Touring - Surly LHT Wheel Choice

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dwightonabike
06-07-05, 02:14 PM
Hello all. Currently building my new LHT, and I have an opportunity to buy some lightly used Mavic Speedcity wheels. Does anyone have any experience with these? 24 spokes, 2-cross. Seem to be pretty sturdy, current owner used them for cyclocross. Any input would be appreciated.

roadfix
06-07-05, 02:38 PM
I wouldn't get them for loaded touring if I were you.....no matter how strong these 24/2 cross may be. You snap one spoke on these wheels and you're in big trouble. Is the rear hub set at 135mm to match your frame?
BostonFixed
06-07-05, 02:58 PM
Mavic speedcity wheels are disc only, right?

The LHT has no disc mounts, so I would say that it won't work.

However, I have heard that some people use those wheels off road on a 29er, so they have to be at least semi-durable.

dwightonabike
06-07-05, 03:45 PM
The guy who is offering to sell them (LBS employee) says that they are disc and rim brake compatible. The main attraction is getting a 400$ wheel set at a great price.
roadfix
06-07-05, 04:24 PM
The main attraction is getting a 400$ wheel set at a great price.OK....but are you planning on touring with these?
dwightonabike
06-07-05, 05:06 PM
indeed I am planning to tour. But will I be able to afford a decent set of wheels? I can't spend 250$ up on a wheel set.
Schumius
06-07-05, 08:05 PM
24 spokes does not sound too good. i toured with a no name rim and 36 spokes and havenīt had any problems. get 36 or more.
Lucky13
06-07-05, 08:28 PM
I would avoid those low spoke count wheelsets for loaded touring. As mentioned, if they do fail they tend to fail completely. Also, keeping such wheels true can be a more involved process and a roadside repair would be difficult if not impossible.

You should be able to find a reasonably priced, touring capable wheelset. Look for a double-walled rim...36 hole with spoke eyelets. One possible choice would be a Sun CR-18 rim laced up to a Deore LX hub.
clayface
06-08-05, 12:27 AM
Or even Mavic MA3's laced to Deore hubs. I've been using these rims for some years now and they haven't been harmed by cracks around spoke holes yet.
Mel Wade
06-08-05, 02:49 AM
indeed I am planning to tour. But will I be able to afford a decent set of wheels? I can't spend 250$ up on a wheel set.

Everything rides on your wheels. I don't think you can afford not to get good quality hubs and rims.