hi
I'm a 180 pound rider getting back into cycling as mountain biking and lyme disease don't mix!

I'm going to a Specialized Roubaix SL4 and would like your advice on the best deal wheelsets (aluminum clincher) for a 180 lb endurance rider looking for reliability and strength before weight weenieness. Not crazy about the stock Shimano's, man do they flex.

I used to rock 24/28 spokes on set of Fuzion M1's (Williams Racing) and thought they were great, but weighed 200 lbs back then and maybe that's overkill.

Any suggestions?
I'm not a brand name person so open to anything that will just make the rider more enjoyable.

WhyFi

Budget?

Also, I don't think that going to 180 from 200 is really bumping you down a weight class - 24/28 certainly isn't overkill.

caloso

I was going to recommend Williams 30s. I know a few guys who train and race on them and they are bombproof. I also have been impressed with the Fulcrums that came standard on my Tarmac. They're made by Campy and pretty reasonably priced if you buy them stand alone.

xfimpg

Budget is probably in the $300-400 range, if that makes sense for a weekend endurance warrior.

motosonic

The Shimano Ultegra or RS81's should fit the bill

Sojodave

Fulcrum Racing 3 from Wiggle or Merlin

joejack951

If you aren't into weight weenieness, I'd stay around 24/28 spokes or more depending on your roads. All you really gain with fewer spokes is less weight. Kind of odd that you'd even mention that given the prerequisite of reliability and strength trumping weight.

To be honest I'd start by having the stock wheels properly tensioned and stress relieved and see how much better they feel. As a fellow 180 lb. rider (well, used to be then wasn't then was again and now am not again) the build of a wheel is far more important than any brand name, proprietary hub, bearing configuration, fancy lacing, etc. when it comes to strength and reliability. I've seen very few stock wheels that didn't need some sort of touch up work done. And it's easier and cheaper to do it right away than when you start breaking spokes.

BluFalconActual

Another vote for the Ultegra wheel. I'm 190 and am stationed in a place that has horrendous roads and mine have held up like a champ

jamesdak 

Yep or Campagnolo Zonda's sourced from the UK. I've been riding 3 sets of these at over 190 lbs with no issues.

TXSS

This gets my vote. In college, I was racing on 20/24 wheels and I was 185 lbs. My wheels didn't flex and stayed true. I eventually bought a set of Vuelta Corsa HD's because I hit 220 lbs, even though the 20/24 wheels (Bontrager) were still holding up fine. Now that I'm 175, I could switch back, but the high spoke count actually looks better to me.

OldsCOOL

You've probably made your choice by now but I will give a shout for the Vuelta Corsa Lite's. Very light, 20/24 bladed spokes at 225.00 Nashbar. My weight is as heavy as 185 and 175 currently. I have 4 seasons on them, they are still as new, straight and true.

WalkmanX

Another vote for Corsa Lite. I'm 180 and have done multiple loaded camping trips on them. Still straight and true. Going to be doing Ragbrai on them again this year!

stockae92

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/e...NhdDEwMDA2OA==

Competitive cyclists Easton EA90 SLX, $465 + $30 shipping, 17.5mm internal width rims, 1400g, tubeless ready.

xfimpg

Hey Guys, these are great choices, much appreciated for your feedback and taking time to respond.
Not sure what the final decision is yet, but will be shopping!

FIVE ONE SIX

+1!

i use the Ultegra's for everyday riding, have been for 3 years and about 5,000 miles, and at 230#'s i've had to true them once with not a single issue to date...

Abe_Froman

Honestly...you might try just making sure your current wheels are tensioned properly. That's probably going to affect stiffness and reliability more than anything.

Doge

Great wheel!
I regularly buy those costing more, and that Ultegra is such a great wheel.

Masque

There are many reports of riders your (our) size on these wheels and having no problems. I don't know what spokes they use, but they must be made of adamantium or something similar. I'm nervous on 24/24 with Clyde-friendly spokes and stiffer rims than these!

And yet they persist.

Maybe the best wheelset for the price. Wish they made a disc model with similar magicalness.