32 hole rim for track tandem recommendations?

[IanS]

Hi

We've just bought a second hand power tap with a 32 hole hub from another tandem pair here in the UK. They used it on a of Mavic CXP 30 rim but these seem to be hard to cme by by all accounts. We intend to use this on the track (have found someone in the US to sort the hub internals out) and would appreciate any recommendations for a very solid 32 hole rim or any other suggestions.

Many thanks
Cheers
Ian

[Richard Kennedy]

If at all possible, I'd stick with the Mavic CXP30. I have a pair of 36 hole cxp30s for my track tandem and they're much stronger and stiffer than my other pair of track tandem wheels (40 hole mavic GP4s).
There may well be other rims suggested, but a cxp30 should serve you very well.

[TandemGeek]

Good luck finding a CXP30 rim. I have the original set of 36h CXP30's laced to Phil Wood hubs from our '98 Erickson that I keep around as a spare set of rims for ourselves or friends to use. I ended up using the Velocity Deep-Vs as a replacement rim as they were the closest to being equivalent in terms of design, weight (550 grams - 575 grams), and durabilty.

We've got a new set of wheels coming that are built with Deep-V's cousin, the Fusion. The Fusion has a 25mm depth, aero shape, works with narrow tires, weighs in around 460 grams - 470 grams, and appears to be a pretty solid offering for light to mid-weight teams. It's very similar to the Mavic CXP33.

[IanS]

The reason for my question is that, as you suggest, I'm finding it very hard to find a CXP30 with 32h in the UK. I've also seen the Topolini AX3.0 and Campy Atlanta rims mentioned by people using them on Tandems. Any thoughts on these or where to buy?

Thanks
Ian

[TandemGeek]

Topolino wheelsets are about $1,200 (USD) and wouldn't be my first choice, or even second choice for a track tandem wheel. Campy Atlanta rims are about as hard to find as CXP30's.

[IanS]

You'll have to pardon my ignorance but is there a lot of difference between the CXP30's and the 'newer' CXP33? Three are loads of them around and assume they could just be a more recent model? I'm really struggling finding either the CXP30 or Campy Atlanta in a 32h as you suspected.

[TandemGeek]

... is there a lot of difference between the CXP30's and the 'newer' CXP33?

The CXP30 had a 30mm deep V cross section which make for exceptionally strong wheels but with a slight weight penalty. They weighed about 498 grams. Again, the equivalent rim is the current Velocity Deep-V which also has a 30mm deep V cross section (hence, the name), although I would note that the CXP33's come almost to a point and used a recessed spoke bed vs. the blunt ended Deep-V from Velocity cross section depicted below.

http://www.velocityusa.com/img/rimDiagrams/rd-deepvx.gif

The CXP33 has a 23.6mm cross section and weighs in around 450 grams. It's technically an aero rim that's just a bit deeper than most.

http://www.lickbike.com/lickimages/2108.gif

[Big H]

Correct me if I am wrong. I had Campy Atlanta rims on my road tandem when we started out. These were 18 hole rims that were drilled to 36 hole rims and they worked well. Did they come in 32 hole rims????? I use a set of DRC 26" 28 hole MTB rims on the MTB tandem for road use. We only have the road tandem here in Nigeria. They work well. I also have 40 hole DRC rims on the road tandem and we have had great success with them. I do not know the type but will post later.

[TandemGeek]

Did they come in 32 hole rims?????

Somewhat surprisingly, there are a pair of 32h Atlanta rims up for sale on Ebay right now... $314 for the pair (yikes!!).

I'd post the link but I suspect it would draw the attention of a moderator and send my post into oblivion.