demoncyclist

Open Pros only crack at the eyelets when over-tightened. They are high spoke count rims, so they don't need anywhere near the tension of a lower spoke count wheel. Properly built, they should last a long time for the OP, as long as he doesn't ride it like it is a mtb. That means using your legs like shocks when hitting bumps- get your butt off of the saddle and keep your legs slightly bent so your legs work like the old lever type shocks from an old British car. Don't run up onto curbs, and don't bunny hop unless you can land lightly.

jyl

I have several sets of Open Pros on bikes and have never had any cracking issues. All mine are handbuilt, 36H or 32H, and I hold tension to reasonable levels with double butted spokes. I'm 190 lb but, when commuting, the bike is carrying about 250 lb (me + equipment + bags). I've been impressed at how well they hold up and stay true, and they are a reasonably light rim at a reasonable price. Open Pro+Ultegra or Open Pro+Chorus/Record are a proven combo.

FastJake

An Open Pro is way too light IMO. At the OP's weight I would get something well over 500g, and probably look for something with a depth of about 30mm. 36 spokes on the rear for sure.

If you weigh 270lbs, does it really make sense to try and save 1/2 pound in your rims?

CliffordK

If you like your Specialized Crosstrail, why not go with some kind of a cyclocross bike?
Perhaps a Specialized Tricross? Or I'm sure there are a number of others that are designed to be lighter and still take the abuse.

The headset issue seems odd, but wonder if it has to do with something that was installed, seated, or tightened improperly, especially since the lower bearing takes a lot more abuse than the upper bearing.

Many of the reduced spoke wheel sets are rated for about 200 lbs... which you've significantly exceeded. But, you should be able to find a good 36h rear wheel that should do what you need.

Of course, the clearances in many of the modern road bikes are often so tight that there is little room for larger tires or larger rims (which a cyclocross bike would be designed to accommodate).

CNC2204

Thanks,

Having my bike in the shop waiting feels like having a kid in the hospital ...

growlerdinky

Dude. You heard that exact advice in like, May, before your "master mechanic" got you a set of wheels that everybody knows is too low of a spoke count.

Have some 36 hole wheels built. They wont break the bank, and you wont be having your wheels replaced every 3 weeks.

davidad

I prefer a 36 hole Open Sport for a little extra Aluminum over the Open Pro.
Remember to think of your bike as a vehicle with you as the engine when you calculate weight savings.
I need to take 5000 grams off of my saddle to go a little faster.

CNC2204

So what am i spose to do, tell me LBS "No i don't want new $600 Mavics you gave me, i demand you have me $1000 wheels custom made under warranty " ..... eh ?

Don't know bout you but i have house and don't have an extra grand laying around.

I'd like a Custom Z28 also but not gonna happen.

Im done spending thousands of $$$ on something without an engine.

If i play my cards right i can get some bulletproof wheels for Xmas.




Til then i guess i'll have to live like a pauper with a 5K 2015 TARMAC.

growlerdinky

You don"t need to spend 1k to get a wheelset built.

H Plus + Son SL42 Rims Shimano 5800 105 Hubs Aero Wheelset 8-11s [74388] - $219.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

This is just an example. You need something along these lines.

Also, if the "new $600 Mavics they gave me" are falling apart after a handfull of weeks, they aren't worth what you paid for them.

maddog34

if the brakes are locking up the steering, then I'd suspect a DISTORTING frame! you may have a cracked head tube, or Cracked headset bearing. My ancient Trek holds up to my 250 lbs., but the LBS won't let me ride the fancy new carbon bikes... my legs have been called "telephone poles" by several people.

jyl

How does a set of strong wheels cost $1000?

Open Pros cost about $80 each for $160 the pair. A set of Ultegra hubs costs $120. 72 DT Swiss butted spokes cost $80. Custom wheelbuilding $100 per pair. So call it $500 for parts and labor.

Spend less money more smartly, I suggest.