Bicycle Mechanics - suitable wheel set for my CF build?

After I got such a good tip-off by dedhed in the thread where I looked for advice for my new build http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/770383-Will-this-fit-an-English-BB and won that Shimano group set (http://www.ebay.com/itm/130578483114?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648) at a great price I am still looking for a wheel set for that same build. The frame is a under $1000 all carbon, and the used group I won is a used Ultegra/Dura Ace mix. I don't want to ruin the build by putting a real cheapo starter set on it, but would like to keep it under $200. Figuring that if it is used I may get better quality than a new cheapo set. Does anyone have any pointers?

How about a normal Ultegra hubset , to go with the group. 32 hole ,
Mavic Open Sport a decent pick.

105 hub is similar, less polish.

How about a normal Ultegra hubset , to go with the group. 32 hole ,
Mavic Open Sport a decent pick.Like this here? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Ultegra-Mavic-Open-Pro-32-Hole-Front-Wheel-6700SL-Hub-DT-Competition-/270824650866?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f0e683872
What exactly makes this Ultegra besides general Shimano hubs and the writing on the quick releases?

Oops, I just noticed that price is for the front wheel only!

If you go used, then ultgera/open pro is a great wheel combo that can be had for <$200.

It'll be tough to get something that good for under $200. If you have to have something new, rocky mountain commonly puts these wheels on auction and they go somewhere in the $100s. Formula hubs aren't the lightest, but they used cartridge bearings and are strong. CXP22s are also pretty strong rims.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mavic-CXP22-Custom-Built-700c-Road-Bike-Wheels-Wheelset-/380372744244?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item588ffb7834#ht_2962wt_906

If you go used, then ultgera/open pro is a great wheel combo that can be had for <$200.

It'll be tough to get something that good for under $200. If you have to have something new, rocky mountain commonly puts these wheels on auction and they go somewhere in the $100s. Formula hubs aren't the lightest, but they used cartridge bearings and are strong.Can't find any of those in my range.


CXP22s are also pretty strong rims.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mavic-CXP22-Custom-Built-700c-Road-Bike-Wheels-Wheelset-/380372744244?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item588ffb7834#ht_2962wt_906Oh good - I have those on my watch list!

Wheels can make or break a build. IMHO, they're really important. For a $1000 bare frame, I'd plan to spend $300-$400 on wheels. The Open Pro/Ultegra is always a solid choice. CXP22/Formula is ok but IMO it doesn't "live up" to the rest of the build. You're spending a lot on a frame, a pretty decent amount on components, that bike will be worth the extra in wheels.

If you're racing, the fancy carbon wheels can cost as much as the entire bike!

Can't find any of those in my range.

Oh good - I have those on my watch list!

If it were me, I would aim for something much higher if it were going on my CF bike since you are already in for a penny. But if budget is a concern, then I guess there isn't much choice.

Edit: ^ FastJake beat me to it.

If it were me, I would aim for something much higher if it were going on my CF bike since you are already in for a penny. But if budget is a concern, then I guess there isn't much choice.


+1

The thing about saying you're "on a budget" and only want to spend $xxx on wheels doesn't make sense either. You'd have been better off to aim lower on the frame and components (105 perhaps) and spent more on the wheels.

(Puget - I wasn't disagreeing with you, I think we're on the same page. Just trying to clarify/make a point.)

Well then, if I get these for a good price and have the front wheel trued? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mavic-Open-Pro-S-Works-Wheelset-700c-Clincher-Wheels-Shimano-Sram-8-9-10-Speed-/320765944410?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4aaf23e25a

+1
The thing about saying you're "on a budget" and only want to spend $xxx on wheels doesn't make sense either. You'd have been better off to aim lower on the frame and components (105 perhaps) and spent more on the wheels.I understand that it all has to be reasonably balanced. I suppose to put 105 on the same frame would be just as bad as an entry level wheel set. That is why I was aiming at better quality used components at the sacrifice of not getting new stuff.

