Cyclocross - How to choose rims/wheels

I have a 06 Tricross that comes with the Pavé rims. I am looking for a new pair of lighter rims that can fit this bike with some skinny tires (probably 700x25). Exactly, how do you choose the proper rims/wheels? Do you pick pre-built ones? I read that hard anodized rims fail pre-maturely as they tend to crack quickly (Aren't all wheels produced these days anodized?). The Mavic ksyrium elite wheels appear to have a reputation of going out of true easily (as indicated here: http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/wheelsets/mavic-inc/PRD_112040_2490crx.aspx). And I hear others complain about machine-washed rims are not of high quality (Funny thing is Pavé rims are machine-washed and still run a price tag of $450 a pair). So can anybody recommend some wheels? My budget is from $300-500. I think this can get me a pretty nice pair of wheels with some awesome hubs. :rolleyes:

I've never heard about factory Campy wheels going out of true. I am very happy with my Zonda's they also come in a Shimano hub version.

Tim

TriCrosses rock! I love the Paves, but I also use my older Velomax Circuit Comps. It's a straight swap, and I found I didn't have to adjust the shifters. Of course I had to readjust the cantis, the Circuits aren't as wide as the Paves. Takes only a minute or so. I love the Circuits, now sold by Easton. Bulletproof, never have broken a spoke nor have they gone out of true. And they can be had for less than $500...YMMV :)

TriCrosses rock! I love the Paves, but I also use my older Velomax Circuit Comps. It's a straight swap, and I found I didn't have to adjust the shifters. Of course I had to readjust the cantis, the Circuits aren't as wide as the Paves. Takes only a minute or so. I love the Circuits, now sold by Easton. Bulletproof, never have broken a spoke nor have they gone out of true. And they can be had for less than $500...YMMV :)

Do you know if the Pavé rims can take 700x25 tires?

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but do any of you have experience with Easton Velomax Vistas? Someone local wants to sell a set for $150 that he removed from a brand new tri bike.

Thanks!

Do you know if the Pavé rims can take 700x25 tires?

Haven't tried it, but I doubt it. Refer to Sheldon Brown's article on tire sizing (http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width). I would measure the Paves width, and see what fits from the table.

You might look at Fulcrum Racing 3's I've been using them for about a year now and raced cross last year on them... good wheels, they take a ton of abuse and keep true as well as look really sexy (not that it really matters) There's also the old Mavic Open Pro rim - ultegra hub set up that has and always will be totally reliable, light and best of all well within your budget.

Don't buy pre-built! Many manufacturers (Mavic, Cane Creek, some Campagnolo, etc) use proprietary spoke lacing/hub flange systems that make it extremely difficult for a novice or anyone who doesn't have the proper tools at the time to do roadside maintenece or even to replace a spoke if given a little time. Not to mention, these wheels are often built by machine and never truly equilibrated, thus lending to quicker out-of-trueness than a wheel built by a master.

Don't buy pre-built! Many manufacturers (Mavic, Cane Creek, some Campagnolo, etc) use proprietary spoke lacing/hub flange systems that make it extremely difficult for a novice or anyone who doesn't have the proper tools at the time to do roadside maintenece or even to replace a spoke if given a little time. Not to mention, these wheels are often built by machine and never truly equilibrated, thus lending to quicker out-of-trueness than a wheel built by a master.

That's what a lot of riders say too. But still, there are too many choices for a newbie like me to pick and decide. I don't know how the number of spoke counts is going to affect the ride. There is also a question of spoke thickness and the material of the nipple. There seems to be too many choices. :(

That's what a lot of riders say too. But still, there are too many choices for a newbie like me to pick and decide. I don't know how the number of spoke counts is going to affect the ride. There is also a question of spoke thickness and the material of the nipple. There seems to be too many choices. :(

This is where the wheel builder approach shines. With a proper wheel builder you will start with a conversation and the wheel builder will then take the information yo uprovided and make recommendations as to what kind of wheel (components, etc.) are best for you.

I just did that by calling a wheel bulder to have a new wheelset built for my mountain bike and I highly recommend going this route.