dtrain

First, thanks in advance to anyone willing to read and respond to the following post. This is probably far below the quality of equipment that most of you use, but I’m looking for a cheap wheelset for winter use/training that has a fighting chance of holding my 235lbs frame. I plan to order one of the two sets below which are deeply discounted on Nashbar (especially with the 20% off); at these prices they seem worth a shot. So question is, which way would you steer me? Is the price difference for the Ritchey worth it? I’ve not heard real great things about their hubs, but the Off Center Rear set-up, one-year warranty, and “extra strong” features sound promising for holding up to my abuse. Would the CXP22 set hold up reasonably well? How do those hubs compare? I have a black 32-hole 105 rear hub that I could use down the road in a rebuild of this Mavic set, but that would clearly negate the price difference. Anyway, thanks again for any advice. Descriptions and links follow…


Ritchey Aero Comp Wheels (w/OCR, MSRP=$379.90, on sale for $159.80 or $127.84 with 20% off)

Extra strong with 32 14ga spokes laced 3X to a Ritchey Comp hubs, this wheel is great for big guys, centuries, and cyclocross. Comp hub features alloy shell with steel axle, serviceable steel ball bearings and extra thick external seals to keep the gunk out and the grease in. Ritchey Aero Rim features a ‘just right’ cross section, deep enough to add strength, yet still able to use standard length presta valve stems. Ritchey Aero OCR Rim features a special offset cross section that reduces wheel dish and increases strength. Shimano 8/9 speed compatible freehub body. Includes skewers and rim strips. One year warranty through Ritchey against defects in materials and workmanship.

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=


VERSUS

Mavic CXP22 / Shimano 2200 Road Wheelset (MSRP=$159.95, on sale for $84.95 or $67.96 with 20% off)

This wheel set is ideal for riders on a budget that are looking for a quality replacement or second set of wheels. New (for 2003) Shimano 2200 hubs are laced to new Mavic CXP22 rims using 32, 14 gauge, stainless steel spokes in a 3 cross pattern. Includes Mavic’s UB control machined braking track with wear indicator for even and consistent braking. Black.

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

dtrain

Maybe I was a little too honest in the title I wrote for this thread? No replies and relatively few 'views' in the first couple of hours.

Anyone?

cuda2k

well, I'll throw in my 2 cents - for even though its probably going to be worth far less than that. I haven't used either one of the wheelsets you have listed, however have looked at both of them for a bulid of my own. If I were to pick one of the two only on what I see presented, I'd probably go with the Mavic/Shimano wheels. The hubs are lower end, but easy to work with and on. I've got a pair of Mavic rims sitting at home to be build for my mountain bike and very impressed with the quality. 32 spoke 3x is a strong wheelbuild that should hold your weight. I'd probably have the wheels gone over by a shop to make sure the tensions are even to ensure longer life. Seeing the Mavic/Shimano group on sale with the 20% off makes me really tempted to get a pair, but think I'm going to save up for OpenPro/Ultegra instead.

dtrain

Thanks, cuda2k. I'm not expecting either one to be all that great. But the Mavic set will come delivered for about the price of two CXP22 rims. Seems worth a try for that price. If the rear wheel eventually gives me trouble (which seems likely given my weight), I have a 32 hole 105 black rear hub that I could have my LBS use to rebuild it by hand. Even accounting for that possible future expense, the deal seems solid. Plus, I'm currently running stock no-name hubs and heavy Vuelta rims...so just about anything would be an upgrade.

I have another set of black 105 hubs (w/ a 36-hole rear) that I plan to have built into a nicer set (w/ either CXP33s or Open Pro's) in the future. Either set from Nashbar would turn into back-up/winter/training ride wheels.

cuda2k

Indeed. I just bought a new (used) frame and it will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I want to get a good solid wheelset for it, but I'm expanding my budget pretty quick as it is and not sure if a $200 set of Open Pros are within my means right now. On the flip side since I'm only going to have one set of wheels I'd rather get something that will last the long term isntead of throwing half of the open pro set cost out the window. My other road bike has no-name hubs and Weinmann rims (27" 36h) so someething a bit lighter but still bomb proof is my goal.

squeegy200

There is a reason 3X traditionally laced wheels have been around for so long. Mavic and Shimano make good durable products and if laced accordingly will give you long service. Get the less expensive spoked wheelset and use the extra money you saved on something else.

DannoXYZ 

Go for the Mavic/Shimano set-up. For that price, you can even pick up an extra set of rims and be set with wheels for years to come.

SpongeDad

I just took my Bontrager Selects off my Trek to true them, mostly out of winter boredom. I have about 3500 miles on them and I've hit a lot of bad pavement, ruts and a few potholes.

Things are still perfectly true. I think they go for about $250 and are used on some cyclocross bikes. Not particularly light, but never had a problem with them.

Serpico

get the cxp22 wheelset

good luck

Rancid

Don't know anything up the hubs really, but I prefer mavic's out of that choice. Mine have held up for about a year of harsh hawaii roads, including some hard crashes

thewalrus

I just bought Nashbar's wheelset one model up from that Shimano 2200 / CXP22, it's a set with 105 hubs, CXP22 rims and 32 DT laced 3-cross. It was $139, I couldn't find a 20% discount coupon, plus $15 shipping.

I'm not so sure about the 2200 hubs, remember that 2200 is sub-Sora in the Shimano lineup.

Serpico

but they're also hubs, not saying hubs aren't important--but they just spin, unlike the brifters/derailleurs/calipers that sora is so hated for

seems like people don't like sora cos' it suckass at shifting and stopping, or they don't like the button shifter

cyclezen

Hubs are also key, not just for the smoothness they might offer, but their longevity, especially how well their spoke holes and flanges (assuming they aren't straight run) are designed to support the spoke.
Wheel support, strength and longevity is not just a matter of spoke count/strength (in a traditional design, which these are for the most part). Over the years there have been numerous cases where after 5-6 months of riding the wheel starts poppin spokes on a regular basis - thatz often poor spoke support.
I recently looked at a newer set as a daily trainer set, and my own impressions are that I would stay with 105 or higher in hubs, and Mavic MA3s or higher in rims. I ended up with WH500s - like them alot.
If one isn't a featherweight, expects to ride hard and the road surface is typically 'varied' in quality, a solid wheelset will pay for itself in the long run. I'd check for deals on better Shimano wheelsets or other makes. I;ve only heard good things about the Ritchey Aeros, but have never really eyeballed a set (or was aware I was looking at a set...).

RacerX

cpx22 wheelset all the way. at that price, who cares if you're wrong!

fmw

I had CXP22 rims with a campy hub on my Bianchi Veloce. I put about 6000 miles on them and never had to true them and, in fact, I never had a flat - not one. They were as reliable as wheels can be. Pretty hard to go wrong with this kind of product.

dtrain

Ordered the Mavic set tonight (along with some other goodies). Thanks for your comments.