[desmobob]

I'm 250 lbs and just ordered a Bianchi Axis.

I'm curious as to why the Bianchi Volpe comes with Mavic 36-hole rims but the more expensive Axis comes with Alex wheels: 16 hole front/20 hole rear. I guess it must be a weight thing....

Anyway, will these wheels work for me for on-road only use for now?

Any recommendations for appropriate replacements?

Thanks,
desmobob

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[FatA**]

I don't know about your Bianchi, but the C'dale Cyclo Disk comes with 32 spoke wheels. I am right up there with ya, and they don't make a peep while I am riding.

[Todd Richards]

If you're 250 I think you'll need 32 spokes in each wheel. You are correct in thas the more expensive bike includes the lighter wheel for less rotational weight, which is very noticable, but not worth it if the wheel is going to wear-out on you over time. If you bought it from a bike shop I'd bring it back and demand another set of wheels, they should swap them for 28 front and 32 rear wheels with no extra charge, since in reality they'll be giving you a less costly item and keeping the more expensive lighter ones. They'll probably tell you the 16/20 will be fine, if they do I'd ride 'em hard for a while, even hit a few potholes to see if they go out of true. They won't collapse on you or break resulting in a crash, they'll just start to get unround and need truing. I weight 180 and can get by on 28, but use 32 on my cross bike. I've been on 16/20's before, but they're just to soft in a sprint and climb, as the exra force tends to push them into the break pads.

[desmobob]

Any recommendations for appropriate replacements?



Any ideas on a brand/model of 32 spoke wheelset that would be an "even trade" for the Alex set?

Thanks,
Bob

[Scooby Snax]

Ultegra hubs with open pro rims... How can you go wrong with that?
If I where buying the bike, that's what Id suggest, if they got tough, I'd settle for a 105 hub, but sitck firm on the open pro's.

[steveknight]

cost wise the best deal for bullet proof wheels are velocity deep v rims. 36 holes for your weight. they are so strong and look pretty cool. I liek their sealed hubs too they cost about 300.00 or a bit less a set hand built.
these are far stronger then open pro's and look cool too. lots of colors too.