Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Wheel build question

I'm a clyde but barely...ususally hover around 200-210 range, im 6'5.

Looking at possibly having a set of wheels built compared to buying some.

looking for semi aero, aluminum clinchers.

was looking at the Neuvation's, Easton SL70's or Soul 4.0's.

or possibly building a custom wheel set

using

Kinlin/Niobium 30mm rims
DT hubs
what spokes/nipples?

spoke count? 20/24 or 24/28?

wheel's will be used for everything including crits.

Chad

Frankly, I'd go with the Deep V from Velocity. A hair heavy, but definitely improved aerodynamics from being a deep section rim, and strong as the breath of a man that lives on exclusively garlic and coffee that smokes cheap Russian tobacco. ;)

DT Swiss or Alpine spokes, in stainless steel, and brass nipples/

I recently had two new wheel sets built. One set with dt 240's, cx-rays and deep-v's and the other with dt 240's, 14g dt's and pro elites(tubular version of the deep v's).

With what you want, I would go dt 240's, dt spokes 32/32, and the niobium(assuming them make them in 32 hole).

While they might be a little heavier with the extra spokes and a little less aero I think they will hold up better and the difference won't be that much. For comparison, I went from dt 240's, dt butted spokes and Mavic Reflex tubulars to my current wheels. There is a slight difference in the responsiveness, but I feel like I put the power down much better now, the bike definitely rides better and I just like these wheel sets infinitely more.

I recently had two new wheel sets built. One set with dt 240's, cx-rays and deep-v's and the other with dt 240's, 14g dt's and pro elites(tubular version of the deep v's).

With what you want, I would go dt 240's, dt spokes 32/32, and the niobium(assuming them make them in 32 hole).

While they might be a little heavier with the extra spokes and a little less aero I think they will hold up better and the difference won't be that much. For comparison, I went from dt 240's, dt butted spokes and Mavic Reflex tubulars to my current wheels. There is a slight difference in the responsiveness, but I feel like I put the power down much better now, the bike definitely rides better and I just like these wheel sets infinitely more.

what did the deep v's end up weighing? and how many spokes?


would it be better to build a set of deep v's with less spokes than the kinlin/niobium with 32?

still also looking at the Soul 3.0's as well....

Chad

I don't really know enough about this subject to be able to give you a firm answer. I didn't weigh my wheels, I was more concerned with durability and these are much more durable than my reflex's were.

I have 32/32 on both of my wheel sets and I'll never change that. If I were looking to cut some weight I would cut the rim weight and go with the Niobium 30's and then go to a higher grade lighter spoke like the cx-rays. If I wanted to loose more weight I would cut tire and tube weight and then hub weight. The last place I would cut weight is in the spoke count. I have played with lower spoke count wheels, but they just don't work out for me.

Now you are a bit lighter than I am, I'm 250lbs and 6'5". If I was 40 to 50lbs lighter I would be tempted to play with spoke counts, and I would start at 28/28.

At 200# you have a wide range of possibilities. What kind of riding do you do? Long distance? Race? Potholes? Smooth surfaces? Deep V's are probably the strongest but you don't always need a sledge hammer for a nail. Mavic Aksiums are strong and light though I wouldn't recommend them for over 250# and rough roads. Can also pick up a set at Nashbar or Performance and have a wheelbuilder hand tension them.

At 200# you have a wide range of possibilities. What kind of riding do you do? Long distance? Race? Potholes? Smooth surfaces? Deep V's are probably the strongest but you don't always need a sledge hammer for a nail. Mavic Aksiums are strong and light though I wouldn't recommend them for over 250# and rough roads. Can also pick up a set at Nashbar or Performance and have a wheelbuilder hand tension them.

club rides, starting to get into distance rides, most surfaces are pretty smooth, just alot of debris such as glass, etc. lots of flats.

looking for a 30mm rim at a decent weight.

the niobium's with 24/28 and DT240 hubs, CX-rays would weigh in just under 1500g if I did the math right.

the soul 3.0's are only 80 grams from that and ALOT cheaper.

Chad