Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Opinions on wheel choice wanted please

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progre-ss
04-29-04, 01:51 PM
I am looking at purchasing one of these rear wheels

A: Suzue High Flange Alloy Flip-Flop Fixed/ Freewheel Hub, Suzue M13II Double wall Alloy Rim, DT Stainless Spokes, DT Brass Nipples. $80

or

B: SIW Suzue Steel Flip-Flop Fixed / Freewheel Hub, Ritchey Vantage Cross Sport Alloy Rim, DT Stainless Spokes, DT Brass Nipples. $55

I'm a 5'6" at 180 lbs (hoping to lose a few pounds) and am wondering if either of these would be able to handle my riding and terrain. The budget guy in me is swaying to wheel B although I've heard bad things about the SIW Suzue hubs stripping easily. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

James

Jonny B
04-29-04, 02:15 PM
Suzue Basic hubs have had problems, but the NJS and Promax models are great. I've never heard them refered to as SIW before. Mavic Open Pros and MA3s are generally regarded as top notch rims, but if you're buying off-the-rack they may not be an option. To be honest, I'd go for a Promax with an MA3 if I were you; you might have to pay more, but you'll have a good wheel that should last for ages if you look after it.
pitboss
04-29-04, 04:20 PM
I'll second Jonny B on the rim choice, and would sway you to the MA3s. As far as economical, stout-assed hub, Surly. You can ride the **** out of the entry level Suzues...in about 5 weeks if you are aggressive. I know. I switched to the Surly and think I found true love...and dependability...in a fg hub.

progre-ss
04-30-04, 06:58 AM
thanks for the info guys...after some quick research on the net, I'm probably looking at spending around $140-$160 for a Surly flip flop hub and MA3s. Now, I'm thinking if wheelbuilding is something I'd want to tackle...doesn't seem too hard after reading Sheldon's site as well as Zinn's mtb book...hmmmmm....
hammye
04-30-04, 07:20 AM
You may also want to take a look at IRO's sealed track hubs. Front and back for like 80 bucks.
mgilman
04-30-04, 07:25 PM
i just built a set of wheels using surly hubs and open pros using sheldon browns wheelbuilding guide.piece of cake.the first wheel took about 2 hours,the second about an hour.plus the satisfaction knowing you built your own wheels is priceless.