Commuting - Bontrager vs. Vuelta disc brake wheelsets for cyclo-x/commuter frame?

Does anyone have any experience with these two wheelsets?

Bontrager Select Disc Road (http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1699&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4%2C442%2C457&iProductID=1699) - $259 + S/H = ~$280

VueltaUSA XRP PRO 700c Cyclo Cross Disc (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-CycloCross-ROAD-BIKE-WHEELS-DISC-Wheel-Set-700c_W0QQitemZ200341202820QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea5442784) - $237.95 shipped

I'm building up a better commuter for 2010 and will be running disc-brake road wheels. I'm considering my options (which are few) and came across these Vuelta wheels on eBay. I'm not familiar with Vuelta so I'm assuming they are a made in Taiwan internet brand. However, for that matter I'm sure the Bontrager's are made in Taiwan as well.

Both wheelsets are a little porky for each set (Bont. = 1925 g.; Vuelta = 2025+ g. for Road Pro set - no weight given for this disc brake version), but this is more of a budget commuter build and I don't intend to spend top dollar for the lightest kit. This bike will spend it's day in a bike rack while I'm at work, so I don't want the most expensive gear sitting in the open getting beat around or subject to theft either. It will be sitting out rain or shine, so seal quality is also a consideration.

The fact that the Vuelta's can run rim brakes is attractive (if I ever switch or sell them in the future) as well as being ~$40 cheaper, but I know nothing of their quality. I'll spend the extra $40 on the Bontragers if these are junk wheels.

Any feedback would be great!

Edit - There is also a Vuelta Pro SL Disc wheelset - 1880 g./set - $280 shipped.

I'm running the Select Disc's with no issues, but I know they're not generally well regarded and others here have had issues with them. TSL is one user here that's now swapped his out.

Any disc wheel is going to be porkier as the hubs have more meat to them. The Bontragers come in road (130mm) and MTB (135mm) dropout widths.

I waited till I could find a good deal on a set of Mavic Speedcity wheels and am glad that I did, they're real nice. I spent some time looking on Craigslist before I found a set with tires and rotors used only a couple times for less than what your target price is above...

I have a set of Vuelta MTB wheels for my V3 - with 2 wheelsets I can run larger cushy tires on one set and skinny faster tires on the other. So far, no complaints on the Vuelta wheels.

I waited till I could find a good deal on a set of Mavic Speedcity wheels and am glad that I did, they're real nice. I spent some time looking on Craigslist before I found a set with tires and rotors used only a couple times for less than what your target price is above...


I would agree, but the OP seems to be looking for 130 spaced wheels. Speedcity is 135.

I'm running the Select Disc's with no issues, but I know they're not generally well regarded and others here have had issues with them. TSL is one user here that's now swapped his out.

True.

I can't say anything about the Vueltas, but based on my experience, I'd avoid the Bontragers.

Of course, it you really prefer the Bontragers, I can make you a deal on one of my two used sets. PM me.

I have the Vuelta XRP Pro on my road bike and they have been heavy but strong so far (a few thousand miles). Just minor truing after the front wheel got caught in a groove and I did an endo. My shoulder fared much worse, torn labrum.

Slightly better price here:
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1167

Thanks for the responses! As stated by another poster, I need 130 mm rear spacing. My setup is going to be a Nashbar X frame with their cheap cyclocross disc fork.

I will continue to research different wheel options. I really want to avoid having to get something built due to the added expense. If anyone knows of other disc brake, road wheelsets with 130 mm spacing out there please feel free to through out names!

Thanks!

So how would you feel if you got this as a response to a request about an "economy" wheelset weight? -


Hello again. The reason I do not quote weights on economy wheel sets is that some folks weigh with skewers, some without, some with rim strips, some without, and some people outright lie. So instead of jumping into the fray, I stay above it. I quote weights when the weight of the wheel is it's primary selling point and I can guarantee the grams. Remember that there is a direct relationship between weight and money.

I didn't think my question, "how much does this wheelset weigh?" was such a difficult one. Why not get 5 wheelsets, take an average, then state "xxxx grams/wheelset - not inc. rim tape and skewers" directly on the website? They guy's first response was:


Hello and thanks for your interest in our wheel sets. I do not know the exact weight of these wheels but I do know that we have sold thousands and everyone loves them!

It seems to me that he's more interested in throwing sales pitches at me rather than answering my question, or am I being overly sensitive? I typically see weights posted for all components, economy or high-end. I guess I get uneasy when I ask simple, direct questions and get what I feel are run-around answers.

Thanks!

I contacted this seller (Bike Island) recently, and the person who responded (Jeff) gave me the same lame story. I have been all over the internet trying to get weight specs for the Vuelta XRP line, but came up with zilch. Has anyone purchased the "Big Hit" wheelset? Comments?