Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Velocity Deep V or DT Swiss RR 585?

I am looking to have a set of wheels built for my new ride. Does anyone have experience with/opinions of either the Velocity Deep V or DT Swiss RR 585 rims? They are going on a Cannondale Synapse Carbon, I weigh 255 lbs, I'm don't participate in any sort of competitive riding. I'm just looking to build a wheel that will support my ponderous girth a bit better than the stock wheels. TIA:thumb:

I am partial to the Deep V....I weigh 310 and have the 36 spoke Deep V...no problems what so ever.

Thanks for the reply, that was quick. Have you ridden any other rims, and do you feel it to be "harsh riding" in comparison?

Although I like the look of the DTS more, I am leaning towards the Deep Vs just because they come in "Halo" paint.

The RR415 is plenty sufficient for you. I rode the RR1.1 (predecessor to the RR415; different stickers) at your weight for years. They're strong and will save you 170g of rotating weight per wheel (3/4 pound for the set).

Ooh, thank you! Other options are always worth looking at. I've got that one open in another tab now. I should also mention that I live in a hilly area with some real crap-hole roads.

I probably should have added ", or other" to the title as I am open to other options. I was planning on using Prowheelbuilder.com (not to shill out to them) and was going off of their strength/compatibility rating system.

Ooh, thank you! Other options are always worth looking at. I've got that one open in another tab now. I should also mention that I live in a hilly area with some real crap-hole roads.

Yep, I'm just across the Sound from you and I've done some riding out your way. With the Seattle Randonneurs, I've ridden some of the gnarliest chip-seal bone-shaker farming roads, downtown Seattle chuck-hole routes, bricks, and the root-heaved Burke-Gilman trail.
I wrapped my RR1.1 rims in 28mm Conti Gatorskins for a little bit more plush of a ride over the nasty stuff.

I prefer the DT rims over the Velocity for the simple facts that they have a wear indicator, and they're eyeletted.

"eyeletted."?
Help me out here...

I probably should have added ", or other" to the title as I am open to other options. I was planning on using Prowheelbuilder.com (not to shill out to them) and was going off of their strength/compatibility rating system.

they built my deep v for me a year ago. over 2k and still true. went with the 36 hole with dbl butted spokes and 105 hub.

First off, check your current wheel for correct tension and that it's true.
You may not need a replacement right away if your spokes are adjusted properly.
Having said that, I had to replace my stock Alex rim(rear only) with a
Velocity Deep v after breaking spokes and going out of true many times.
The quality of the wheel build will make more of a difference than any
particular brand/model. I ride on the crappy streets of New York City,
I weight 200lbs. Wheel has 32 spokes with the original Alex hub:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jkf__aUQpE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5480786916_f0888f5fb1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/5480786916/)
REAREND (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/5480786916/) by 1nterceptor (http://www.flickr.com/people/44332608@N03/), on Flickr

I used to torque my old rims on the hills, and since I was doing a complete bike build from parts, I had a set of DT Swiss RR1.1s built by Mike Garcia at odd and endos. Love em. I'm now 198# was 219#. 32 h rear shown.

I never owned Deep Vs so can't say, but they were a top choice too.

Sure you can't go wrong with either.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcphilpix/5480217829/
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5480217829_eb5816de47.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcphilpix/5480217829/)
DT Swiss 1.1 Rear Wheel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcphilpix/5480217829/) by PhilMcPhilly (http://www.flickr.com/people/mcphilpix/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5480832666_edf5937632.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcphilpix/5480832666/)
D Swiss 1.1 Campy Centaur (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcphilpix/5480832666/) by PhilMcPhilly (http://www.flickr.com/people/mcphilpix/), on Flickr

I own both and while they are very similar in specs, the Dt swiss rim is just a little nicer.. This is a welded rim vs pin sleeved (Deep V).. Either rim will suit you just fine for years to come.

DT does offer a new pin sleeved rim that costs a little less which is the R520.. You can also look for the previous model to the R585 which is the DT 1.2 rim..

Speedgoat has these rims on sale right now: http://www.speedgoat.com/Catalog.aspx/Browse?Cat=C156

I like and use Deep V's. 20,000+ miles on my last one. I built it so it got lots of TLC during the build. Only small true after 13,000 miles.

