gdg22042

I'm riding a 2006 Trek Project 1 Madone, and I seemed to have worn out the rear freehub on my bontranger race lite wheel (wheels were standard with the bike). I took the wheel to my normal LBS. They thought they had the hub in stock, but after looking around for 25 minutes, then concluded they didn't. I then took it to my back-up LBS, who said they too didn't have the freehub in stock, and didn't think they could get it because the wheel is 5 years old and the particular freehub on the wheel might not be made anymore -- which may or may not be the reason the first LBS didn't have it in stock after all. So the second LBS said I might need to replace the entire wheel. Sounded sort of fishy as the guy I was dealing with seem fairly young, didn't take the hub off to see exactly what type it was or what might be compatible (not sure if that's necssary or not). And the service area was busy, making me think that perhaps the path of least resistence was to just tell me to get a new wheel. Unfortunately, I'm not experienced enough to know if what i was told is accurate, so I guess I'm in the market for a new rear wheel (or set so they match).

I commute to work 4 of 5 days (about 25 miles round trip) plus a couple considerably longer rides on weekends, so I put a decent amount of mileage on the bike. I'd say 80%+ of the mileage is on a paved, fairly well maintained bike path, so I only have to deal with the occasional pothole (and only when I'm zoning out and not paying enough attention). I'm a tad under 200 LBS.

Question is, given my weight and usage, does anyone have any recommendations for a reasonably priced wheelset? While I do an occasional triathlon, I wouldn't say I'm a racer by any stretch, and I certainly don't need to grind every gram out of the bike for speed's sake (a few less hamburgers works just fine and is a lot cheaper).

I liked the bontrager wheel just fine (until it failed), and would rather not move to an inferior wheel if I can avoid it. Having never been in the market before, I don't know if it makes sense to just get the 2011 version of the race lite wheel I had, or if there is something better/just as good for about the same price, etc. Good analogy would be the Ultegra components I have, don't see any advantage to spending to upgrade to Dur-Ace, but having run the Ultegra group, I probably wouldn't want to down grade if I have to replace part of the group. Same idea with the wheelset. Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated!

PS. Sorry for the length of the post

abstractform20

i got the Forte Apollos recently and they are a good bang for the buck.

light and good hubs for the money.

abstractform20

looks like the online set is out of stock. if you have location nearby, check it out.

Cpt.America

I am kind of in the same boat as you as to what kind of wheels to buy... but for me, it's picking between a lighter more shallow set, or a slightly heavier more aero wheel. I am researching SOULs, right now. I like the look of the taller wheels, like the 4.0s, I just can't make up my mind of the lighter more shallow wheel would be better... I do equal parts climb, flats, descents.

oilman_15106

If you can find them with a Shimano hub, Campy Vento is the wheel you seek. Bombproof, spins forever in the same price range as Race Lite. Heavier than Race Lite but spins like it weighs less. I have an older pair with a Shimano hub and have put the things through everything without an issue. Do not weigh as much. Note: I have used both the Race Lite and X Lite.

musicmaster

Cant you just use any hub that has the same number of spokes?

canam73

Since you mentioned Ultegra:

https://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com.../prod_198.html

They are fairly light for a higher spoke wheel and Ultegra hubs tend to be long lasting. I'd say perfect for your use.

Drew Eckhardt 

This is why you build wheels with standard, serviceable components. I have 15 year old wheels on their second (front) and third (rear) rims for which I can still buy bearings, freehub pawls, etc.

32 hole Shimano Ultegra hubs (better bearing quality than 105, adjustable cup and cone bearings that should last a very long time, coined spoke holes in the flanges, etc. nice but not sexy).

Velocity rim of your choice - Deep V, Fusion, A23 (Mavic is getting out of selling rims to builders at some point, and Velocity rims are both less expensive and available in more colors).

DT Competition 2.0/1.8 butted spokes. You can use DT Revolution 2.0/1.5 spokes if you want to play the weight weenie game but there's more windup to deal with.

DT brass nipples. You can use alloy nipples if you want but better lubricate spoke threads and rim sockets with anti-seize.

Ideally you learn to build wheels (read Jobst Brandt's _The Bicycle Wheel_) and do it yourself using hubs from an on-line European source (where retail is lower than US wholesale ) plus other parts sourced on-line.

That way when you bend or wear out a rim a replacement costs you $50 for the rim and you can have it done as soon as you get around to it instead of $70 at full retail, + $45-$90 in labor, + $32+ for new spokes because they don't trust the ones you already have.

Or you find a reputable wheel builder.

pgjackson

I have put over 2,500 trouble-free miles on my Forte Titans and in my opinion they are the best budget bang-for-the-buck out there (and great looking as well). Plus, at a price of about $60 for the front and $80 for the rear, if you hit pot-hole and ruin a wheel, it won't break the bank to replace. At 1800g, they aren't super light, but they are lighter than a lot of the more expensive wheels out there. Many of the super expensive wheels-sets are only about 200-300g lighter anyway.

datlas 

I agree with Forte Titans as pretty good bang/buck wheelset.

My only hesitation is your weight. They are pretty strong and I would certainly recommend them if you weighed say 175...but 200 may be pushing it....you may wish to just get some ultegra hubs laced to mavic open pro's, 32 holes...those would be bombproof and also 100% serviceable.

gdg22042

Thanks to all for the VERY helpful replies. Love this site, many, many knowledgeable and helpful participants. Thanks again, will let you know where I end up.

Second Mouse

I've got a set of Easton EA70s (about $445 shipped, from Gotta Ride Bikes through Amazon.com). 24 spokes front, 28 rear, fairly light, they were straight as an arrow out of the box and have remained that way in the 2 - 3 years I've had them. I'm about 215 pounds, have raced them in a dozen or so crits, and they've held up well. Noisy rear hub, but not horrendous.

v70cat

I would get these https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400038

jchag

I recently purchased Topolino wheels. Spent $1200. Don't know if that in your budget, but I love them. They light and supposed to be strong due to the spoke count and the carbon/kevlar makeup. the spoke goes thought the hub and bends and attaches to the other end of the rim. They are by far the most comfortable wheels i've owned. Feels like I added a shock absorber. Good luck with whatever wheel you purchase.

Jchag