Wheels

[aicabsolut]

It'd be really easy to find a place that could service Mavic wheels, and they are pretty bombproof. Plus, if anything happens, they have a no-questions-asked replacement policy (which is insurance you buy at the point of purchase--i.e., not on ebay--and it costs 8% of the price of the wheelset). Of course, to get lightweight wheels it'll cost some $$. I mean, Shimano wheels are bombproof, but until you get at least DuraAce hubs, you are looking at some weight.

The Eastons are lightweight and pretty reliable. The SL's have more spokes (24, I think) than the SLX, so that could give you some more security in case one were to break.

For budget wheels that are pretty durable and light, look into some custom builds or some mixed builds at Performance or Excel where you might get a Shimano/OpenPro combo (not superlight but cheap) or go with lighter rims like DT Swiss. You may have a higher spoke count, but light rims will spin up quickly, and they may be lighter than some affordable Mavic options (but probably not as light as Eastons).

Other than this trip, what would you be using them for? Do you want a high performance race type wheel, or is durability and ease of service the most important but that you want to avoid some low end bricks?

[ridebikeme]

If you are looking to ride xc, are you riding self contained or with a tour group? If you are going self contained, then I would look for something with 32 spokes and perhaps a Mavic or Velocity rim. Mavic wheels are very durable, however if you are in a small town, then there's a good chance that a shop might not have any of their spokes.... if they aren't a Mavic dealer then it will be hard to get replacements. I would be more concerned about durability then weight... if you should break a spoke on a light weight wheel, it affects a larger section of the wheel... and you could potentially be looking for a whole new wheel as opposed to a spoke.

AS someone who rides, tours, and is also a mechanic and wheel builder, my opinion is go for something with more spokes. I have been on the road as a mechanic in a small town, and was unable to find the correct spoke length.... If you insist on lightweight wheels, then carry extra spokes with you.

[SadieKate]

It'd be really easy to find a place that could service Mavic wheels . . .

Something tells me that Austin, Nevada isn't going to be able to help. It's a bit different here in the wild, wild, west where towns are far apart and not very big. It could be hundreds of miles depending on the route.

It never hurts to have a few extra spokes and nipples for your wheels in your luggage. They don't take up much space.

[Fredwina]

Having to wait for specail spokes from mavic - I would recommend finding somebody to custom build you a set of wheels - you really don't give up anything as far as price, strength, or weight - mine got an ran over by a car and they're still true enough that you could leave the brake Q/r on

[mauisher]

Thanks for your replies. To answer your questions above, the ride is fully supported, so I won't be riding with heavy panniers, etc. I cannot take a second set of wheels as back-up, however extra spokes and nipples will be no problem. My current wheels (Easton aka Velomax Ascent II's) have several thousand miles on them and, I hear, are a bit prone to problems, but so far I haven't had any.
From your replies above, it seems like maybe custom wheels...Open Pro or DT Swiss rims with Shimano or Chris King hubs, with moderate spoke counts might be the best.
Also, would you recommend alloy or brass nipples?? Thanks, again

[Fredwina]

I've had absolutely no luck with Mavic products( I pulled a spoke out of "bulletproof" Kysrium Elite. Twice), but I've had no problems with Velocity rims. but my clothing has a "W" after the size
But listen to what your wheelbuilder recommends.

[indysteel]

You could go with the custom build that SadieKate and a number of other TEers have gone with (including me): Velocity Aerohead rims, White Industries H1 hubs, and Sapim double butted spokes. They'll put you back about $650 and will weigh in somewhere between 1400 and 1500 grams. Bring some extra spokes and nipples with you and you should be good to go. Mine needed to be trued once after they were "broken in" a bit. Since then, I've put about 10k miles on them over some rough roads, and they've remained true. They're wonderful wheels and the WI hubs have just the right amount of bling!

[Fredwina]

mine are velocity fusions (32 holes) with Ultegra hubs. The fusion is an areo, rim(deeper than the aerohead, but not as big as the Deep-V) you can also get the aerohead o/c (off center Drilling to make the rear stronger), or have them anodized pink

[Eden]

I've had absolutely no luck with Mavic products( I pulled a spoke out of "bulletproof" Kysrium Elite. Twice), but I've had no problems with Velocity rims. but my clothing has a "W" after the size
But listen to what your wheelbuilder recommends.

I have unfortunately found Velocity rims to not be very hard wearing.... After burning through a rim each winter (excessive wear on the braking surface) I'm not going to purchase any more deep V's... I actually had one disintegrate on me! I was on a trainer at the time so I did not get hurt when it broke, but its not a chance I care to take again.

[DebW]

Personally, to get something you'll be comfortable on riding long miles every day across the country, I'd get handbuilt and something that's not too stiff but sturdy and repairable. Like an OpenPro rim with 32 butted spokes (28 front) and 28-32 mm tires. I'd use standard brass nipples.