Originally Posted by Jarrett2

What's the spacing on the rear hub?

Originally Posted by SvenSurly

Hi all, I'm considering upgrading the stock wheels on my Surly Cross Check (Alex DA16s with Deore hubs). I'm looking for something durable and, if possible, slightly lighter and more road-oriented than my current set. Right now I'm considering the Mavic CXP 22s, CXP33s, or A319s, with 105 hubs, all from Bicycle Wheel Warehouse. Any thoughts on any of those?

I ride on pretty rough rodes and am I pretty big guy, so I think anything less than a 32-spoke pattern is out of the question. As for hubs, it seems like the Shimanos are pretty much the go-to option, but I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience with cartridge-bearing hubs.

So basically I guess I'm asking, what's a good, not-too-pricy, durable, and hopefully relatively light wheelset for a big guy who likes to ride distance on sometimes-dicey roads? Simple question, really.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun

How big? 200, 300, 400, 500.........
Not without having a clue to your weight.

Originally Posted by SvenSurly

The Cross Check can take either a 130 or a 135, so it doesn't really matter. Currently it's 135, since the hubs are MTB.

Originally Posted by Jarrett2

Disc brakes?

Originally Posted by dr_lha

Cross Check has cantilever brakes, FYI.

I would stay away from Mavic Rims as I've heard many bad things about the modern versions having quality issues. No direct experience, but warned off by wheel builders.

For a cross bike, I'd be going for a wide rim personally, something like a HED Belgium C2 (expensive), Pacenti SL23 (slighly cheaper) or H Plus Son Archetype (cheap and good).

For hubs, you can't go wrong with Shimano Ultegra, although you do pay a weight penalty over more expensive cartridge based hubs. I personally don't like most cartridge bearing hubs because they tend to use aluminum freehubs, and these simply do not work for me, as the cassettes chew them up. YMMV I produce a lot of power and weight 250lbs, which may contribute to that issue. So the only cartridge hubs I'd consider are ones with the bite guard (American Classic or Novatec) or ones with Titanium hubs (White Industries T11).

Have you checked out Velomine? They have cheap machine built wheels that I've had great luck with (2 wheelsets).

Originally Posted by Jarrett2

Disc brakes? If so, these are an option that I ride on:

Stans NoTubes ZTR Grail 700c Comp Disc Wheelset - Cyclocross Wheels - Excel Sports

If rim brakes, I ride these:

Front Wheel

DT Swiss 350 Front Hub 28 Hole$51.21

DT Swiss RR 440 Rim Black 28 Hole $87.21
DT Swiss Revolution 14/17 Gauge Spokes Black $37.80
DT Swiss 14g Alloy Silver $7.28
3 Cross
Labor $25.00
Sub Total $208.50
Less Discount -$18.35
Total $190.15
Total Weight 708g

Rear Wheel

DT Swiss 350 11 Speed Rear Hub 32 Hole Shimano$160.11
DT Swiss RR 440 Asymmetric Rim Black 32 Hole $87.21
DT Swiss Revolution 14/17 Gauge Spokes Black $21.60
DT Swiss Revolution 14/17 Gauge Spokes Black $21.60
DT Swiss 14g Alloy Silver $8.32
3 Cross
3 Cross
Labor $25.00
Sub Total $323.84
Less Discount -$29.88
Total $293.96
Total Weight 853g



Grand Total $484.11

Originally Posted by SvenSurly

Thanks! It's a rim-brake ride, but perhaps, since my front wheel is still running just fine, I'll go with the upgrade of just the rear. I've heard great things about the DT Swiss wheels/hubs.