Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Proud Clyde and need new wheels?

Hey guys,

I am a noobie and a clyde that is getting into cycling. I just rode and finished my first MS150 from Houston to Austin. I have about a 2 month old Masi Evoluzione 105 Carbon bike. It came with a 20/24 Ritchey Pro rims. I have had nothing but spoke popping noises from the beginning. During the 150 I actually broke 2 rear spokes. I even asked the guys at the LBS if these rims are sturdy enough for my size. I am 6'5 260LB. I am going in tomorrow to see what they can do for some better wheelsets. I was thinking about going with the Mavic CXP-33 with 32/36 Ultegra hubs. I have read that these are good sturdy wheels. Would these be suffice or shoudl I look at something different? While I will always be a clyde, I hope to get down to about 240lb.

Thanks

I went thru a summer of spoke popping 2 years ago (no fun). I was looking at custom made 48’s for a while until I saw the cost on my tour bike. For me 36 is the way to go for a bigger rider and get all good quality parts. The biggest issue IMHO is getting the wheels properly tensioned by someone that knows what they are doing. Once I got the wheels built right with good quality spokes I haven’t had another problem.

36 spoke rear should be fine for you. In addition to CXP33 you might want to consider DT Swiss 585's or Velocity Deep V's or Dyad's.

I second the assertion that the most import factor effecting wheel longevity is good, even, spoke tension.

I had a set of 32 deep v wheels made for me. Great wheels but the only limiting factor in my opinion is the 19 mm rim width. I wish I had gone with a 23 mm width.

I am thinking of selling these and going with a23 wheels in a 24 front 28 rear as I have lost a lot of weight.

I had a set of 32 deep v wheels made for me. Great wheels but the only limiting factor in my opinion is the 19 mm rim width. I wish I had gone with a 23 mm width.

I am thinking of selling these and going with a23 wheels in a 24 front 28 rear as I have lost a lot of weight.

I would suggest you also consider the 23mm-wide Velocity Synergy OC. The Off-Center drilling makes the drive and non-drive spoke tension more even, which should lead to longer wheel life. The Synergy weighs a bit more than the feather-weight A23, which may make it a bit more Clyde-friendly.

I would suggest you also consider the 23mm-wide Velocity Synergy OC. The Off-Center drilling makes the drive and non-drive spoke tension more even, which should lead to longer wheel life. The Synergy weighs a bit more than the feather-weight A23, which may make it a bit more Clyde-friendly.


I am down to 220 and falling so I think the a23s will work. I started busting out of my 42 pants in November and am buying 36 s today. I am going to keep dropping to around 205 or so I think.

Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels are heavy, bulletproof, and cheap.

+1 on Racing 7's

I have three sets of Campagnolo Zondas that can be had sub 500.00 with shimano hub - 1580g and built for a 6'4' 250 rider - nary a popping sound. Old Open Pro with 32H sounded like a ticking time bomb