dstke

Another follow up to a previous message, we just bent our Velocity Blunt 35 rim (after having two previous Blunt 35 rims crack at the nipple). I tried buying a DT Swiss HX531 but it appears that they no longer sell the 36 hole version in the US. Any alternative recommendations for a strong 36H rim for a tandem? We do a fair amount of gravel rides on our tandem including some rocky trails, although we were on a pretty smooth dirt road when we hit a rocky pothole and bent the current rim. Thanks for your advice and recommendations.

Doug

fooferdoggie 

36 hole is so hard to find anymore.
you have this guy or the cliffhanger.
https://www.velocityusa.com/product/rims/nobs-622

dstke

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered the Cliffhanger. I hope it holds up better than the Blunt35

TobyGadd

I've got an extra wheelset with Cliffhangers on my MTB tandem, and they've been solid so far. It probably goes without saying, but the skill of the wheel-builder is also an important factor in wheel durability and longevity--so choose carefully.

ksisler

Hard to beat a good 48h wheel set for durability.

fooferdoggie 

all the wheelsmiths have talked too have ben telling me with current rims the wheels are far stronger then they used to be. since there are few choices of getting hubs with more hone 32 holes its going to have to be. I need a 148 rear hub and there is nothing in 36 or up spokes. I went to the top wheel smith in portland for my 32 spoke cliffhanger wheel. He knows that rim well and we will see.

Rick

If the Cliff hangers in 36 fail then the andra 40 by ride should be your next choice. If this descent work. You can always order in 48 spoked Phil Wood hubs and get the Cliff hangers in 48 holes

scycheng

We have 48 holed Rhynolite rims laced to Philwoods cassette hub with Sapim single butted spokes. The PW hubs and Sapim spokes are definitely still available. Not so sure about the rim though. Very tough combination though not lightweight by any definition. Well suited for touring. Not for anyone who wants light fast wheels.

Rick

​​​​​​​I purchased a Burley Bongo in 1991. The wheels were not strong enough. I purchased two sets of Phil Wood hubs and built with the 48 holed Rhyno Lite rims. The rims are still available. I still had cracked rims on several occasions. The Tandem and a couple of singles were our only transportation at the time. We hauled our three young children in a heavy two wheeled cart. If you rebuild your wheels I would go with the Velocity Cliff hangers. Those rims are stronger.

scycheng

Our builder gave me a spare RhynoLite rim and spokes in case I need to rebuild the wheels one day. Fortunately, given these are 26" wheels, I won't likely need the spare ever. Knock on wood. :-)

ksisler

36h, 40h, & 48h Rhyno rims can be found by searching on eBay & Amazon. Hope that helps.