Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Wheelsets and Opinions

Ultegra - Mavic Open Pro or CXP33
Ultegra - DT Swiss RR1.1
Ultegra - Velocity Fusion
Neuvation M28 Aero 3
Easton EA70

I want to replace my stock shimano R500 wheelset eventually, and I've been trying to get this list down to maybe two. Weight is not the top priority, but durability and better rollability is. These are the facts:

1) I do NOT race
2) I DO weigh 200 lbs.

I've lost 40 this summer and may get down to 185-190 next summer. The roads out here in the country are pretty good and I don't think I'm hard on wheels. My two 30 mile weekday rides avg 18-19mph, the longer weekend rides a bit less. Would like to spend less than $500, but really want to notice a difference.

I am familiar with the search function and have read many opinions about all of these. Open Pros seem to have a cult status, are they for real? The Eastons are the ones I keep coming back too in my mind. And I really want to like Neuvations. Is there a noticeable difference in wheelsets at this price range, or do I just pick the flavor that I like best and roll on?

I know the Open Pro has a cult following, but I'm not a fan of them. With the light weight, I feel that they're a little on the flexible side. They're also loud; I know that sounds silly, but I notice a lot more noise from the Open Pro vs. RR1.1 I currently use. However, the RR1.1 is 35 - 40g heavier than the Open Pro.

The RR1.1 is a very stiff rim, albeit a little heavy compared to the Open Pro and about the same as the Fusion. The Fusion isn't eyeletted, while the DT and Mavic rims are. The Open Pro and Fusion don't have wear indicators on the braking surface, and the DT rim does.

The Ultegra hub is a smooth, strong solution. I wouldn't worry about that choice at all.

The Easton EA70 and Neuvation I'm not familiar with, but if you're looking at boutique wheelsets you may want to consider the Mavic Aksium. It's less expensive than the EA70 and only 165g heavier. I have a friend at work who weighs 270 pounds and he's been very happy with his Aksiums over the last year. The Mavic Ksyrium Equipe is also under your price point, equivalent weight to the Easton, and a lower spoke count so it's more aero. (At only 200 pounds and dropping, a lower count wheel on good roads isn't going to be a concern. An LBS owner here rides Ksyrium SL's and he's 235.)

I know the Open Pro has a cult following, but I'm not a fan of them. With the light weight, I feel that they're a little on the flexible side. They're also loud; I know that sounds silly, but I notice a lot more noise from the Open Pro

I'm in the I hate OP cult!:D. Noisey and never had a handbuilt (2 rear wheels, different builders) or machine built set last over 3000 miles at 230 lbs. I've also had the brake surface split on me!:eek:

I like the Velocity Deep V at my weight but have seen a set of Fusion. I thought they were V's. Also the DT Swiss are nice but I like Velocity since they come in a wide range of colors.

The Easton EA70 and Neuvation I'm not familiar with, but if you're looking at boutique wheelsets you may want to consider the Mavic Aksium. It's less expensive than the EA70 and only 165g heavier. I have a friend at work who weighs 270 pounds and he's been very happy with his Aksiums over the last year. The Mavic Ksyrium Equipe is also under your price point, equivalent weight to the Easton, and a lower spoke count so it's more aero. (At only 200 pounds and dropping, a lower count wheel on good roads isn't going to be a concern. An LBS owner here rides Ksyrium SL's and he's 235.)

I weight 240lb, and have 1,500 miles on my '09 ksyrium Elites with no issues at all, have not even had to true them. I have heard good things about Neuvation, and the price seems very fair. I got a killer deal on my Elite's from my LBS, otherwise I had planned on a set of Neuvation M28's.

I'll stick up for the Mavic. OP. There is a Mavic OP Cult for a reason. They've been around for ever and are a great wheel. I have a set of randoneuring wheels that I've had since 1999. I don't know how many miles are on them but it's a lot. I think all the whippy, flexy and noise issues are directly realated to how they are built. There are so many otpions for spokes, spoke patterns and builds that it is hard to say the all Mavic OP's are this or that. It just depends on who builds them and how they are built.
Regarding the wheels on your list, they are all fine choices. It will ultimately come down to who builds your wheels that determines whether you have a good or bad experience with your new wheel set. I'd spend more time looking for a good wheel builder than on which model to buy.

For durability and speed, CXP33 or Deep V. I had a pair of Durace/CXP33 wheels I loved.

The RR1.1 has a good rep, I've never tried them. For a rim similar to the OP, see if you can find Ambrosio Excellence. It's what I am using now, and they are nice.
http://lakeside-bikes.com/product/ambrosio-excellence-5370.htm

Velocity has a large choice in rims. If you use midsized tires, rims to look at are Fusion, Synergy, Dyad. Just remember that as the rim gets taller, it usually gets stiffer.

I weigh 225 and have both OPs and RR1s and have had no problems and like them both just fine. Very slight edge to RR1s maybe. Ultegra hubs are solid, but Dura Ace is nicer. I agree that it must depend a lot on who builds the wheelset.

Neuvations are low spoke count so I would be wary of that.

For strength from your list go with either the cxp33 or Velocity Fusion, they are both mid-deep rims around 24-25mm height.. Of the lighter weight choices open pro vs. DT Swiss, it is the RR 1.1 all the way..

I would also consider the Velocity Deep V or DT Swiss RR 1.2, 30mm deep rims you could go with a 28h front / 32 rear setup with those rims and have a solid setup.. The DT Swiss Rims are a little nicer than the Velocity but cost about 20.00 more per rim.

I have had all the versions of the rim that is now the open pro, way back to the days of the g40.. The newer versions of the rim are just not made as well.. I have seen too many people with cracked eyelets and even cracked rims which was not the case when it was the open 4cd..