Road Cycling - Rim profile and spoke count.

The wheels on my current bike consist of Mavic Open-Pros, laced with 32 spokes to Mirage hubs. I have no problems with them but feel like buying some new wheels as a luxurious upgrade. I fancy something sexy like Campag's Zonda. I tend to do between 70 to 150miles a week in summer and am unsure whether a medium profile rim with minimal spoke count (16 and 21) will stay straight for very long on 'everyday' roads with this kind of mileage. If they do stay straight (to accommodate the low spoke count) is the rim likely to be so stiff that they will they will be spectacularly uncomfortable ? Is this purely a race wheel or would it suit my everyday requirements ?

How much do you weigh?

As long as you're not too heavy, these wheels can take a lot of abuse.

How much do you weigh?

I weigh approx 180bls.

I've been riding campy sciroccos for 500 miles, no problems yet. And the roads in SF are awful. I weigh 160 lb btw.

Try the American Classic CR 420 with DT bladed spokes. They are bullet proof and very fast.
At your weight, 16/20 with bladed spokes should be fine. Check out the review on http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=767

Cheers

I guess my only question is regarding the Zondas is why do you need them? Are you racing in club events? or doing other racing? If not then the only reason you want the Zondas is the "cool" factor? For a whole lot less you could have your current wheels, since nothing is wrong with them, rebuilt using DT Revolution spokes, alloy nipples and perhaps replacing the hubs with Record. But if you got money burning a hole in your pocket and you just gotta have the Zonda's, then spend and be happy.

I think that KARES is on a better track with the American Classic CR420; at least this wheel is rebuiltable with standard off the shelf parts and they claim the wheel is the lightest AL clincher rim on the market.

I guess my only question is regarding the Zondas is why do you need them? Are you racing in club events? or doing other racing? If not then the only reason you want the Zondas is the "cool" factor? For a whole lot less you could have your current wheels, since nothing is wrong with them, rebuilt using DT Revolution spokes, alloy nipples and perhaps replacing the hubs with Record. But if you got money burning a hole in your pocket and you just gotta have the Zonda's, then spend and be happy.

I think that KARES is on a better track with the American Classic CR420; at least this wheel is rebuiltable with standard off the shelf parts and they claim the wheel is the lightest AL clincher rim on the market.

To answer your only question.... as I originally stated, I dont need new wheels, I just feel like a luxurious upgrage. And yes, the primary reason is for the cool factor but the weight loss will be nice too. I have considered keeping my rims and replacing spokes, nipples and hubs but for the same cost, I could buy the Zonda's.

The American Classic CR420 is something I hadn't considered. They get mixed reviews but overall seem well liked. It's refreshing to see a manufacturer putting a 200lb rider weight limit on thier wheel rather than the usual Campag disclaimer of '180lb rider weight on smooth asphalt or track only'.

Thanks for the nudge in this direction.