Bicycle Mechanics - Help me choose new rims

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
RegularGuy
12-06-03, 10:05 AM
I'm currently running Mavic CXP 30s laced to Campy Record hubs, 28 spokes in the rear and 24 in front. I'm using 700x20C Continental SuperSport Ultra tires with kevlar beads. The combination of rim and tire is tight. It makes for a difficult change. I know the easiest (and cheapest) way out is to use a wider, wire bead tire. But, the rims are getting a little worn anyway, and I want to replace them. I'm looking for something with an aero profile like the CXPs, but easier to mount a tire on.
Any suggestions?
For the money Sun makes an aero rim that looks just like the CXP for about $20 dollars less per rim and weighs the same. BUT I do not know if it will make the Conti's any easier to install. Wire beaded tires are heavier and easier to install when new then the kevlar beaded-but the kevlar beaded tires are a lot easier to fix flats with and a snap to put on once they have been on the rim for a while. I prefer the kevlar beaded tires over the wire but unfortunately I also prefer as little flats as possible so I use the Specialize Armadillo turbo's and they come only with wire beads.
demoncyclist
12-08-03, 07:07 AM
The problem is the Conti tires. They are a tight fit on almost every rim. That is one of the reasons I switched brands. The Panaracer Stradius Pros that I use now feel like Contis, but I can pull them off much easier when needed, which (fortunately) isn't often.
DEMON
pat5319
12-09-03, 02:14 AM
Try some Michelins or Gommitalias
Don't discount 23s, they CORNER BETTER, ride smoother, roll better, last longer, and protect rims better than 20s. Maybe that's why the Pros use 23s!
The Contis will probably outlast the above, especially the Gommis, but both perform better than Contis.
And they do go on/off easy The first time is a little tricky though. Stay away from Specialized and Hutchinson- have exp (S) and heard ( H) not easy
Ride Easy
Pat
Gonzo Bob
12-09-03, 02:14 PM
The problem is the Conti tires. They are a tight fit on almost every rim. That is one of the reasons I switched brands. The Panaracer Stradius Pros that I use now feel like Contis, but I can pull them off much easier when needed, which (fortunately) isn't often.
DEMON
How bizzarre. My experience was exactly the opposite. I had a pair of Conti GPs and the bead diameter was just a touch larger than the rims (Mavic Reflex clincher) and I always had a terrible time trying to get reasonable roundness when pumping them up. I switched to Panaracer Stradius Pro and they fit perfect.
Regarding rim recommendations: I ride a pair of 28-hole Matrix ISO-Cs that have held up very well. Tires are very easy to put on those rims.
demoncyclist
12-10-03, 10:16 AM
I regularly broke plastic levers on the Ambrosios that came on my Bianchi, as well as with the Reflex I currently have on the rear. The SPinergy Xaero-X I have in front was impossible, so I switched brands and the Panaracers are a beautiful fit. I just picked up the Xaero-X rear last night. I just have to pick up a Shimano 8 speed cassette and a Wheels Mfg. spacer kit for my Campy drivetrain and I'll be ready to roll (quickly).
DEMON
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.12 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.