Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fresh Baked Wheels

In another thread I mentioned I was building some new wheels and was asked by William Karstens a/k/a WiKa to report back on whether they were "bombproof." So here's my report, so far. The rear wheel has a Mavic CXP22 rim laced to a Surly "New" Hub with DT-Swiss Competition Double-Butted (2.0-1.8) spokes. Total cost for parts was roughly $90. Front wheel is the same rim/spoke combo laced to a Campy Veloce hub. Total cost was roughly $75. I am running Armadillo 700x23 tires. These wheels are on my everyday workhorse fixie that endures the daily abuse that DC streets offer up. Read: Potholes, broken glass, hypodermic needles, shell casings, etc. At 6'5", 200 lbs., and mashing a 45x16 gear combo, I also add my own special brand of punishment to the mix. So, all in all, "bombproofing" is a necessity.

Did a ride around the 'hood over the weekend and then rode in to work this morning. So far so good. Granted I am going from a really heavy front wheel and a POS rear wheel with a Suzue Basic hub, but the ride difference is remarkable. Felt really quick and responsive despite the constant headwind. Took a couple potholes just fine. Of course, the real test will be to see how they hold up after six months of this.

Last thing. I run a front brake and changing from 27" to 700c wheels was not a problem. I have old side-pull DiaCompe caliper brakes and had enough room to lower the pads down a couple mm. The pads fit on the new rims with room to spare.

[Editor's note: Hey look! I actually posted something on topic and bike specific. I think that meets my quota for the year. Sarcasm and clever repartee to follow....]

I see you live in DC. Same here. I saw a pretty nice fixie going down 18th this morning. Wasn't you, was it?

Have you run the Armadillo tires long? I was thinking about getting a set for my fixie to replace the "almost lasted forever" Avocets.

Do you use 32 hole or 36 hole rims??

We have about the same height weight ratio. I usaully use straight gauge spokes(14ga rear, 15ga front) for bomb proof stuff on 32 rims.

I also put on 25mm tires for this time of the year. The streets are torn up from the winter and there is a lot of glass oyt too. I usually run 23mm tires. With the 25 you can just fly over railroad tracks and such. Slows you down a bit though. But it is worth the trade off this time of the year.

I see you live in DC. Same here. I saw a pretty nice fixie going down 18th this morning. Wasn't you, was it?

I'm 0 for 2 by that account. Come in from NE and only make it down to 15th st., and my bike has never been mistaken for "nice," or pretty for that matter! I'll post a pic later this week.



Have you run the Armadillo tires long? I was thinking about getting a set for my fixie to replace the "almost lasted forever" Avocets.

I had a 'dillo on my rear 27" wheel for about six months and had no problems. The tires are really, really hard and feel a little weird the first time you ride them. I had major puncture problems before I had this tire. None in the six months it was on, and I ride to work everyday.


Do you use 32 hole or 36 hole rims??

32h rims. I've never busted a spoke on a road bike and have always gone with 32s. For the fixie I did have 27" X 1.25" tires, so going to 23s may be an issue, but I have a lot of confidence in the 'dillos ability to take abuse. I guess time will tell.

Ok, so now I've got ideas that they might work. Did you build them your self?

Got pictures of the bike with the new wheels yet?

Ok, so now I've got ideas that they might work. Did you build them your self?

Got pictures of the bike with the new wheels yet?

Built the wheels, myself. Here's a pic of the Unishikivega in all its gory...

Lookin' sharp Schiek.

I am running Armadillo 700x23 tires. [Editor's note: Hey look! I actually posted something on topic and bike specific. I think that meets my quota for the year. Sarcasm and clever repartee to follow....]

Where you get these babies? How much?

Where you get these babies? How much?

Direct from the source:

http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqSection.jsp?sid=04EquipTiresArmadillo

$29.99 each.



Lookin' sharp Schiek.

Gracias.

Built the wheels, myself. Here's a pic of the Unishikivega in all its gory...

DIG THAT CHAINRING!

Do tell!

BTW, it's a sweet ride.

DIG THAT CHAINRING!

Do tell!

45t Rocket Ring BMX Chainring from Sheldon:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/chainrings.html#rocket

Why 45, you ask? Because all of the 44s were sold out, natch.

45t Rocket Ring BMX Chainring from Sheldon:
Rocket Rings are great. Cheap price, they last a long time and they've got the dual bolt pattern.