I've narrowed it down to 2 wheels, both on ultegra hubs. Bike is a conquest pro frame (redline) w/ ultegra groupo. I won't actually be racing cyclocross, but where I live is a 1/2-3/4 mile dirt road before I hit pavement for the rest of the 13 mile commute. I weigh 210 (well, i will in a few weeks :) so I'm leaning towards the cxps. I'm a little concerned about the stiffness but figure that I can more than compensate by a slightly larger tire. I don't imagine I'll bother with anything smaller than 28s. weight isn't all that much of an issue--after all, i'll have a rack on the back half the time anyway--and the price of the rims is essentially the same. But i don't know if I'll regret it when I lose my teeth on an alu bike with alu fork and aero rims....?
Anyone have an opinion? And while you're at it, do you know a comparable-quality hand bulit wheel place to CC that's cheaper than $290 shipped w/ 14/15/14 spokes?
thanks!
same time
06-07-05, 02:12 PM
I vote for the CXP-33's. Very strong rims.
They are really not all that aero, only a little bit taller than the Open Pros. They are stiffer, though - at least the rims are before you build the wheel. I have built and ridden wheels using both rims, and I can't feel (while riding the bike) too much difference between them. The CXP-33's feel a tiny bit heavier during acceleration, but not much. I doubt they would make your bike uncomfortable to ride, especially if you go for bigger tires. Neither wheel will absorb shock the way fatter tires will.
36 spokes in the rear would be even stronger.
ehammarlund
06-07-05, 03:43 PM
Hmm. Hadn't considered 36 in combination w/ cxp, when there are so many people out there riding 32 and open pros. But then again I am pretty fat.
Thanks for the comment. I've asked around elsewhere and all agree the cxp is the way to go. I suppose I could suck up 36 on the rear wheel, anyway, if it will really be stronger, though I can't bring myself to go above 32 in front (and was actually thinking of 28).
markhr
06-07-05, 04:58 PM
I vote for the CXP-33's. Very strong rims.
I weigh 210
seconded
amahana1
06-07-05, 06:39 PM
I have ridden on both. Currently I ride on 36H cxp33 laced to phil hubs, very very strong wheelset.
prodigal son
06-08-05, 02:37 PM
I have cpx33 rims laced (3 cross) to King hubs. 32 front & 36 rear. I am also about 200 lbs pounds. I wanted a super strong wheel set and was not concerned about weight. The wheels that cam with my Steelman are 32 f/r openpro/ultegra hubs. I would have to true every 6 months or so. That is why I switched.
ehammarlund
06-08-05, 04:56 PM
Well, took everyone's advice: colorado cyclist is building me a pair of 32h 14/15/14 cxp33s on ultegra hubs (couldn't afford king, sadly). Given my primary use 32h seemed fine... Redline conquest pro frame, and I just picked up a new 10 speed ultegra groupset on ebay for cheap. My friend's tossing me a saddle, so all I need is to sell my brake calipers (which came w/ groupo) and pick up some cantis, headset, seatpost, stem, and bars and I'm good to go. Should have the whole bike built by the time the wheels arrive in 2 weeks. Yahoo!