Cyclocross - So whats a CX wheel?

Hey all,

I'm building up an old road bike that i plan to use for commuting as well as riding on gravel and dirt bridle trails which i like train on. Theyre generally smooth, but there is the occasional rut, crack, hole, bump, etc and i often fly down some of the hills at 35mph. i weigh about 220# (6'4) geared up.

I was going to use a normal 700c road wheel such as these: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile_combo.cfm?SKU=22736&estore_ID=&subcategory_ID=5320&CFID=11090335&CFTOKEN=79638329

but i was wondering if theyd be up to anything more than perfect pavement being only 16/20 spoke wheels. The price is right and they look cool enough.

How many spokes do CX wheels typically have? What is the different in rim width? Any budget prebuilt recommendations? I searched, but the search engine is acting up...

Something with 32 or 36 spokes is probably a better bet for your purposes.

You can find very reasonably priced machine-built 105/CXP-22 wheelsets, Ultegra/Open Pro wheelsets for a bit more. If you have a good LBS mechanic, order them through him and have him tension/stress/true them when they arrive. I've also heard good things about this dude:
http://shop.greatdealsonbikes.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PLST&Store_Code=GDOB

thanks. whats a typical cx rim width? I've test fitted 700c's w/ 35mm tires and they clear my frame and brakes fine. But thats probably about as big as i would need. What rim width is safe for 35mm? Could this same rim handle smaller tires like 28mms?

Thanks

thanks. whats a typical cx rim width? I've test fitted 700c's w/ 35mm tires and they clear my frame and brakes fine. But thats probably about as big as i would need. What rim width is safe for 35mm? Could this same rim handle smaller tires like 28mms?http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width

"Note: This chart may err a bit on the side of caution. Many cyclists exceed the recommended widths with no problem."

i'd say 35 is on the large side of what a lot of guys run in races. trail riding can be a different story though.

i'f youre doing mostly road 32 should be good for you. but yeah, read sheldons sizing thing

Any normal road rim will run fine with any normal 32 - 35mm cross tire. Cross wheels don't really get any kind of special rim, though I'm sure the various marketing departments are attempting to cure this deficiency.

I would very strongly suggest a conventional 32 spoke build.

Ron