At my weight, 240+/- a few, I don't worry a bit about a little extra rotational weight. I do lots of climbing and the only thing that slows me down is me! If I have a sucky day , it aint the rims.:D

My wife rode Bontrager Lites for 3 years till it wore out. I put a Deep V on the rear and she said, "wow, this is one stiff wheel, it makes the other wheel feel wimpy". I myself think it's stiff but I like the responsiveness while climbing. Like she says, other wheels have felt wimpy and flexy under me. So a little extra weight is not a bad thing IMO if the wheel responds.

I've seen the equiv in the DT but $85 when I can get a Deep V for $55? I've never had a need to try a DT rim.

She's got a Deep V and she aint afraid to use it! On the flats or in the mountains!:D

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/021311c.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/100910C.jpg

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm apparently on the right track from what you all are saying; but none closer to a decision.

Don't rule out the Velocity Dyad either. It's a little stronger than the Deep V and that's what I'm going with. I considered the Velocity Chukker as well, but that might be overkill and there is a pretty substantial weight penalty with the Chukker vs. Dyad. If I end up with a cyclocross bike down the road I will probably have a wheelset built with Chukkers for that. Prowheelbuilder.com rates the Deep V as a 3 for strength, the Dyad a 4 and the Chukker a 5. The wheel builder at my LBS prefers the Dyad for Clydes over the Deep V too, so that convinced me to go with Dyads.

Don't rule out the Velocity Dyad either. It's a little stronger than the Deep V and that's what I'm going with.

It's also considerably wider than the Deep V (24mm vs 19mm for a 700c rim), which will limit your tire choices... It's a great rim for a touring bike, but if you own a road bike with limited tire clearance the Dyad might be a problem. IIRC, 700x28 is the smallest tire you can squeeze onto a Dyad; ideally I think you'd want a 700x30 or 700x32. On many road bikes, 700x28 is the size where you start to have problems squeezing the tire past the brake pads.

If you want a wider rim for a road bike, I can recommend the Velocity Synergy (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=590) especially the version with off-center (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=591) drilling. They're a hair narrower than the Dyad, which means you can shoe-horn a 700x25 tire onto them. The off-center drilling means that spoke tension is significantly more even across the drive and non-drive (or disc and non-disc) side spokes. IMO, this will lead to increased longevity. I used the Synergy OC when I build wheels for my touring bike and have been very happy with them so far.

It's also considerably wider than the Deep V (24mm vs 19mm for a 700c rim), which will limit your tire choices... It's a great rim for a touring bike, but if you own a road bike with limited tire clearance the Dyad might be a problem. IIRC, 700x28 is the smallest tire you can squeeze onto a Dyad; ideally I think you'd want a 700x30 or 700x32. On many road bikes, 700x28 is the size where you start to have problems squeezing the tire past the brake pads.

If you want a wider rim for a road bike, I can recommend the Velocity Synergy (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=590) especially the version with off-center (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=591) drilling. They're a hair narrower than the Dyad, which means you can shoe-horn a 700x25 tire onto them. The off-center drilling means that spoke tension is significantly more even across the drive and non-drive (or disc and non-disc) side spokes. IMO, this will lead to increased longevity. I used the Synergy OC when I build wheels for my touring bike and have been very happy with them so far.

But the trend is to put 23mm tires on 23mm wide rims - see the Velocity A23 and Hed aluminum rims. The Synergy's could be used down to 23 mm, although at 255 lbs the OP would have to have those tires at really high PSI with a rough ride.

It's also considerably wider than the Deep V (24mm vs 19mm for a 700c rim), which will limit your tire choices... It's a great rim for a touring bike, but if you own a road bike with limited tire clearance the Dyad might be a problem. IIRC, 700x28 is the smallest tire you can squeeze onto a Dyad; ideally I think you'd want a 700x30 or 700x32. On many road bikes, 700x28 is the size where you start to have problems squeezing the tire past the brake pads.

