tomdaniels

I have taken over my wife's recumbent (rans stratus XL) and love it, but I am thinking of building a bulletproof rear wheel for it. I'm gonna get the LBS to build a whole spare wheel so I have a hot swap for RAGBRAI next year.
Current plans:
26" 36H x 1.5 Velocity Deep V (even Velocity doesn't list these on their site, but some builders do),
The heavier gauge spokes,
but what do I do for a hub? The existing wheel is a Deore LX which I understand is a mountain bike hub?
What would you guys recommend for a 360lb clyde? Strength is concern #1 followed by price followed by weight.

Other factors that I am forgetting?

Thanks,
Tom

schnee

Chris Kings are unbelievably bullet-proof.

Otherwise, if you want bulletproof, I'd recommend looking at downhill gear. Those bikes take insane punishment and come back for more.

How wide is the tire you want to run? Deep V's don't allow you to get that wide. I'd recommend a touring rim if the tires are big.

tomdaniels

Ahhhh! Ok, so what is the general rule on tire size to rim width? Hadn't thought of that one yet.

ang1sgt

360 lbs on a Stratus! I think that is over the recommended weight. Rans does spec out weight limits on their frames. You might want to check that out. (checked the specs...275 weight limit)

The current spec on the Wheels for a stock bike is Shimano Alivio Hubs. For the most part, hubs really don't take the pounding that other bikes get. If you have a concern, the Phil's or Chris King's are the premium way to go, but I would think an XT would do it. One thought would be to find a High Flange XT Tandem Hub and lace that into the wheel. You would have to go to a 40 spoke rim for that though.

I also suggest that you LISTEN to these hubs before you use them. Some of them have very loud ratchets and pawls and for some riders it's too much noise.

Another rim to look at would be the Sun Rhyno Light. Heavy duty to be sure. The advantage over the Velocity Deep V is that it is slightly wider.

My suggestion would be to have BOTH swap wheels for the rear built in the same way. This way you would have no impact when you change wheels.

tomdaniels

Yep, the Rans does spec out at 275 or whatever, but I can't believe it's the frame. Everything seems pretty darn stout. I actually don't have the spec rear wheel. The wife was riding it and got genty T boned by a car. The original wheel was no more! Of course, this was before I knew what I really wanted. She had a Mavic XC 717 built up on the original hub.

Tom Stormcrowe

That Deore hub will work fine. As an alternative, if price is no object, look at Peter White's hubs and wheels.

ang1sgt

I just wanted to mention that Tom. I too believe that it's more component related that anything else. I also believe that the Deore, LX or XT Hubs would do you just fine, and in the long haul, be easier to find replacement bits for them too.

Chris

VTRoadie

I've pounded many-a-mile on my deore (not even LX) hubs at 260+ .. mountain biking.. with a couple foot drops... I would think a LX could take you just fine, or a XT if your feeling ritsy. Chris King/etc are amazing, but for $500/ea? Thats sillyness. Keep the LX.

bdinger

LX would be just fine, IMO. I'm going with XT for my new build, and by all accounts that will be perfect. Kings or Phils are for those with the bank accounts to support them, and who never want another bike.. ever.

Pamestique 

I just had wheels built for my roadie with CK hubs. The wheels are beautiful and perform awesomely and trust me, when this bike goes, those wheels are coming with me!

If you can afford it (I really coudn't but did it anyway) buy quality especially if you have weight issues. I had the wheels laced to support my "fluffy" body so I never need to worry about breaking a spoke.

But you need to weigh (pun intended) function over price. Good wheels are very expensive (say $600 - 800 - I paid $725) and if aren't riding the bike that much or that hard, do something cheaper.

Pamestique 

BTW I got the CK hubs for just that reason (well other than they are great and last forever). I want everyone to know I have them!!! You can hear me coasting from blocks away!

ang1sgt

nuff said! LOL!

themickeyd

I have to put a plug in for White Industries hubs. I have had their mountain bike hubs for 10+ years on my touring bike. I have managed to wear out the Mavic Treking rims that they are attached to so I plan on have new hoops laced up on them.

Pamestique 

White Industries are definitely top of the reap. You couldn't buy better!

hoss10

I am big and put a lot of miles on a bike, and I have have had great luck with Shimano LX or XT. According to many experts, there are only two hubs to use, Shimano (LX, XT cheap, with cup and cone) or the ultimate Phil Woods with sealed bearings (very expensive, but you can leave them in your will).

tomdaniels

Thanks guys! I will probably go with a Deore LX hub to the match the existing wheel. Now to choose which LBS gets to build it this winter.