wheelsets/handlebars

[Becky]

I'm in the custom build camp. I have a set of handbuilt CXP33s with Ultegra hubs, and they've been phenomenal.

As for the bars, Specialized makes a very nice short/shallow bar. My new favorite is the Ritchey Biomax that was stock on my new bike. I was prepared to change it out, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is. Oh, and it does come in a 38 (measured at the top- the ends flare just a little).

[ehirsch83]

I am a fan of Chris King hubs, if you are going to go custom..
I on the other hand, just got a pair of Williams Cycling 19s and love how they handle and how light they are!(but they are not fancy or flashy).

If I had the money, I would of gone with a set of Zipp 202s(but they are also tubulars and that can be a hassle on the road all of the time).

I have a pair of Mavic Carbones, but they are race wheels only, and I wanted a pair of light and responsive wheels that I could use for training and for crits. I am super happy with my Williams, but again, they don't have the prestige of what you are looking for.

So if you really want to keep up with the bike and theme you have going I would go for a set of 202s or something from Mavic(Kyseriums would be my choice for what you are looking for).

Or look into building up a pair of custom's with Chris King hubs

or... Reynolds makes some nice wheels! hmm so many yummy choices out there

[tzvia]

I had I wanted Chris Kings originally, but settled on White Industries as:
1. They are lighter.
2. They don't take a fancy $$ tool to rebuild (yes I like to fix stuff myself as much as possible.)
3. In chrome they rock.

So I went to Prowheelbuilder.com and had WI hubs, chrome cx-ray spokes and Velocity Aerohead hoops built. The Aeroheads have a bit of an aero profile, but are shallow so they don't catch the wind and come in different colors. I went with 24fr/28rear, alu nipples with rear-drive-brass. Plenty strong and light and at a price that does not break the bank. My dream wheelset is Hed Ardens but it costs almost $400 more than my setup.

I like CF handlebars- (you only live once). My current fave is 3t Ergonova Team, which can be had in 38 (what I am using.) As I have an intense dislike of 'ergo bump' bars, I find the shape to be just right as it has none.

Boy, I can't wait to see the final build!

[foothillsbass]

kenyonchris,

I just posted a couple of handlebars for sale in the For Sale forum that you might check out. My girlfriend is also getting her new bike fine-tuned, so we're plowing through gear in that quest. She is also in the neighborhood of 115lbs. Both handlebars are Bontragers. She tried the FIT VR model, which is a women's design compact type with short reach and shallow drop. She loves the shape of the bars, because it has a sweeping drop opposed to an anatomical/ergonomical hump. But, she favors a narrower bar and felt the 40cm width was too wide. The other bars are the Race model, which is 38cm width but a more standard reach and drop with an antomical shape.

Anyway, shoot me an email if either of these sound worth trying for you. Good luck!

Jim

[kenyonchris]

Thanks ya'll! I am taking my Ruby in today to get the bottom bracket overhauled (a few water rides have made it squeak) and am going to look at handlebars while I am there and talk to my LBS. I think I am going to go semi-custom on the wheelset....I do love the Chris King Hubs. Once I get that stuff together, it is just a matter of assembly!

[indysteel]

Not sure what you mean by "semi-custom," but in any event, be forewarned that CK hubs are really loud. I've heard them described as angry bees. My WI are arguably loud, too, so it wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker for me, but it's an issue for some. Also note that the lowest drilling they offer is 28 front and rear. At your weight, you could arguably go with a 20 front and 24 rear. IMO.

[kenyonchris]

Prowheelbuilder.com offers "semicustom" wheelsets, you put them together online.
My LBS is offering a pretty good deal on a set of Campy hubs, so I may go with that....
I MAY get the Colnago together by my birthday!