Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Maybe you guys can help. Looking for a wheelset for a 340lb roadie.

I am posting this for a friend. He is 340lbs, and he is complaining he keeps breaking wheels. His LBS keeps putting new spokes in, but nothing seems to hold up for him. They keep replacing spokes, and they say they are putting "heavy duty" spokes in. Are there any wheelsets that hold up better than others for a heavier rider? He rides a road bike, so probably something in 700c. Thanks in advance for your help. If there are threads on this, please link me.

http://www.prowheelbuilder.com/
check these guys out. you can pick whatever you want and they build it. takes them a while but not expensive and the wheels i got from them have held up well so far. very happy with the product other than the wait.

Yes, I am aware of that. This rider is a bit of a noob, and a off the shelf wheelset would be more what he is looking for. Are you saying for his weight, the best bet is custom built?

I have a tandem set (40 spoke) of Velocity Dyads. Trouble free for over 6,000 miles now, and I'm right around his weight.

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?id=BPC305805

It all boils down to the guy who puts the spokes on. He has to be good.

Yes, I am aware of that. This rider is a bit of a noob, and a off the shelf wheelset would be more what he is looking for. Are you saying for his weight, the best bet is custom built?
Yes.

+1 on custom.. I would look at Velocity Chukker.. It is a wider version of the Deep V

http://www.speedgoat.com/Catalog.aspx/Browse?Cat=C156&Prod=19442

SA, A 36H Mavic T217, if your friend's bike will clear a 28C or larger with 15-14 DT spokes should be nealy bulletproof. I looked for a 130/135mm 40H rear hub and the smallest I found was a 145mm tandem hub.

Brad

Thanks allot guys. I told him to go with Velocity Chukker rims, with 14g DT spokes in a 4 cross pattern, with 105 hubs in 36spoke configuration. Does that sound like a bomb proof setup or what? Personally I would go with Chris King hubs, but I am sure that would blow his budget.

i went with the double butted spokes. not much price difference on the deep V. i didn't think i was heavy enough for the chukker. that build should be less than $200 shipped

I have a tandem set (40 spoke) of Velocity Dyads. Trouble free for over 6,000 miles now, and I'm right around his weight.

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?id=BPC305805

It all boils down to the guy who puts the spokes on. He has to be good.

+2 on velocity dyad. the deep V is of course great as well if you want to run skinner tires (but why would you?)

+2 on velocity dyad. the deep V is of course great as well if you want to run skinner tires (but why would you?)

Speaking of tires. He also complains of tire problems. I suggested Michelin Krylions because they work great for me, but I am also 150lbs, so may not be so good for him. I am guessing the tire issues may be stemming from spokes popping through the rim, tearing the tube. Not sure though. This friend lives in another state, and is asking me for advice, because he knows I ride allot.

SA, Find out if the problem he has with tubes is due to snake bite type failures. Can his bicycle frame support a 30-32C tire (I'm guessing he rides a roadie.)? Maybe he can join this forum.

Like you I'm not a Clyde, but with some bashful friends that are, I try to learn and help. Like the ultra tall and super short, the uber clyde gets the short end of the bicycle market stick.

Brad

Hey Soloist, just a thought here. He might want to check out a wheel brand you and I like - Spinergy.

I've got a pair of Spinergy Xaero Lites that I got when I was about 280+. I've ridden them over 2500 miles and they've never gone out of true. I know that over 300 is a bit more stress on the wheels, but at about $450, they might be an option for your friend...

With the PBO spokes, they also do a great job of smoothing out the ride. He could max the air in his tires without sacrificing all of the comfort...

Hey Soloist, just a thought here. He might want to check out a wheel brand you and I like - Spinergy.

I've got a pair of Spinergy Xaero Lites that I got when I was about 280+. I've ridden them over 2500 miles and they've never gone out of true. I know that over 300 is a bit more stress on the wheels, but at about $450, they might be an option for your friend...

With the PBO spokes, they also do a great job of smoothing out the ride. He could max the air in his tires without sacrificing all of the comfort...

I think even considering going to a 24 spoke rear and 18 spoke front would be a huge mistake.. He needs to consider that 32 minimum / 36 spoke preferred would be the best option. Using the Deep V - Dyad or Chukker would all be solid options..

Contact Peter White or Joe Young and talk to them,.

Thanks allot guys. I told him to go with Velocity Chukker rims, with 14g DT spokes in a 4 cross pattern, with 105 hubs in 36spoke configuration. Does that sound like a bomb proof setup or what? Personally I would go with Chris King hubs, but I am sure that would blow his budget.

I'm not as heavy as your friend, but 105 hubs are very good. I have 8000 trouble free miles on a set.



MB

Thanks for all the input guys. I really appreciate it.