Wheel Advice (again!)

[indysteel]

You might want to play around on Excel Sports' website to compare the weight and price of various builds. Certainly, from a weight standpoint, the DT Swiss hubs are the lightest choice (they're a bit lighter than CKs and a lot lighter than Ultegras). Ultegras are also a fraction of the cost of both.

There's a pretty intense debate as to whether loose bearings are easier to service than sealed cartridge bearings, and I won't even begin to weigh in on that one. That debate aside, I think just about everyone agrees, however, that Shimano hubs are very durable and easy to service. I just had an experience at my local bike shop--which is otherwise a good shop--that makes me doubt whether they really understand sealed cartridge bearings. They don't build wheels at the shop and are disadvantaged in that way. Whatever you get, I would suggest reading up on how to service and adjust them before embarking on your trip. And bring some extra spokes as was previously suggested.

Frankly, if it were me, I'd go with an Open Pro/Ultegra build; 28 2x front, 28 3x driveside, 2x nondriveside rear. But I say that because weight on a cross country trip would not be my biggest concern. If weight remains your bigger "want", then I'd go with the DT Swiss or (although you haven't mentioned them), White Industries.

[tzvia]

Just checked Dura Ace compatibility at Sheldon Brown (great site, sad he is no longer with us). The 7800 used an aluminum freehub and had taller splines and took the Dura Ace AND Ultrega cassette. The 7850 went to using TI and has regular splines and takes the typical hyperglide style cassetttes, not just Dura Ace. So if you decide to go Dura Ace, get the 7850 hub to leave your cassette choice open. Mine is a 9spd and has been rolling fine for years and now has the Ultrega 10 speed cassette on it. Good solid hubs.

But I would still do DT over it (weight) and did choose WI over it.

[mauisher]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. This is what I'm thinking for a wheel: mavic open pro rims, DT revolution spokes, brass nipples, and DT Swiss hubs.
The front hub would be 28 holes by 2X lacing and the rear 28 holes with 3X drive side and 2X on the non-drive side.

It seems as if the DT hubs may offer the best in terms of weight and servicability. Since my local wheel building is limited, I'm thinking of buying the wheels at Exel Sports. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks so much!!!

[aicabsolut]

I haven't gotten wheels built by them yet, but their customer service seems pretty good. My BF got a SRAM chain from them that broke in >100 mi. He had to send it back to Excel for an inspection before they would give him a straight answer about warranty, but they did wind up replacing it for free.

[indysteel]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. This is what I'm thinking for a wheel: mavic open pro rims, DT revolution spokes, brass nipples, and DT Swiss hubs.
The front hub would be 28 holes by 2X lacing and the rear 28 holes with 3X drive side and 2X on the non-drive side.

It seems as if the DT hubs may offer the best in terms of weight and servicability. Since my local wheel building is limited, I'm thinking of buying the wheels at Exel Sports. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks so much!!!

I have no personal experience with Excel, but I'm partial to giving business to small operations/wheelbuilders. There are a number of builders that have been recommended on TE. You might do a search and see what comes up. The builder I used is doing business a bit differently now and only builds certain predetermined wheels-0--so I can't recommend him. My BF recently had two sets of wheels built buy Ron Ruff at White Mountain Wheels. He was happy with his experience but has yet to mount them.

http://www.whitemountainwheels.com/contact.html

Also, even though you've decided what you want and what you've decided is a sound choice, I think it would still be to your benefit to talk to a builder and get their input.

Good luck! Be sure to post pics of your wheels once you get them.