Wheelset suggestions?

[Cdngrl]

Looking to replace the Shimano wheelset that came with my 2010 Cannondale Synapse. $600-$2000 depending on what my research tells me. These will move to a new frame i'm buying in the next year or two. I'm against spending less only to spend the rest of the item's lifespan wishing I'd spent more but don't want to overspend either...

I live in Denver and for the most part my rides are 60-100 miles combination of flat and steep climbs. Looking for all round wheelset. Love speed, 110lbs and hate crosswind, and don't want a super stiff ride. Thoughts? Where did you start? How did you decide?

[Wahine]

Hi Cdngrl. welcome to the forum!!

We had a lengthy discussion about the value of custom wheel builds here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=48273&highlight=wheel+upgrade).

Rubylvr ended up getting a custom set built and here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=48441&highlight=wheel+upgrade) are her comments.

My BF owns and operates GVH Bikes (http://www.gvhbikes.com/wheels.html) and I know that he has built many a beautiful wheelset for $600. In your case, hating cross winds, a custom wheel build would be a great way to go. A lot of nice production wheels come with deeper rims that can be a handful in cross winds.

[Cdngrl]

Thanks Wahine! I must have missed that thread. Who knew trying to spend money was so complicated? Can you really rent or try out wheel sets? That would really help me decide how much to spend.

[Kathi]

My wheelbuilder is in Broomfield and I highly recommend him. He was recommended to me on the Serotta forum. The wheels are not fancy, but they are very durable. He also builds and sells his own hubs. I have toured some pretty rough roads on my wheels and they make the roads feel almost like glass. Close to 14,000 miles without issues. My SO also has his wheels. On our last tour the flange on his front hub broke. He was able to complete the last 20 miles of the tour. Instead of trashing the wheel, the wheelbuilder put on a new hub, at no charge.

I'm a small rider, 105 lbs, and my wheels were built with my weight in mind. You don't get that consideration with factory builds.

My wheelset was in the $600 range but that was 6 yrs ago so prices may have gone up.

[Wahine]

My wheelbuilder is in Broomfield and I highly recommend him. He was recommended to me on the Serotta forum. The wheels are not fancy, but they are very durable. He also builds and sells his own hubs.

This is really cool. Can you give us the name? I'm sure that the BF would be interested in learning more about this.

[Kathi]

This is really cool. Can you give us the name? I'm sure that the BF would be interested in learning more about this.

I'm very happy to give you his information. He's on vacation this week so don't expect a quick reply.

Alchemy Wheel Works
Jeremy Parfitt & Sarah Maxwell
jparamax@yahoo.com
11811 Upham ST
STE 8
Broomfield CO 80020
303.410.4985 or 505.983.4241
888.861.6425 Toll-Free Fax

Website:

http://www.alchemybicycleworks.com/

[Wahine]

Thanks Kathi.