ccrnnr9

I am building off of an orbea mitis frameset and want to have both a set of training wheels and a set of race wheels. I could not find any definitive answers using the search function on this site. Im looking at spending around 200$ on the training wheels (no more than 250, but the cheaper the better) and hopefully no more than 850 for race wheels. I am new to racing but I traing a lot. There are some rough roads in my area so especially for the training wheels, I would like to get something really durable. My thoughts on training wheels are Mavic Aksiums or Shimano 550's. I think those both fall in my price range. Is there anything I should consider in these decisions? I was also wondering if buying preassembled wheels online is a good or bad idea? Also, do you guys have any resources that give a pretty good explanation of the different parts on a wheel so i can begin to understand sizing and what the advantages to different spokes/spoke patterns, hubs, and other components are? Thanks in advance.
~Nick

sleepystarz

I've actually found all sorts of info about wheels by searching this thread... you can also go here:

https://sheldonbrown.com/wheels/index.html

And go here to get an idea about buying custom built wheels:

https://www.oddsandendos.com

And of course, try to modify your search criteria if you're after something specific. If you can't find it here, try https://www.weightweenies.starbike.com/phpBB2 and search there

ccrnnr9

Ya I guess I should rephrase that. I have found a lot of good info on good wheels but Im looking for specifics about those in my price range. It seems that mavic, campy, and rolf wheels are never a bad choice.
~Nick

sleepystarz

I posted the links in order to help you with this comment.

As far as wheels in your price range, sorry I don't know too much about wheels at $200, although I'm sure there are some decent ones. I've been riding some Mavic Ksyrium SLs for a while... got them for $400 shipped on ebay and they are great. www.oddsandendos.com can also build you some nice wheels brand new for under $500 shipped... but ya, it's double the price you're looking for.

Do post back on your thoughts if you end up with a pair of $200 wheels that you're happy with, I'd be interested to hear about them. Good luck.

dtrain

Ultegra/Open Pro's under $200 for training:

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...TOKEN=60071587

Or maybe e-bay a pair of Cosmos or something. I think Mavic cut a lot of corners on the Aksiums to produce them so cheap. For example, they are pinned at the joint rather than SUP welded.

urbanknight

Ask your riding buddies if they know of a good local wheel builder. That person could recommend a good combination to fit your weight and riding style. Example 36h 4x on box rims for a heavy sprinter, 28h 2x/radial for a light distance person, etc. Of course, get a sturdier set for training (I usually like a Mavid Open type with 32h 3x.

San Rensho 

Easton/Velomax at Nashbar, $199. Fairly deep aero wheels.