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would it be wise to go for some open pro clinchers (for around £300) or is it wise to get 2 cheaper sets?
currently I'm using some old fulcrum 7's of a road bike, these seem fine but I know nothing different.
when they're ****ed what's the best option? will open pros be so much stronger and last longer? will I notice any difference in ride quality?
Durability has 2 or 3 aspects.
Wearing rims out - you won't see much difference I don't think.
Buckling rims - open pros are pretty strong.
Wearing out or going through hubs - depends on hub.
You're unlikely to notice a difference between wheels. You don't need to spend £300 to get open pros, and I'd be wary of durability of hubs and weight of £150 wheels. If your existing wheels are good why not keep them on the road bike to save the rims, and spend £200 on a handbuilt pair for the cx, which will have easily replacable rims, for when you year them out.
I've got some rs80's for the rd bike (the fulcrums where my winter wheels).
what kind of spec are good for cx wheels then?
I do mainly trail/paths at the mo - but I will be racing more next season.
who's a good wheel builder? merlin (they are local to me)
Spec: same as road wheels IMO, more spokes if you are giving it big licks off road.
You will unltimately wear through rims so either go down the cheap and cheerful/disposable route of get hubs that will last (105?) handbuilt on to rims that can be easily replaced. Arguably a slightly heavier rim will last longer.
Don't forget disc brakes are coming on cx bikes too, you may find yourself upgrading at some point.
cheers!
its the spokes that I'm unsure of.
how many front & back for typical cx races
and how many ideally for mixed race & trail?
sounds like the hubs are the one thing to invest in that could last the longest. rims will wear out & spokes can be replaced.