If you want a wider rim for a road bike, I can recommend the Velocity Synergy (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=590) especially the version with off-center (http://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=591) drilling. They're a hair narrower than the Dyad, which means you can shoe-horn a 700x25 tire onto them. The off-center drilling means that spoke tension is significantly more even across the drive and non-drive (or disc and non-disc) side spokes. IMO, this will lead to increased longevity. I used the Synergy OC when I build wheels for my touring bike and have been very happy with them so far.

I'll be running 700x25 on them. This is the recommendation from the wheel builder at the LBS where I got my bike. I can't run wider than a 25 on the CAAD9 frame.

Thanks for the reply, that was quick. Have you ridden any other rims, and do you feel it to be "harsh riding" in comparison?

They are stiff but at my weight I didn't want a wet noodle underneath me. They are a tad on the heavy side but so am I. I wanted something I know would hold my weight and I am not disappointed.

I'll be running 700x25 on them. This is the recommendation from the wheel builder at the LBS where I got my bike. I can't run wider than a 25 on the CAAD9 frame.

Same here, I have 25mm conti gp 4 season ties mounted on my velocity dyad. I'm 270+ and it has been fabulous for me. Whoever said you need a wider tire is incorrect,

But the trend is to put 23mm tires on 23mm wide rims - see the Velocity A23 and Hed aluminum rims. The Synergy's could be used down to 23 mm, although at 255 lbs the OP would have to have those tires at really high PSI with a rough ride.

The trend for whom? Professional racers being followed by a team car full of spare wheels? Or Clydesdales?

My Synergy rims are 23mm wide. Having seen what a 700x28 looks like on them, I'd be frightened at the thought of trying to run a 700x23 on them! Then again, I wouldn't run a 700x20 on my 19mm ride rims.


I'll be running 700x25 on them. This is the recommendation from the wheel builder at the LBS where I got my bike. I can't run wider than a 25 on the CAAD9 frame.

I question the judgment of your wheel builder. Why would you want to take a wide rim and install a narrow tire on it? That sounds like a recipe for pinch flats and a harsh ride, to me. You'd probably be better off using a Deep V: it's slightly more aerodynamic than the Dyad, only a bit heavier, probably stronger, and a much better match for 700x25 tires, IMHO. If you decide you need the harsh ride and pinch flats, you can always switch to 700x20 tires... :D

I question the judgment of your wheel builder. Why would you want to take a wide rim and install a narrow tire on it? That sounds like a recipe for pinch flats and a harsh ride, to me. You'd probably be better off using a Deep V: it's slightly more aerodynamic than the Dyad, only a bit heavier, probably stronger, and a much better match for 700x25 tires, IMHO. If you decide you need the harsh ride and pinch flats, you can always switch to 700x20 tires... :D

I've had no pinch flats on my 700x25s mounted on a Dyad, and I have no problem at all with the ride. not sure why you are so worried but at least for me it's been a great match

I question the judgment of your wheel builder. Why would you want to take a wide rim and install a narrow tire on it? That sounds like a recipe for pinch flats and a harsh ride, to me. You'd probably be better off using a Deep V: it's slightly more aerodynamic than the Dyad, only a bit heavier, probably stronger, and a much better match for 700x25 tires, IMHO. If you decide you need the harsh ride and pinch flats, you can always switch to 700x20 tires... :D

Psimet actually suggested I use Chukker rims for the build, which are as wide as the Dyad and quite a bit heavier... And he knew my race geometry frame wouldn't take wider than a 25. He seems to know what he's talking about...

Psimet actually suggested I use Chukker rims for the build, which are as wide as the Dyad and quite a bit heavier... And he knew my race geometry frame wouldn't take wider than a 25. He seems to know what he's talking about...

Psimet, though not a Clyde, definitely knows his wheels. I've been riding on a set of Psimets for over a year without a problem. Did he give an explanation for his choice of components? Are you planning to race? Did you specifically request a 40- or 48-spoke wheel? Or the ability to use the same wheel on your road bike and 29er MTB? As I said, I fail to see the logic behind stretching a relatively small tire across a relatively wide rim...

Cannot believe that a 32/36 hole Deep V is not stiff enough for someone in the 250+ range.. I switched to Campy last year and my deep V's went on my cross bike and have taken some abuse riding off road and have had no issues. The Deep V's are a very tough rim and at 32 or 36 hole will build up to handle you just fine..

