Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Vuelta 24H wheelset for clyde?

I'm thinking of getting a Motobecane Vent Noir (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/ventnoir07.htm). It has a Vuelta XRP wheelset (doesn't completely look like it matches up with current Vuelta site, the nearest comparable set was the Vuelta XRP StarLite (http://www.vueltausa.com/products/road-wheelsets/starlite.htm)). I'm about 6' 5" and 230 pounds, so not too much weight in the mid-section, mostly dispersed throughout my body (long torso). Does anyone have any experience with this wheelset? From what I've read so far, I expect half of you to say I'm crazy for thinking of anything less than 32 holes and the other half to say you've had fine experiences with comparable wheelsets. Maybe I'm wrong though, what advice do you have?

cooleric,

You may want to search on the road bike forum, it seems like the "Vuelta" name may be trademarked by different companies in different countries, so that the European "Vuelta" brand of decent repute may not have anything to do with the "Vuelta" brand sold thru bikesdirect. If I had a few more minutes I would search for you, but gotta get back to work. I may be wrong, but I seem to recall some discussion about that issue. . .

Thanks for the input, I'll take a look later. I did notice the wheelset I linked to was Vuelta USA, although the Bikes Direct listing for the Vent Noir says the wheel manufacturer is the same one used by Colnago and Bottecchia, implying the European manufacturer. I'll see what I can find tonight as well.

One more thing...you'll notice at the Vuelta site they also sell Mountain wheelsets, there is one that looks just like the StarLite road I mentioned (obviously there are differences, but the spoke count is the same). That gives me some confidence that they can make strong wheels with that spoke count. Is that reasoning correct?

Well, the rim structure is different from the old Box Wheels I run, and there are clyde's that run low spoke count. I'm not one of them though due to the conditions I ride (loaded touring and remote areas)

I have the Starlite AL wheels with about 200 miles on them. I had to get the rear trued shortly after I mounted them but I have had no problems other than that. BTW I am 6'6", 290lbs.

Give it a search, my memory is probably not right. And for the record I run 24/28 count Easton Circuits and weigh 250 lbs, so I am not against low spoke count wheels, and at 230 you might be just fine. Good luck, definitely post back here if you get them and put some miles on, good to have first hand experience on the board.

I had run a set of Bontrager Race Lights for about 8 months and they held up under my weight, 325 when I started on them, I am now 295 and they are still excellent wheels. I only trued them once, about 3 weeks after I got them and had been run off the road, more of a pre-caution. I bought a road bike off Craig's List and it came with a fantastic set of wheels from Wheelsmith, so I started using them on my Hybrid, but they are not designed for 135mm spacing of the hybrid, so I finally broke down and got a 36 spoke Mavic set built for the larger 135mm rear spacing.

While I like the Bonty's, I just don't have a need for them now. I'd be willing to part with them if your interested. PM me. They are in excellent condition.

I have had the Vuelta mountain wheelset on one of my bikes for about 500 off road miles with no problems. I'm not a Clyde anymore, but was when I put them on. I also ride somewhat hard and used it for some dirt jumping, everytime I overshoot and land flat I have expected to taco one, but they have been fine.

I have a set of them in the ATB size, with mounted tubes and Michelin tires. I use DISC Brakes with them and have about 150 mile on em since the bike build. So far they have held their true and have performed well for me at 6 foot and 265 lbs. I was a little cautious at first with them, but they are doing fine.