Bicycle Mechanics - Velocity Spartacus or Spartacus PRO?

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mattzees
06-27-06, 06:57 PM
I'm a 220-pound rider who keeps breaking spokes on his Shimano R540 wheelset. I've been told that the Velocity Spartacus wheelset would be right for me. Any thoughts on this? Differences between the regular Spartacus and PRO versions?

seely
06-27-06, 09:25 PM
I'm sorry, but a high-tension low spoke count wheel system like the Velocity's has to be the dumbest wheel recommendation possible. You will deform the soft aluminum hub body quickly, and paired spoke wheelsets such as the Spartacus series are a terrible idea as an everyday wheelset for anyone, especially a larger rider. What you should be looking at is something with a minimum of 32 spokes on a Shimano or comparable hub that has a beefier hub body. Ultegra's are a good bang for the buck. For rims I would recommend either DT Swiss or Velocity Aeroheads. Spokes either Competition or Revolution. You will get a light, stiff and SERVICEABLE wheelset this way, with nothing proprietary and no stupid lacing patterns. Oh and I currently have a pair of Spartacus's, and they have been ok under my 150lbs, but even I have managed to destroy two hub bodies and break three spokes, plus dent the rear rim.
seely
06-27-06, 09:27 PM
I'm still sitting here appalled any competent shop would recommend a low spoke count/paired spoke wheelsystem to a 220lbs rider.

AnthonyG
06-28-06, 12:20 AM
Velocity is capable of custom building many different types of wheels for you. Not just what's in their catalogue. Contact them and I'm sure that they can build some 32 spoke 3 cross wheels for you with velocity hubs and Aerohead or Deep V rims and at a good price too.

Regards, Anthony
seely
06-28-06, 09:44 AM
Again, I will reiterate, DO NOT use Velocity hubs! They have a VERY soft aluminum hub body that will deform under any rider, much less a 220lbs rider, not to mention mine likes to loosen itself up as
I ride (a problem I hear they have maybe subsequently fixed). For reliability/performance/durability I am firmly of the belief nothing beats a Shimano hub. Even Chris King hub bodies deform over time. Aluminum is a bad decision for your everyday wheelset.