The deep V's can handle road tires at 700x23 or cross tires at 700x32 width, so plenty of options available with this rim..

Psimet actually suggested I use Chukker rims for the build, which are as wide as the Dyad and quite a bit heavier... And he knew my race geometry frame wouldn't take wider than a 25. He seems to know what he's talking about...

Chukker? How much do you weigh? I'm 240-255 and ride 5000-7000 mile per year on 32 spoke Deep V's with no problems. One wore out after 20,000 miles from brake wear on the brake surface.

I would only look at a Chukker if you are prone to hitting potholes at full speed or pushing 350+ in weight..

I would only look at a Chukker if you are prone to hitting potholes at full speed or pushing 350+ in weight..

or wanting to trick out a fixie.:D

I would only look at a Chukker if you are prone to hitting potholes at full speed or pushing 350+ in weight..

see my signature...

Cannot believe that a 32/36 hole Deep V is not stiff enough for someone in the 250+ range.. I switched to Campy last year and my deep V's went on my cross bike and have taken some abuse riding off road and have had no issues. The Deep V's are a very tough rim and at 32 or 36 hole will build up to handle you just fine..

The deep V's can handle road tires at 700x23 or cross tires at 700x32 width, so plenty of options available with this rim..

This.......

see my signature...


then go with the chukker ..

see my signature...

Hmm, I thought BASSjones was bass like a guitar. 345? Now I see it's more like B for big then assJones.:D...( I mean that in a joking way);)

Go Chukker+2........:D

LOL! I'm also a shade under 6'6"...

LOL! I'm also a shade under 6'6"...

That's BIG......CHUKKER for sure!:D

I'm 6'3", 215 lbs and I ride Velocity Deep Vs on my Felt. These wheels are bombproof. I had mine built by Wheelbuilder.com after experiencing the walk of shame too many times. Wheelbuilder.com did an excellent job. Cost wise, the Deep Vs were almost $100 less than the DT 1.1s I had originally considered. These wheels have close to 10,000 miles on them and they have only seen a truing stand once. Funny thing is, that they didn't even need truing. I just had a shop check the tension at 8500 miles because no wheel should be lasting this long without issues based on my experience. Amazing! These wheels were as true as the day I received them and the shop told me that the tension was fine. I have repeatedly plowed over all but the worst potholes and they remain true. Look at it this way, the Velocity Deep Vs were designed for Clydesdales. Heck even the fixie riders are using them. I thought it was just a fad, but it turns out that the hipster crowd buys Deep Vs for their strength. Velocity does the multi color thing to compliment the scene. They do bunny hops, jumps, etc. on Velocity Deep Vs and they say that these wheels are bombproof. Need I say more?

Late to the party, but......

I have DT RR585's built by Psimet. 28/32 spokes, White Ind hubs. I have had zero issues with these wheels. I was around 245ish when I got them, currently about 220ish. I got them May of 2010, and have put about 4,000 miles on them with no problems, I haven't even spot trued them. I did put then in the truing stand about 2 months ago, and didn't see any need to touch them.

Get them assembled by someone good and either wheel should be just fine.

Late to the party, but......

I have DT RR585's built by Psimet. 28/32 spokes, White Ind hubs. I have had zero issues with these wheels. I was around 245ish when I got them, currently about 220ish. I got them May of 2010, and have put about 4,000 miles on them with no problems, I haven't even spot trued them. I did put then in the truing stand about 2 months ago, and didn't see any need to touch them.

Get them assembled by someone good and either wheel should be just fine.

IMO, the 300mm rims are the way to go for the 250 crowd. DT, Deep V or CXP30, all pretty much the same profile. Like mentioned earlier, I built up my last set only cause I had the parts, 24 front and 28 rear, No problems with 8000 miles so far.:thumb: If I hadn't the parts, I would chose 32 rear.

Mr Clyde prime example of earlier discussion, 30 mm rims and climbs well. The 30 mm rims (Deep V types) don't slow him down. Like me, the only thing that will slow down Mr Clyde is the rider himself.:D