Forum menu
Interesting, wings - great suggestion.
I recently had a set of Aksiums die on me and so decided I needed a new set of wheels.
I picked up a set of Hope Hoops with Open Pro rims for just over £300. My decision process was as follows.
I wanted something that was repairable so no silly spokes, hope hubs are easy to maintain and get parts for. Open Pro's are entirely acceptable, easy to get hold of, have eyelets and build into a decent wheel for not much cash. If I bend something I can replace it or true it myself. I really don't see the need for anything too flash for the riding I do and would prefer something repairable and strong to something cool or expensive.
Personally i think its hard to go wrong with Velocity rims built on decent hubs.
I got some Hopes on A23s a while back for £370 and they have been faultless.
And here are the finished product:
[url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/12726771433_cb6b6900e7_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/theflatboy/12726771433/ ]New Wheels! Black Archetype Bitex CX Ray[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/theflatboy/ ]theflatboy[/url], on Flickr
Not got my hands on them yet, but they're on the way!
Nice, I'm looking at Archetypes for my next build.
Not sure whether to go with Novatec or Hope hubs yet, hadn't considered/heard of Bitex.
Who built them for you?
Yep they look pretty good in the pictures. I'll update once they arrive.
I looked around a bit for good price / spec options and ended up getting them from here: http://leadoutcycles.co.uk/index.html - had the right parts that I settled on for the best price I found.
While I think about it, I was looking at this place earlier on today: http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=86_235_357
The prices, including delivery to here, look pretty good - I haven't cross-checked them in detail as I've already got mine sorted, but some of the prices for Archtype rims, CX Ray spokes and e.g. White Industries / CK hubs look seriously tempting!
Might be worth a look.
Budget rules out CK's, sure those prices will include some import costs anyway?
For use as everyday wheels you say.
Then personally I'd go for a quality handbuilt and not worry too much about weight. Something Mavic'y on Hopes and quality spokes and nipples.
'Triggers broom' and all that.
theflatboy - I used velomine for my last set of road wheels, a23s on Ultegra hubs with dt champion spokes, they've been perfect so far (9 months) very good vfm, a trustworthy company.
Haze, you're right about import - I'd forgotten about that. They still might be an economical option, though - ds, how did yours stack up price-wise once you paid shipping and import?
I would seriously have considered them, I think. Too late now, but may go to them for future builds.
Uh, just read somewhere that Hope front Mono RS hubs shouldn't be radially laced - loosens the bearings.
That may change things...
theflatboy - should have said I live in the US so was internal postage. A good company to deal with though.
Gotcha - that probably does make a difference! Prices still look good, I'd say. Probably worth considering at least, particularly for the discounted options.
My wheels are not with me yet, I'm getting a bit impatient now!
Ok...
Archetypes 24/28 on Hope Mono RS, Sapim Laser spokes front and rear NDS with Race on the DS. All laced 2 cross.
Mavic all the way if you want some Ksyriums inbox me and I will sort you out a good price.
Thanks but no ta, I can get Elites on a full bike build off the shelf, got my heart set on handbuilts.
Just ordered some Dura Ace/Sapim/Open Pros (all black) from Harry Rowland to complement the Defy Advanced SL when it isn't dressed in carbon SLR aero wheels.
After writing of the rear Ksyrium (mentioned above) in a pothole three weeks ago, another of Harry's wheels on my fixed wheel suffered a severe flat spot in a another deep pothole but remained completely true - not round, mind, but perfectly rideable. So based on ride quality, I'm after the same again.
I also like Mavic tyres, which complement the Open Pro rims. There isn't a huge difference in rim design between Open Pro and Ksyrium to be honest, but the ride of a fine set of handbuilts is noticeable.
Nice, I bought a pair of Archetypes (SS) from Velomine. Absolutely top notch service, and great wheels.
The rims were nominally the Hard Ano version, but the brake track is already wearing :(. Shame, as they looked pimp
Those Archetypes look lovely.
I went the boring Ksyrium elite route but they really are good wheels, also remember a bit better value than maybe first appear as normally sold as a complete wheelset including the tubes and actually pretty good tyres.
2 other tips make sure you remind the shop to give you the MP3 (weird name) registration card as you need details of their customer registration number and have to register within 5 days of purchase but seems like a very good deal.
Final tip probikekit.com are really cheap for Mavic wheel bags, got mine for £27 the pair they arrived within 18hrs of ordering and on a Saturday too so most impressed.
My wheels turned up but aren't fitted yet. They look very nice indeed in all black, and the bearings in the Bitex feel suitably spinny in scientific not-fitted hand testing!
1,548g all in including velo plugs (+ very nice Bitex ti skewers at 44g for the pair), according to my home scales. Pretty happy with that, can't wait to get them into use!
DT SWISS R23s? have not ridden mine yet but 1550g and 240 hubs basically.
Haven't seen it mentioned but Mavic have their insurance scheme MP3 so for about £40 extra you get full repair cover for a set of Ksyriums. Couple of important things, there are weight limits for particular wheels but they are pretty high, you need to keep your receipt and you absolutely must register within 5 days of purchase.
I think you have to buy wheels and treat them as consumables, rims, bearings and freehubs wear out, spokes break. I gave up using mavics years ago, they look great but are very expensive to service.
Hand built wheels are the way to go, they stay true for longer and with the right build can be lighter, stiffer and easier to repair. Recently got a set of kinlin a300 rims with novatec hubs from www.spokesmanwheels.co.uk, less than 1500g, very stiff, about £300, done a few 1000 miles on them very good.