Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Retro, Clydesdale, time trial wheelset proposal

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masi61
08-30-06, 10:22 AM
A question to BF bike mechanic wheel builders: I want to build a lower spoke count semi-aero wheelset for one of my 126mm road bikes with the following configuration: Dura Ace 7400 uniglide 7 speed freehub 28 hole rear wheel, Ultegra 6500 24 front wheel with DT Swiss RR 1.2 semi-aero rims. I would have my LBS lace them with whatever he recommended for spokes - probably DT Swiss double butted 14-15 gauge spokes laced 3 cross rear and 2 cross front. I weigh a bit over 230#, despite my weight I generally am a smooth pedaller and if I keep my training like I have for the last 2 years I'll be approaching the sub-200 pound non-clydesdale status. The DT Swiss rims (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=10969&category=2570) shown , are over 500 grams each, and I'm thinking that my LBS mechanic could probably build me up a pretty strong and durable set, despite the low spoke count of 28 rear, 24 front.

Any opinions on the do-ablility of this? Thanks for all who pipe in!:)

ridelugs
08-30-06, 10:35 AM
they might not break, but they might feel flexy under power. anyway, i would use lighter spokes, something like the wheelsmith xl 14, 14/17 gauge with brass nipples. those were made for tandems, afte all. and skip the 2 cross. whats that a 3 gram weight savings?
masi61
08-30-06, 01:10 PM
they might not break, but they might feel flexy under power. anyway, i would use lighter spokes, something like the wheelsmith xl 14, 14/17 gauge with brass nipples. those were made for tandems, afte all. and skip the 2 cross. whats that a 3 gram weight savings?

I'm a little confused by your answer. On one hand you're suggesting the wheels might be a little flexy, but then you propose using even lighter spokes. Wouldn't that worsen the flexi-ness that potentially exists here? I'd like to know if anyone has used the DT Swiss RR 1.2 rims. They look like they would be every bit as rigid as Velocity Deep V's.