Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Velocity Deep Vs with velocity hub

I weigh about 285lbs and just popped a spoke on the rear wheel of a set of R1900s from DT powering up a hill. I Had it fixed and rode about 2 miles on it before popping 2 more. The wheelset has about 700 miles on it and I am going to get it rebuilt, but I have come to the conclusion that I will never be able to effectively get what I need out of a regular wheelset. So with that said, I am looking for a set of wheels that will be able to last longer than a couple of months. I have about $400 to spend and am leaning towards the Velocity Deep Vs with Velocity hubs in a 32f/36r config. What do you all think about that? will it last or is there something else I should look into?

The R1900 is a 20 radial front, 24 2-cross rear medium depth wheelset. They're really not designed for us big folks, especially to be "powering up" anything with.

If you're partial to the DT Swiss name, I ride an RR1.1 front rim built 32h 3-cross with Champion 2.0 spokes, and it's been true and problem free for over 2000 miles.

The Velocity Deep V is a favourite around this forum, as are the Mavic CxP-33, and to a lesser extent (in deep section rims) the DT RR1.2 and Alex DA28.
The 32f/36r combo will certainly be strong enough, as long as you're having it built properly. I think most of the C&A members would agree that a 3-cross pattern is going to the best, but you'll find differing opinions on what spokes to use.

The R1900s use a bladed spoke, IIRC.
I'm partial to the Champion 2.0 from DT. A straight 14g, no frills, stiff, bombproof general purpose spoke.
Many builders will argue that a stronger wheel can be had using a butted spoke, since a degree of flex will allow the wheel to "soak" some additional impact better than a straight gauge wheel, and not jar the rim so heavily. I don't argue it one way or the other. I think butted spoke wheels ride "quieter" than a straight gauge wheel, but I prefer the feel of the latter.

I know squat all about Velocity hubs. There's usually quite the buzz about the Ultegra hubs when talking about road wheels for Clydesdales. They're high quality, but set at a reasonable price, unlike the Dura-Ace (where you're paying to shave a few grams, which for most of us isn't going to make a lot of difference). :)

At 6'3 and 260 pounds, I've been sold on Velocity Deep V's for years...I've had Deep V's on my modified mountain bike for about 5 years (dressed with some Hutchinson slicks)...never broke a spoke.
I have a custom set (including Velocity hubs) on my new roadie..maxxed out at 36 spokes.

I'm 280lbs. riding on velocity deep-v's 32 spoke front and rear I only have about 200 miles so far no problems

220-245, 15,000 miles on my Deep V's. 32 spoke.

One of the main problems you are popping spokes at 700 miles is inadequate spoke tension. I would bet the shop did not retension the wheels at about 250 miles. True the wheels IS NOT retensioning.

No matter what wheel you get, be sure to have them retensioned after the initail breakin period of about 250 miles. If the shop says you don't need it, they are fools, find another shop! Big guys depend on proper spoke tension.

BTW, 20/24 spoke count wheels are NOT regular wheels. They are low spoke count high tension wheels desiogned for lighter riders. The slightest imperfection can throw them way out! Again, if the shop says you will be fine on low count spokes, they are fools! Most I can get at 220 is 10 months (4,000 miles). Who wants to replace their wheels every 10 months? Not me!

Also, the wheels do not need to be replaced as a complete wheelset. I replace the rear first, then worry about the front later, as it takes less abuse;)

Hey Wazzu,

I have had similar problems and I went to my local Trek store and Purchased a set of Brontrager Classic hoops. I had them build on 105 hubs with DT spokeswith brass nipples. The hoop is a little wider then my previous set and they will take a 25 to 30 mm tire as needed. They are solid as a rock, stiff and I got them for $400. I am very pleased. The best part is if there is a problem I can get them fixed right here at my LBS.

Hey Wazzu,

I have had similar problems and I went to my local Trek store and Purchased a set of Brontrager Classic hoops. I had them build on 105 hubs with DT spokeswith brass nipples. The hoop is a little wider then my previous set and they will take a 25 to 30 mm tire as needed. They are solid as a rock, stiff and I got them for $400. I am very pleased. The best part is if there is a problem I can get them fixed right here at my LBS.

Classic hoops, how many spokes? That is very expensive at $400!:eek:.....You can get a set of OP's with 'Ultegra hubs' if you shop around!

Coloardo Cyclist has Mavic CXP 33's at times for $200, Ultegra hubs!

Yeah I've definitely looked at OPs with Ultegra hubs as well. The OPs are considerably lighter and really, I am thinking the more metal in those rims the better, plus I've heard only good things about the Deep Vs. I'm also having trouble finding 36 hole Ultegra hubs, and I think 36 hole for the rear wheel is something I need, which is why I was thinking about Velocity Hubs as well.

I also want to say thanks to all of you for your advice. It certainly makes this choice much easier. As I'm sure most of you can attest, I'm friggen tired of dealing with broken spokes and local shops that charge me $30 to fix them only to have them snap even worse on the first ride back. GRRRRR!

Well, even if you are a Wazzu or wazzup or that furry little cat...anyhow I digress,
I am 310 on a set of 36 spoke Deep V ultegra hubs. I found the hubs on CL and had the wheels built at Universal Cycles in Portland. These things are solid!

Check PBK for the hubs, and I also have the Deep V and love them. Very solid wheel.

+1 Deep V.

When I was around 225 (light, I know), I was coming down a hill around 35mph a hit a pothole. My handlebars dropped a little, felt like both wrists broke, BUT somehow my Deep V (front), didn't even go out of true!!! My rear wheel which had much less weight on it, bent a little (Mavic Open Pro). I was amazed. My wrist hurt for 2 weeks after that. FWIW My front hub is a DT Swiss 240S and on Sapin CX Ray spokes.

I was going to get the deep V's, but they had a 3 week wait, so I ordered the Velocity Fusions. I told them I weigh 200# and the loaded bike would be about 60# and they told me, no problem.