Rudz

I have some 28mm kenda tires on the stock Giant rapid 700c sr2? wheels. The wheels are heavy and the tires are just about worn down. I have decided on continental gator hardhsells in 23mm and I want a light, strong wheelset to match. I couldn't find many comparison between major brands online. i have been looking at the mavix wheels. Bladed spokes is a plus.

I'm 220 pounds and I use my bike as much as I can, I don't like fixing flats, hence the reason why I want the gators. But I still love going fast, which is why I want the 23's.

Any good wheelset suggestions? Mainly looking to spend up to $650, I dont' need a full carbon set, lol.

imi

I have Gator Hardshells on my touring bike.(28's). Yes, they're hard, fast and puncture resistant. The extra sidewall protectipn is good for peace of mind. Summer commuting I use regular Gatorskins.

How many spokes are you going for? 32 should be good. Maybe 36 on rear wheel?

Bombproof: Mavic A719 rims, Shimano XT hubs..
Cheaper: Mavic A319's, Deore hubs.... like these ones:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/mwheel/#productpage

edit: sorry, the rims above are too wide for under 28mm tires

fietsbob

Narrow tire , Open Sport is Mavic' s heavier than the open pro , lower cost, rim..

have you looked at what Your Local Bike Shop Can Get? QBP has a division that will make up
a wheelset of good components, and ship them to Dealers.

Lots of Shops Have a QBP account..

Bill Kapaun

How wide are you current rims?
The reason I ask, is that if the bike has "wide" rims the brakes must be adjusted to the new rims.
I just built a set of wheels for my hybrid using 32 hole Sun Rims M13 II w DT Swiss DB 15/16 Spokes on the front and DB 14/15 DS & DB 15/16 NDS rear. (and 23mm front, 28mm rear tires)
I love the weight reduction, but....
I had to add & move a lot of the brake pad spacers to the inside of the calipers. Enough that I'm a bit uncomfortable with it. It's probably OK, since I'm not a fast or "extreme" type rider, but....I'm not sure if that might tend to bend the post on the brake pad under a hard stop??
For that reason, IF I were to do it again, I probably wouldn't go as narrow as the M13's. Probably stick to something around 16mm internal width.
I weigh about as much as you to 15+, depending on the time of the year.

El Duderino X

Hi,

I'm 207lbs and replaced my stock wheels & tires with a Handspun Pavement Series 2 wheel set and Conti Gatorskins 700X28 (recently replaced those tires with 700x32 Conti Gatorskins). So far I have to say that I'm very happy with the quality of the Handspun wheel set. Last year I hit a jaywalker (and then a curb) which bent the front wheel pretty badly. Thought it was junked until a Russian bike mechanic assured me that he could repair it and I'll be damned if he didn't do exactly what he said and an amazing job, to boot! Twelve months of my aggressive & ham fisted riding style with loaded panniers and the wheel(s) still roll straight and true. Good strong wheels.

Haven't had any flat problems with the Contis (though I do still use a Mr.Tuffy (?) liner in the rear tire). They roll nicely, have good (enough) grip in Vancouver's perpetually wet and chillly climate. Mighty happy with them. Moved up from the 700x28 to 700x32 only to add a little more cushioning to my ride (and because I'd worn the 700x28 down quite a bit).

https://handspunwheels.com/products/view_product/1741/

ronocnikral

Just to throw a wrench in your preset notions, narrower tires are highly unlikely to make you go faster. Certainly, a rougher ride. I wouldn't do bladed spokes either.

Personally, for commuting I would go with a handbuilt wheel (Peter White made if I couldn't do it myself), 36H with some nice hubs (assuming theft isn't a worry for you). Mavic open sport or pro rims. Call peter, he can help you out. Read his webpage on wheels before calling so you don't push a button you shouldn't.

congratulations on you weight loss btw.

Rudz

Thanks guys, I'll check the handspun wheels

jcmkk3

Rims - Performance: Pacenti SL23
Durability: HED Belgium (especially if you can get the new versions)
Fair Wheels Rim Roundup (Keep in mind I'm not talking about touring rims here)

Hubs - Price/Performance: Shimano 105 5700
Best Performance: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Spokes - Sapim/Wheelsmith/DT double/triple butted (No need for bladed spokes)

Rudz

thanks so much