Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - slightly confused

I'm having fun now that I have learned the term "Clydesdale". I'm 6'1" and 230 and all flames aside (here it comes!) I am considering the BD Motobecane Ultegra with the American Classic Wheels. I figure if other clydesdales can ride the IF then me on the aluminum frame should be ok. I probably should get some stronger wheels and save the AC's for special occasions. I've been deep into search-fu I think the bike will be fine, I just want to confirmation, peace of mind and remove any doubt about this purchase.

thanks for your help,

Bob

p.s. now I guess I will have to separate the truth from the "shills" hehe, but at least it's my thread!

I'm having fun now that I have learned the term "Clydesdale". I'm 6'1" and 230 and all flames aside (here it comes!) I am considering the BD Motobecane Ultegra with the American Classic Wheels. I figure if other clydesdales can ride the IF then me on the aluminum frame should be ok. I probably should get some stronger wheels and save the AC's for special occasions. I've been deep into search-fu I think the bike will be fine, I just want to confirmation, peace of mind and remove any doubt about this purchase.

thanks for your help,

Bob

p.s. now I guess I will have to separate the truth from the "shills" hehe, but at least it's my thread!

I'm 6'1" and about 232# or so. I've always ridden 36 spoke wheels, even on my new bike. I guess I'm too conservative. Anyway, if the bike came with the American Classics, why not try them out? They're either going to work and be durable, work and be delicate, or be complete trash. Whichever the verdict , if they come with your bike I'd try them out unless you can get something more durable from the get-go. I've always wanted to try Mavic Cosmos - I've heard they're like the most bomb-proof wheels known to man. They're a little heavy, but they spin great, look cool, are Shimano compatible, have machined sidewalls, and affordable at under $300, they come in silver or black too. My new wheels were built custom with Dura Ace 7700 36 hole hubs front and rear and DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims, they aren't ultralight but I don't care - they look like and feel like they'll run forever :)

...I just want to confirmation, peace of mind and remove any doubt about this purchase. thanks for your help, Bob...

Hi Bob!

Have you considered e-mailing the manufacturer and asking? The manufacturer's blessing should be worth more than our opinions (unless we have personal experience with the specific model you're interested in - which I don't).

My gut feeling is that you're on the right track with getting a second set of heavier, "every-day" wheels and keeping the light ones for special events.

In any case, enjoy your new bike and POST PICTURES! :D

I have e-mailed Bikes Direct one time about a set of wheels they had on E-Bay and they told me "Oh yeah, those wheels won't be a problem". Somebody else had the exact same wheel only a little cheaper and their response was "We don't recommend them for heavier riders". Now these weren't the American Classic wheels, but my concern is how truthful is Bikes Direct when it comes to wanting to sell a product. As far as the bike goes, I think a lot of mfg.'s cheap out on wheels. My Alex wheels that came with my Specialized didn't last 400 miles and I ended up replacing them. Just ride them and get as much mileage as you can out of them and then replace them when you have to.

If wheel reliability is that big an issue (and to me, it is), then just have some wheels custom-built. That way, you have control of all aspects and should get exactly what you want.

If you want to save the money and get machine-built wheels, then at least get them tightened & trued by your LBS. I've had good experiences with Alex wheels, but I'm surely in the minority, judging from the postings here.

Try the Velocity wheels for every day.... I've got a set of Sparticus wheels that were dirt cheap and have thousands of miles on them with out having ANY problems with them. I float between 210 and 230 lbs.

Thanks all, I'll give the wheels a shot, pick up some stronger wheels next season, and give American Classic a holler and see what they recommend.

cheers,

Bob