Touring - super strong wheels

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BJ Hunnycutt
06-27-06, 11:39 AM
I am setting up my old rhygin cyclocross for a trip from wisconsin to panama.
Will this wheel set be strong enough.
rims Dt TK7.1 36 hole
hubs Shimano ultegra
spokes DT Alpine III
nipples Dt brass with thread lock.
tires Schwalb marathon plus 32c
I am 6'4" 200 lbs and will be packing light rear paniers only.
Test ride with the 32C in sharp turns.
I find thqt I need at least a 35C rear to keep from rolling on the sidewall.
However, I weigh more and carry more weight.
Make sure to bring extra spokes. Sh*t happens.
I don't know the rims, but they should be fine.
BJ Hunnycutt
06-27-06, 12:51 PM
Thanks nm+
pmseattle
06-27-06, 05:20 PM
The hubs might be a problem. They are good hubs, but are designed to be light road racing components. If I am not mistaken, the latest Ultegra hubs have lightweight alloy axles, maybe not the best for a long tour that will cover a lot of rugged roads. Also, they are designed for a bike with rear 130mm dropout spacing. Many cyclocross bikes have 135mm spacing like mountain bikes; not sure about yours. If it is 135 mm I would be inclined to substitute XT for the Ultegra. Your Alpine III spokes are pretty solid, but make sure the drilling on the Ultegra hubs will accept them. I think the Alpine III spokes are bigger than 2mm at the elbow. The rims look like they are a good choice.
BJ Hunnycutt
06-27-06, 06:39 PM
my rear spacing is 130 mm so The xt hubs are out of the question.
The hubs are nos 2002 so they have steel axles. I chose these hubs because they are servicable and are less expensive than say phill wood or dt hubs.
The alpine III spokes will fit the hubs, a bit of a tight fit but they will work.
Thanks for your help.
Using the Alpine III spokes, check whether you will need a washer at the spoke head to get a tight enough seating at the Ultegra hub flange. DT changed the bend of those spokes recently and they no longer fit as well to some hubs as they did in the past. I built a wheelset on a NOS set of Shimano XTR hubs with Alpine IIIs with no slop, but the stock I was using may not have been current spec. Check to be sure if you are set on the Ultegra hubs. Wheelsmith might be a reasonable alternative if you can't be sure.
racpat_rtw
06-28-06, 08:55 AM
When you say "super strong wheels" I think of my 48 spoke Phil Wood hubs with Mavic T-something rims and Swiss DT spokes.
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