I believe the Forte Titan wheels are rebranded Neuvations.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034379_-1_1589008_20000_400222

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034381_-1_1589008_20000_400222

I don't think 105 would be a waste. I think 105 is the minimum that you should get. I doubt that you would be able to feel the difference in weight between a 105 hub and an ultegra hub. If it came down to picking 2 wheelsets with 1 having 105 hubs/superior rims vs the other ultegra hubs/inferior rims, I'd for the 105 set.

My point is, 105 is not entry level at all. Plenty of CF bikes with 105 on it. After 105, you're basically paying for differences in weight.

Well, would this be an adequate set: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH266B11-Mavic+Ksyrium+Equipe+Wheels+12.aspx?sc=FRGL
They are Mavics, and look pretty good. The one thing I worry about with some of the "new and improved" designs is that they don't have enough spokes to keep the rim in shape. On this one Mavic claims it is stronger than past models. What do you think?

Try these:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12008-365_SHIUL1-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-Ultegra-Wheelset-w/-Mavic-Open-Pro-Rims-offerIN211GLB.htm?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=365%20SHIUL1

Not much past your budget, 32 hole, double butted spokes, and great hubs/rims.

Try these:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12008-365_SHIUL1-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-Ultegra-Wheelset-w/-Mavic-Open-Pro-Rims-offerIN211GLB.htm?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=365%20SHIUL1

Not much past your budget, 32 hole, double butted spokes, and great hubs/rims.Those do look well priced for what they are, don't they? I can see me going for them, unless someone advises against it!

I understand that it all has to be reasonably balanced. I suppose to put 105 on the same frame would be just as bad as an entry level wheel set. That is why I was aiming at better quality used components at the sacrifice of not getting new stuff.
I think that's absurd. 105 is a very good group and you wouldn't have sacrificed anything in function for going with it. At your buget, a new high level wheelset isn't going to happen either and used wheels are always a gamble and risky.

Try these:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12008-365_SHIUL1-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-Ultegra-Wheelset-w/-Mavic-Open-Pro-Rims-offerIN211GLB.htm?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=365%20SHIUL1

Not much past your budget, 32 hole, double butted spokes, and great hubs/rims.

The only sketchy thing about those wheels are the alloy nipples.
Have a trusted wheel guru look them over if you buy them, but those nipples are easy to round off (compared to brass) and tend to split after awhile, at least in my experience.

Those do look well priced for what they are, don't they? I can see me going for them, unless someone advises against it!

I have a similar wheelset, D-A hubs/DT DB spokes/28H OP CD rims. You shouldn't have any issues depending on the quality of the build. I've had Ultegra and 105 hub sets, you lose nothing with them.

Brad

So, the consensus seems to be to get this set, right?

Yes- the wheels from Pricepoint are a decent deal. About what you'd spend to put a set together using 105 hubs (minus labor). The 6600 hubs in that set are not the current model, but there isn't a lot of difference between these and 6700 series- same bearing, races, and cone part numbers. As far as the alloy nipples go, I don't have any problems with them. I only use them when seeking a colored nipple- and one does need to be careful not to nick the anodizing. Other than that if they are prepped right they last as well as brass (and I'm not certain they aren't stronger). I only use them in eyeletted rims, which the OPs are.

As far as the 105 stuff is concerned, particulary hubs, the latest 5700 is on par with Ultegras, and at roughly half price a better bang for the buck. Ultegras and 105s use the same bearing, races and cones. The weight is virtually the same, and I've weighed 105s that were lighter. Only thing you give up is the "Ultegra" name. Dang if I know what the difference is but my pocketbook sure does.

If you go with that set from Pricepoint, as another posted stated, I'd have them checked over- which may add to your cost.

You could build a set using 105 hubs, Velocity A23 rims, DB spokes and brass nipples for roughly $50 less- not including labor if you don't DIY.

OK, I am ready to go ahead to click the "check out" button!

Done!
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions!