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Needing some new wheels for commuter, and thinking I might also 'need' some newies for my good bike.
Commuter: something robust, not too heavy, not flash (don't want them nicked), reasonably cheap.
Roadie: been looking at Ksyrium Equipes/Elites which are well reviewed - but maybe expensive compared to alternatives?
Any recommendations?
Cheers.
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have a look at Sport Pursuit - they're doing some good deals on Ambrosio Wheels at the moment.
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sfinnie
Ive been looking at the exact same thing (although I only rarely use them for commuting and would be Sunday best more often). Ive started leaning towards handbuilts for this reason. Looking at Hope pro 3's on HPlus Archetypes or maybe stretch to DT Swiss hubs. Will be interested to see what other says.
Novatec on some carbon rims! Much more exciting than Ksyrium Elites etc.
Lots of people like novatech hubs (Mr_Ride or Sokin on ebay, or Planet-X), very light (288g/pair for ~£60).
I built mine into Stans alpha 340's with DT Rev spokes, TBH they're not as stiff as I'd have liked, doing it again I'd have used DT comp's and stiffer rims like DT R450.
I'd have liked carbon rims but
a) I'm a fat biffer
b) I'm a fat biffer
c) I'm not 100% convinced of cheep wheels braking ability, I'm happy they're probably built strong enough, less convinced about the brake tracks not melting/bubbling/delaminating/other. Same with expensive carbon, but I cant afford them anyway!
I built some wheels with those Mr_ride hubs for my commuter, Halo Aerorage rims, 24/32 ACI DB spokes. They weight about 1550g, look plain, and seem stiff enough for me.
Prob would have got some Planet-x/Superstar ones had i not built some.
I have had hope/cx ray/ h plus sons archetype built up recently and they are really nice. I wanted something quality that can take a lot of miles and they seem to hit the spot. They have already taken quite a few hits from potholes and are still almost perfectly round.
Im going off factory built wheels except for aero duties, the are fine but replacing rims and spokes can be a bit of a pain/pricey. Having said that the ultergra tubeless and dura ace carbon laminate were ok I guess.
Thanks all. Hadn't considered the custom-built route: that's a whole other world of research opened up!
@wwaswas: shimano hub rears already sold out by the time I got there 🙁 Thanks for the tip though, Icebreaker Merino base layer @50% off too hard to resist...).
ah, sorry to wave a carrot and then snatch it away - I bought a pair on Firday and didn't check availability today 🙁
Velocity A23 on Miche hubs RG" or primato hubs. Use the A23 off centre rim on the rear for better tension balance. The miche hub is alot heavier than the Novatec lightweight hubs and as good as these hubs are the Miche hubs are jst more durable and that is what is most important I think in a commutor. Use Sapim Laser spokes front and NDS rear and Sapim Race spokes DS rear. Spoke count will depend on your weight. If you use panniers then Laser spokes on the rear are a not a good idea so use race spokes instead.
This would be a robust wheelset.
Slightly confused. Are you asking about two wheel sets or one wheel which could do both?
Anyway my thought would be handbuilt if looking forba do both set. I have Mavic Open Pro ceramic on Ultegra hubs which I use for commuting and leisure riding. Boring but reliable...
For the Sunday best wheels what about the carbon ones on Planet-X? I always think they look good for the £400 per pair.
Carbon wheels are not for commting imo. The OP wants a wheel that is good for commuting and is suiltable for sunday rides.
Mavic OP's on ultegra hubs is a classic training wheelset. However the braking surface on the OP rim is too thin to make it the best choice for a commutor rim. Proper commuting takes place in all weathers and that wears rims. I am sre many se it but those that do will get longer rim life buy using a Velocity A23, DT Swiss RR465 or another rim with a thicker braking surface. The OP is light for a reason, remember it is doble eyeleted too and brass eyeletes are heavy, that does not leave a lot of mass for the braking surface.
if you want a commuting rim, get a handbuilt open sport/pro or similar on whatever hub you can get. Spares are easy to get the wheels are pretty bombproof. There are fairly light, etc. Nothing fancy nothing with questionable spares availability. Do not get anything too light as the rims will wear out very quickly.
Hope do some wheels on open pro rims. I'm very happy with mine.
Open Pro for commuting (mine are on track hubs with Sapim spokes) and Ksyrium Elites for road. The Elites are lovely and mine were bought used. I'm light and they don't flex.
Thanks all. Am looking for 2 pairs, one for commuting and one Sunday best. Will look at Open Pro build for commute and either planet X carbons or bespoke build for Sundays. Thanks for all suggestions.