Road Cycling - Spoke Patterns

After getting what I think is some sound advice from people here recommending that I have some new wheels built up, I've now decided on Mavic Open Pros with either Chris Kings (if I can get the scratch!) or maybe Dura Ace or Ultegra hubs.

I haven't found a great wheel builder yet and was thinking of going with Colorado Cyclist's custom wheel builds. Here's the ? If I'm a 140lb weekend racer should I be getting 28 front radial and 32 rear something or other cross? Any thoughts? I don't know what kind of advice Colo Cyclist gives to buyers and I haven't seen an intelligible article on the web about this. Thanks!

at 140 pounds, you could probably go with less spokes, eh? especially for racing. i'd say you're really only limited by how much money you want to spend, as someone your weight will be able to ride the lightest wheel any company makes.

Another entirely different option is that my club has a deal with Spinergy. I could get the X Aero X (20 front, 28rear) or X aero lite (18 front, 24 rear) for a significant discount. Anyone dig those wheels?

At your size, 28 front/32 rear with 3 cross and 14/15 DB spokes will build you a very durable wheelset. The OP rims are excellent. I do not, however, recommend the Chris King hubs. I have not had a pair myself, but have 3 friends with them and all have had problems with them. Plus, they are annoyingly load when freewheeling--sounds like a cheap fishing reel. I think either the DA or Ultegra are far better quality.

Good luck,
Dave

Radial spoking may look cool, but on a normal hub, the flanges may fail. Shimano and Campy warn against radial spoking of their hubs.
You should get a good warranty with a build, but that is not worth much from a mail-order house. Its easier to pop into a shop if you have any problems. Im sure NY has some good wheel builders. Ask some of the couriers.

Anybody ridden the Spinergy wheels? X Aero X or X Aero Lite?

I believe I have the Xaero-X on mine(Link To Pic) (http://ecarthage.com/~nivens/bike/mybike.jpg) . I like them ok although I don't know much about wheels in general since I've just recently gotten into the sport. Only complain I would have is that sometimes when I'm riding downhill pretty fast(30+) and hit a sharp edged bump, they make a wierd noise. At least I think it's the wheel making the noise. I just try to be a little more careful now and just avoid any sharp bumps if possible. Just afraid it may be hard on them. Still not exactly sure what is going on.

Cool. Thanks, dragracer.

No problemo! Actually after looking at Spinergy's website they are not the new Xaero-X wheels. Mine have the carbon(PBO?) spokes instead of the bladed stainless steel spokes on the Xaero-X model. Mine are 2002's and I'm guessing from the "Tech" link that they are Xaero Version 1 wheels. Or maybe they are the Xaero-Lite's...HELL I DUNNO!! They do have 18/24 spoke count like the Xaero-Lite's. Oh well, whatever! They are still nice wheels. SUPER LIGHT! :beer: