Originally Posted by
Rons
Is anyone running Mavic Open Pro rims with Mavic hubs? My LBS mentioned he sells this combo already pre-built . I didn't get too far into the conversation but was wondering what kind of price and durability this wheel combo has. I'm thinking 28 spoke with 3 cross. I weigh 215 right now. Thanks for any info.
Open pros are shallow box section rims that are inherently (beam stiffness is proportional to the cube of depth) less rigid and therefore easier to bend than deeper rims.
They're fine for a 170 pound rider but arguably insufficient for Clydestales.
I doubt I got a year out of my rear Reflex Clincher sharing the dimensions but using less metal (an actual 400g versus 435g for the Open Pro) at 150 pounds. The front was good for 12-13 years at up to 170 pounds but bent when I rode it after breaking my leg and exceeding 200 pounds.
Otherwise they're OK for what they are (build with uniform tension, eyelets so nipples turn smoothly, a deep enough depression at the center tires aren't hard to mount) but a bit pricey ($75 vs. $40-$50 for a Kinlin or Velocity rim).
I'm not a big fan of the Kinlins XR270 - the center depression is almost not existent (as in if you put a Velox rim tape on the first bead of a Continental GP 4 Season won't move. Veloplugs make the rims tight but usable) and ERD varies a lot - and merely mention price for comparison purposes.