Bombproof commuting wheels?

[trinitys_mate]

Does anyone have any recommendations for some very strong wheels for my commute bike (Specialized Tricross)? I have been using Mavic Aksium's since I had this bike about 4 years ago. They are not too bad a price and seem pretty good. Problem is I still get through about 3 wheels a year - yes I'm a tank compared to the average cyclist (around 16st) and the roads in Staffordshire barely have any tarmac left on them Weight is not something Im too bothered about as me and the bike are rather heavy, just want something as reliable as possible and something that I can get off the shelf is poss.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Does anyone have any recommendations for some very strong wheels for my commute bike (Specialized Tricross)? I have been using Mavic Aksium's since I had this bike about 4 years ago. They are not too bad a price and seem pretty good. Problem is I still get through about 3 wheels a year - yes I'm a tank compared to the average cyclist (around 16st) and the roads in Staffordshire barely have any tarmac left on them Weight is not something Im too bothered about as me and the bike are rather heavy, just want something as reliable as possible and something that I can get off the shelf is poss.

Search thru some decent bike shops and find a decent wheelbuilder who can design a wheelset specifically for you and your needs. Wheelsouttaboxes are designed for the middle of the bell curve, not somebody 16 stone.

Hubs from shimano, 'trekking' rims from DT, Velocity or Mavic.

 

[bc_hills]

I'm just repeating bustedknuckle here but I just got a pair of Mavic A719's with Shimano Deore LX hubs. Indestructible comes to mind. And these were off the shelf; my LBS said he couldn't build them as cheap as he could tune and sell them to me out of a box.

 

[Hawkwood]

Ambrosio hubs and rims hand-built. Hit a shocker of a pothole using these, so bad it rattled my fillings and my mates thought my steerer tube had broken, but not even the slightest wobble on the rims.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

I'm just repeating bustedknuckle here but I just got a pair of Mavic A719's with Shimano Deore LX hubs. Indestructible comes to mind. And these were off the shelf; my LBS said he couldn't build them as cheap as he could tune and sell them to me out of a box.

Those came from a distributor that has a wheel building program where shop owners can spec what parts they want for certain customers, not a stock wheel set from a mfg like an Aksium.

 

[Boeing]

build a set or have them built as the experts say here.

I dont see a factory wheel I would commute on.

Velocity rims and 105 hubs is a place to start

 

[bc_hills]

Those came from a distributor that has a wheel building program where shop owners can spec what parts they want for certain customers, not a stock wheel set from a mfg like an Aksium.

Certain cutomers? Which ones, the OCD ones that sweat over details like a 172.5 vs a 170 crankarm length as if they were NASA scientists preparing for a shuttle launch? The ones that show up with gear ratio tables to pick a new cassette? Not that I know anyone like that.

 

[gregod]

...- yes I'm a tank compared to the average cyclist (around 16st) and the roads in Staffordshire barely have any tarmac left on them ...

try a pair of campag khamsins. they are super cheap (about 100 pounds?) and no matter how hard i try, i can't break them. although i am about six stone lighter than you, i think they would give you a couple of years of trouble-free riding. i have used a pair without doing any maintenance through all kinds of weather and they are still smooth and true.

 

[lostintime]

Off the shelf? Nah . Find a competent dedicated wheelbuilder , one who makes them that "stand"(no tuning required after they're built). I've had a set of 36h Mavic A719 and T519 rims(24.6mm wide) hand built with Phil Wood hubs and have never needed to touch them, that's why I'm willing to pay a dedicated professional. Few shops, if any employ such people... they often work for themselves. I've had many a wheel built by in house wheelbuilders that claim greatness, but are not. It wasn't until I went to a independent professional did i get the wheels I wanted. . .. strong ... and made to stand. If a shop or wheelbuilder says you need to come in to get your wheels tuned after riding them awhile ... they don't build wheels that stand . . . I run from these people!

Also, make sure you use adequate tires.... for your weight a 35-38mm tire(or wider if you like). I ride daily on 45mm tires and love them, my roads are crappola too. There's no substitute for larger tires on such roads.

I'm not one to cheap out on hubs, as I look at wheel as a single unit once it's built. A wheel overall is only as good as the cheapest component you choose. . . so don't cheap out. I'm a fan of cartridge bearing hubs because the bearings are easily replaced. Shimano hubs, I won't touch... here we are in 2011 and they are still using cups and cones .... C' mon! To each their own though.

It pays to invest in the best wheel parts you can find.. . . built by the best hands you can find. I value my wheels as much, if not more, than my frames.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Certain cutomers? Which ones, the OCD ones that sweat over details like a 172.5 vs a 170 crankarm length as if they were NASA scientists preparing for a shuttle launch? The ones that show up with gear ratio tables to pick a new cassette? Not that I know anyone like that.

How about a range of customers?

 

[trinitys_mate]

The reason I was preferring off the shelf was so that I could get them asap from my local shop (Brian Rourke Cycles).

 

[Bustedknuckle]

The reason I was preferring off the shelf was so that I could get them asap from my local shop (Brian Rourke Cycles).

Of the shelf are not really designed for somebody that weighs 16 stone or about 225 pounds. They are designed for those in the middle of the bell curve in the 175 pound range. So, don't expect them to be as reliable as something designed for you. The boys at Brian Rourke can't build wheels?

 

[trinitys_mate]

Yes Brian is known as a good wheel builder - just off the shelf means no time waiting - which is a major thing when you consider its my work bike!

 

[Notso Swift]

balance that with down time for re-true, broken spokes...

I use to weigh about 100kg, which is 220lbs, and my training wheels held up pretty well, Reynolds Solitude, however, I am not sure if the design is the same as 4 years ago. Pretty sure the hubs have changed on the cheaper wheels. (use to be DT240's, which is tha same as my DVT's)
THey say no weight limit on Reynolds wheels and I have personally had a good experiance with both the trainers and race wheels and I am now 90kg - about 200lbs
(I am a 195cm/6'4"+ sprinter with a 1500+W peak threshold, BTW, so in no way fat and a good power to test the wheels)

 

[hughmoore]

Im 100kg and use Fulcrum 7's, very solid, have remained true for over a year that i have had them and still perfect.


Hugh

 

[trinitys_mate]

Spoke to Brian yesterday about getting some replacements, I mentioned what you guys said here and he agreed that in know way should I be commuting on Askiums. I mentioned the A179 recommendations and he agree they would be a good choice for me to commute on along with some hope hubs, I don't really know them but he said they are really strong Brian showed me the A179s and they are beasts - heavy but I don't really mind that as long as I last. He said off the top of his head about £350 for the set?

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Spoke to Brian yesterday about getting some replacements, I mentioned what you guys said here and he agreed that in know way should I be commuting on Askiums. I mentioned the A179 recommendations and he agree they would be a good choice for me to commute on along with some hope hubs, I don't really know them but he said they are really strong Brian showed me the A179s and they are beasts - heavy but I don't really mind that as long as I last. He said off the top of his head about £350 for the set?

I would look at shimano 105 or Ultegra hubs. Outboard axle support, very well sealed, very servicable and cheaper than Hope hubs. 36 front and rear, DT Comp spokes, 3 cross, brass nipps on those rims..bobs yer uncle.