I am looking for some recommends on some reasonably cheap wheels I can use for training / club racing, maybe the odd local crit.
I have had terrible experiences with Easton EA50 (the fu&*ers are too big to get tyres on and off without blood and tears, and rear spokes started breaking on first ride (8km into a 4 day stage race in Belgium)
Last year I got Mavic Aksium 2010, and the front wheel folded on me like a banana after a club race. Just an audible groaning sound, then it was totally out of shape, with no broken spokes. The rear wheel started breaking spokes a few months later. I had 2008 aksiums that lasted for years, and I pounded them over cobblestones in Belgium (I rode elite a few yrs back) with no issues whatsoever - but those new "blade" spokes? Useless.
I am just looking for a simple, reliable wheel. I don't need anything aero or super lightweight, as my main concern is reliability, and not needing to get them repaired all the time. This year I am only planning to ride april - september 2 x club races a week, 2 x training if weather is good, and with work etc i can't be bothered too much with ar*ing about with equipment.
anyone have any advice?
BTW I am 73 kilos.
I have had terrible experiences with Easton EA50 (the fu&*ers are too big to get tyres on and off without blood and tears, and rear spokes started breaking on first ride (8km into a 4 day stage race in Belgium)
Last year I got Mavic Aksium 2010, and the front wheel folded on me like a banana after a club race. Just an audible groaning sound, then it was totally out of shape, with no broken spokes. The rear wheel started breaking spokes a few months later. I had 2008 aksiums that lasted for years, and I pounded them over cobblestones in Belgium (I rode elite a few yrs back) with no issues whatsoever - but those new "blade" spokes? Useless.
I am just looking for a simple, reliable wheel. I don't need anything aero or super lightweight, as my main concern is reliability, and not needing to get them repaired all the time. This year I am only planning to ride april - september 2 x club races a week, 2 x training if weather is good, and with work etc i can't be bothered too much with ar*ing about with equipment.
anyone have any advice?
BTW I am 73 kilos.