Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What rim should I build up

So I'm hoping to build a rear wheel myself either using a Mavic Open Pro 4CD 32 hole rim or an Araya something or other 36 hole rim that I have laying around the basement. Since this will be my first build, I was wondering what rim I should go for and once decided what rear hub and spokes I should get. I'd rather not resort to having my LBS build it but that isn't out of the question should this prove to much for me. Thanks.

For a fixed rear wheel I would use the 36 hole rim with a 3x lacing. Use the open pro for the front and lace it radial. That would be purdy :)

hmm...interesting. I like the Open Pros and MA3s...I am running a Velo Deep-V on my DeBern right now and it is smooth. For a standard box rim, go Open Pro or MA3
Cynikal - nice call, but don't radial lace-ups pop more often? Thought I heard that rumor somewhere...

I weigh 175 with only a fair amount of grace and have had no probs with 32 hole. If this is your first build I highly recommend Jobst Brandt's book...think it's called "The Bicycle Wheel"...well worth the investment.

']hmm...interesting. I like the Open Pros and MA3s...I am running a Velo Deep-V on my DeBern right now and it is smooth. For a standard box rim, go Open Pro or MA3
Cynikal - nice call, but don't radial lace-ups pop more often? Thought I heard that rumor somewhere...

The only thing I've heard about radials is the ride is stiffer. I have both 3x and radial fronts in my stable and can't feel any difference. I just think they look great and if I can't feel anything different I do what looks better. As for flats, I've never had an issue. The major issue with radials is the hub. The spoke holes need further from the edge of the flange so they don't rip out.

Cheers

yeah...I meant the wheel blowing, not the tube/tire...sorry. Shoulda clarified

Cynical - So what you are saying is the Open Pro with it's 32 holes won't be strong enough for a rear? It currently is a rear with a Shimano hub and cassette.

dabern - I'm about 185 and with Cynical's post, I'm a bit worried about the strength of the Mavic Open Pro as a rear wheel

IN terms of research, I've benn reading Sheldon's Wheelbuilding section on his site as well as the wheel building section of Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance.

Now, once a rim is selected, I need a hub...for 32 holes I'm looking at the Suzue Basic (I don't mind repacking and greasing etc) or the Surly Fixed/Free flip flop hub. For the 36 hole, I'm thinking the Suzue Pro max or also the Basic. Decisions, decisions...it's like being at the food court at the mall...so many selections to choose from!

So I'm hoping to build a rear wheel myself either using a Mavic Open Pro 4CD 32 hole rim or an Araya something or other 36 hole rim that I have laying around the basement. Since this will be my first build, I was wondering what rim I should go for and once decided what rear hub and spokes I should get. I'd rather not resort to having my LBS build it but that isn't out of the question should this prove to much for me. Thanks.

4 bikes 32 hole Open pro 3x front and back and not problem.
1 bike 32 hole ma3 3x front and back not problem.
1 bike 36 hole Open pro 3x front and back not problem.
1 Tandem 36 hole 3x ma3 front and back no problem.

The consensus is Mavic works, 32 or 36 3x.

fixedgearhead

I wasn't making a judgement call. Open pros are excellent rims and quite strong. If it's working for you now then I'm sure it is fine. If I had a choice of rims for the rear....I would use the one with more hole, that's all. Probably a personal preference more than anything. I look at fixed rear wheel much like a wheel with a disk brake. With all of the torque coming from the center of the wheel (both forward and reverse) I like them really strong.

I'm also around 185 so I'm no lightwieght. I have a 36 hole ma3 laced to a basic suzue hub and I've never even knocked it out of true. All this being said, checkout sheldon's site for building wheels. That's how I learned and build what you think will work.

I wasn't making a judgement call. Open pros are excellent rims and quite strong. If it's working for you now then I'm sure it is fine. If I had a choice of rims for the rear....I would use the one with more hole, that's all. Probably a personal preference more than anything. I look at fixed rear wheel much like a wheel with a disk brake. With all of the torque coming from the center of the wheel (both forward and reverse) I like them really strong.

I'm also around 185 so I'm no lightwieght. I have a 36 hole ma3 laced to a basic suzue hub and I've never even knocked it out of true. All this being said, checkout sheldon's site for building wheels. That's how I learned and build what you think will work.

I'm 185 and ride all of the mentioned bikes hard; 40-75 miles per day if it isn't raining. If you build them right they stay right. If you build them wrong, I don't care if they are 48 holes and 4x, they will mess up. Build them right and you could run 28's if you wanted to. I never have to true them except after the first ride on new builds which is a touch up, then it's ride for at least a year unless I hit a really big hole and sprang something. If you are riding around over really rough road then a higher spoke count could be a great advantage. Some of the biggest riders on the Velodrome ride some scary light wheels and they subject their bikes to far greater torque forces than I ever will. They probably do far more re-trueing than anybody does, though.

fixedgearhead