Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Back Tire advice....Sun Rhino Lite

Hello,

I am very uber clyde and realize the back tire is what will cause most of my problems. I have purchased an late 90's/early 00's Specialized Hard Rock and ran across a good deal on a more relaxed Specialized Expedition Sport and bought that one also. I like the Expedition better but it has the front suspension and shock absorber seat post I can't stand. I am going to build one of these bikes to be able to ride and ran across an ad for a Shimano XT Sun Rhyno Lite tandem rim. Here are the specifics:

Here we have a brand new custom hand built 26" tandem rear wheel! The Shimano HF08 48 hole rear hub is laced to a beefy Sun Rhyno Lite rim using stainless steel DT Swiss 2.0 straight gauge spokes with brass nipples.

Shimano's HF08 hubs are based off the XT model and designed specifically for the rigors of tandem bike riding. High flange machined aluminum shell with chromoly spindle and serviceable, mechanically sealed bearings will keep you rolling for years come. Rear hub is currently set at 145mm but can be changed to 140mm or 135mm. Just ask for details. The precision Shimano freehub will hold a 7, 8, or 9 speed.

Now I am not very mechanically inclined, but would this work for either of the bikes I own and does it make sense? I have read on here the more spokes the better and it looks like this one has 48 spokes set up for tandem.

Thanks

so what is your question?

It is a fine wheel; IF the spokes have been properly tensioned, trued and stress relieved. 2.0mm DT spokes are strong.

Will the seller change it to 135mm OLD for you? That requires a bit of mechanical inclination.

To run a 7 speed cassette; you need a 4.5mm spacer. What do your bikes currently have?

The Rhyno Lite is a strong rim, though not the best in terms of side to side wobble. It is good enough for all but the fanatics. It is suitable for tires in the 40 to 60mm width range - maybe even a bit wider.

What kind of surfaces are you going to ride on? Based on what you wrote; I am guessing paved and maybe hard packed. Based on m guess I would suggest this tire for the rear of your bike:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=54352&menuItemId=0&eid=0
80 psi in a 50mm wide tire is plenty high enough to support us big guys :)

so what is your question?

It is a fine wheel; IF the spokes have been properly tensioned, trued and stress relieved. 2.0mm DT spokes are strong.

Will the seller change it to 135mm OLD for you? That requires a bit of mechanical inclination.

To run a 7 speed cassette; you need a 4.5mm spacer. What do your bikes currently have?

The Rhyno Lite is a strong rim, though not the best in terms of side to side wobble. It is good enough for all but the fanatics. It is suitable for tires in the 40 to 60mm width range - maybe even a bit wider.

What kind of surfaces are you going to ride on? Based on what you wrote; I am guessing paved and maybe hard packed. Based on m guess I would suggest this tire for the rear of your bike:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=54352&menuItemId=0&eid=0
80 psi in a 50mm wide tire is plenty high enough to support us big guys :)

Thanks for the reply. It seemed to be a good deal at $130. I wasn't sure if it as easy as taking one rim off and putting another on. I do not know anything about mechanics (like spacers and 135mm). I wanted to make sure the rim would work on the hard rock or expedition and then I could take it to my LBS and make sure it is properly tensioned and have them put it on for me. I am just starting out and plan on riding only on paved flat bike paths for the time being until I can lose much weight and build up endurance and then will be riding on the streets.

Also, would you guys suggest just one for the back or would it ideally be good for to get one for the front also. To give you my uberclyde dimensions, I am 6"3" and 450lbs.

If you have 36 spokes upfront, properly tensioned stainless steel (Wheelsmith, DT, or similar) 2.0mm (14 gauge); should have no problem. If not.....