Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Need advice on touring wheelset - a "confused-a-lot" newbie

Q for touring Clydes/Aths

I read a lot of the RIM, Wheelsets, tires and spokes threads on this forum and being a newbie I am totally confused. The last three pages I saw:(http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/800841-3-Strongest-Clyde-RR-rims-Cause-we-can-t-have-too-many-wheel-threads (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/800965-Rim-Advice?highlight=wheelsets).), http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/12/07/which-bicycle-wheels-are-best-for-heavier-riders/, and http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/800965-Rim-Advice?highlight=wheelsets,

But I gotta leave in about 45 days so:

Lets say when I finally get on a loaded touring bike, probably built on a LHT frameset, and get on the road it will weigh 280-300lbs. The goal is comfort, "bombproofness" no messing with changing spokes, truing on the road, minimal flat changing etc. Should I go with this from Peter White (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/wheels.asp:

White Industries Racer X 40 spoke hubs, Velocity Dyad rims, Wheelsmith DB-14 spokes, 40 spokes front & rear

or

Shimano XTR M950 hubs, Mavic A719 silver rims, 14-16 Wheelsmith spokes, 36 spokes


If I go with Peter White directly I plan to ask him to build something using the Shimano XTR hubs (other hubs seem expensive) with as many spokes as possible (48?) (I read here somewhere here that more spokes = better). If I have it built locally then I'll have them match these specs.

Curveball: Would it be also good to go tubeless and would these rims (Mavic EX 823) fit the need: http://www.mavic.com/en/product/rims/mountain-bike/rims/EX-823-Disc (EX-823-Disc)

I hope to place an order if I get a couple of "yea" votes. Thanks in advance

It's not the number of spokes, but how well the wheel is built. Or so I've heard.

I think 36 should be OK.

Either one of those wheels will be just fine for you, dont worry too much about it. Everybody has an opinion and you'll just confuse yourself with "whats best". Find a reputable builder in your area and talk to them about what you need and the type of riding you do and they'll put something together for you. Good wheel builders stand behind their products and will make things right if there is an issue.

If you're going to go with Peter White, why don't you ask Peter White?

I realize you're looking for affirmation but not many people will have the exact wheels you're looking at used in the exact way you mean to use them. Good luck though!

I ride 36 spokes and A719 rims on Shimano LX hubs...Great wheels.
I also don't use panniers, using instead a Burley Nomad trailer to haul my stuff.

This has been an excellent combination for me. Think about a trailer to reduce the load on the bike.

Gary,

If I were interested in touring instead of racing I would consider either the A719 or Dyad to be acceptable options, just as the Deep V and 585 are my current two leaders for RR use. With regard to spoke count; if you're going to have Peter build them, ask him. 36 or 40 should work. I can't comment on tubeless. But, many years ago found that pulling a trailer offered me a reasonable solution for getting weight off the bike while touring.

I have never heard anyone say anything bad about Peter White's advice or wheel builds. Unlike the free advice here he stands behind his work. That being said I like using the Mavic A719's with DT Swiss double or triple butted spokes stress relieved and with proper tension for a wheel build.

For what is worth, I built up a pair of Mavic A319 last winter (laced 36 hole to Ultegra hubs) and they are super strong. If I had to do it over again I would have used the A719 since they are a bit lighter, but I was on a budget at the time. Shimano hubs are easy to service.

Thanks Neil_B, maidenfan, TrojanHorse, sklisaw, bigfred, peteydink, mikehattan for the universal advice. Getting this validation has been most helpful.

If I find a local wheelbuilder in the SF/Bay Area I'll ask them to use these components. If not I better get to Peter White quickly. He's going on vacation the end of this month. BTW...I have another question coming, I mean a few more :)