Road Cycling - Building up some new wheels

After breaking a spoke on my shimano wheels and having a **** of a time trying to find a replacement (still dont have one, I have a normal spoke on there now) Im looking at a more traditional wheelset. I discussed this with my LBS at some detail and of course the open pro wheel build came up. What kind of hubs/spokes would you guys recommend? I would like something lighter than my 1.9kg wheels I have now. I only weigh 137lbs so I dont need a 36 spoke wheel I dont think. How bout the cxp-33 rims? A little more aero but heavier? Any hub recommendations? I would assume dura-ace/ultegra would be the way to go but how about other companies? american classic,dt hugi, etc?
Thanks

You have many options at your weight. I like the Topolinos for low weight, great riding and equally great climbing. A little pricy but, you don't need a new set of wheels every year so a bit extra for that "right" wheel is in order.

Velomax also makes good wheels. Shops today often immediately recommend open pro's upon hearing an issue with an existing wheel. While the open pro's are very good and reliable especially for weighty riders, there are other options at your weight that may provide a better overall comprimise for the type riding you are planning to do.

Bontrager Race-X-Lites are nice too.

Ive gotten that impression about shops being quick to recommend the open pros as soon as I say Im looking at some new wheels. The LBS did mention bontragers being much better quality than they used to be and that one of the shop owners really liked the pair he got for a demo, cant remember the model. Ive also looked at velomax's. I like the ascent II, I am well within the weight range I just need to make sure they can take a beating. The mountain in our area has atrocious road conditions and invariably every time I go up and down it something works its way loose. How about american classics? the 350 and 420 are light, more traditional spoke lacing. There is also a custom wheel builder in my area, close enough at least, that seems to have a good reputation and makes some light, less expensive wheels. Anyone heard of this guy by chance? speed dream (http://www.speeddream.com/index.php) . Anyone had any experiences with the FSA wheels? The rd-400 in particular looks attractive.

My last road bike came with the Velomax Circuit Comp wheelset. I was really surprised by the level of quality to price ratio. They are very light and strong.

Loving the bonty race lites

Dave Thomas' wheels are some of the best around.
end of story.
He is a master wheelbuilder, builds bulletproof wheels
and is very highly thought of.
If you go with speed dreams you won't be dissapointed.

Marty

Lotek, what more do you know about them? roadbikereview had 30+ reviews and the average was 4.6 out of 5 or something so everyone liked them for the most part. I like the idea of custom wheels, not everyone will be riding them, and they are made from quality parts. Plus I hear Dave really knows his stuff. I might give him a call monday.

bumpity bump bump

tri, do a google search for nimble wheels, they have some super light rims (spiders) for 60 you might be interested in (and some sweet tri spokes but thats another story)

After breaking a spoke on my shimano wheels and having a **** of a time trying to find a replacement (still dont have one, I have a normal spoke on there now) Im looking at a more traditional wheelset. I discussed this with my LBS at some detail and of course the open pro wheel build came up. What kind of hubs/spokes would you guys recommend? I would like something lighter than my 1.9kg wheels I have now. I only weigh 137lbs so I dont need a 36 spoke wheel I dont think. How bout the cxp-33 rims? A little more aero but heavier? Any hub recommendations? I would assume dura-ace/ultegra would be the way to go but how about other companies? american classic,dt hugi, etc?
Thanks

Which Shimano wheels did you have ?

jeff

Tri-Devil,
I noticed you live in Tempe. I'm assuming your LBS is located around there (Landis, Domenics, etc.). You should check out TommyO Bikes www.tommyobikes.com on Thunderbird and Tatum. I can't say enough about the service I've gotten there. They have the best mechanics in the valley. Check it!

Ive got the r540's. I just got off the phone with dave thomas at speed dream. I could get a pair of wheels shipped to my door at 1470 g for 595$. He described the wheels and they sounded like they would be plenty strong. Plus he had some good warranty type deals, 2 years on rim cracking and problems among others. Has anyone dealt with those nimble wheels? They look like they would be a little bit lighter and around the same cost. Any one know where I can find some reviews?

Ive got the r540's. I just got off the phone with dave thomas at speed dream. I could get a pair of wheels shipped to my door at 1470 g for 595$. He described the wheels and they sounded like they would be plenty strong. Plus he had some good warranty type deals, 2 years on rim cracking and problems among others. Has anyone dealt with those nimble wheels? They look like they would be a little bit lighter and around the same cost. Any one know where I can find some reviews?

wow.. those are the same wheels I'm rockin... you must been crankin hard to bust a spoke on those... either that.. or some crappy roads

jeff

Im hardly a power sprinter. There has been one spoke for a while that always works its way loose after I go up and down the local mountain climb which has horrendous road conditions. Never had a problem with the front. The front is still true as the day I rode it home from the shop. Just that pesky back wheel.

my LBS recomends these wierd ass wheels. the place is called white rock cycles. 214-824-5454

oh. they're like $800 a pair and they use some sort of string for the spokes. theyr'e easy on the ass.

Merton, are those the fly's? I was looking at the step 'down', the spiders I believe. Know any more about them?

Merton, are those the fly's? I was looking at the step 'down', the spiders I believe. Know any more about them?

just call kevin and ask him. 1pm tp 7pm every day cept for tue and wen. he's sometimes there more than that.