28-Hole rims for track wheelset? Advise, please.
 

I purchased a set of NOS 28-Hole Mavic Open SUP (predecessor to Open Pros) from ebay not too long ago. I am considering using these rims for my Cannondale Capo, which is in need of a new wheelset post a crash. Would you trust these 28h rims with say formula hubs or suzue pro max sb hubs? What spokes are recommended for 28h wheels in comparison to 32h wheels?

I ride the bike throughout the city (rough roads) and in a few small races; I have been upgrading it since the accident (full carbon fork, dura ace cranks and bb). I am 158lbs.

Thanks,

Jeffrey

I've used mostly double butted spokes with both 28 hole and 32 hole rim/hub combos. I've also used straight gauge spokes on a couple sets. I have never noticed a difference in ride or durability. I think the perceived weakness of 28 hole rims is bullsheet, especially if you're only 150lbs. I've used Campy C-Record and Suntour hubs in 28 hole and have never had a problem (I'm also about 150lbs). Just make sure the wheels are well built and you'll be fine.

28 spokes should be fine for your size, IF:

1. You use good quality double butted spokes
2. The wheels are built and tensioned by someone who knows what they are doing and builds them right

edit: you beat me to it TNCLR.

I will be building the wheels (my second set ever). At least we have identified why these 28h wheels may fail.

JAH

Nah, you'll be fine. Just make sure you get some guidance when it comes to spoke tension, or buy a tensionometer. As long as they're not too lose or too tight the wheel be good.

word. After you lace them up and get them close to right on maybe take them to your LBS and have them finish tensioning/truing. It will be fine dude.:beer:

I started building wheels a few months ago and am on my 4th set. Get a tensionometer (I use a Park and like it) and a dish stick and do some reading. Sheldon Brown has a good article on his site and there are a couple of good books on the subject.

The idea of taking them to the LBS for finish work could be interesting, especially if they'll let you watch. You'll get an idea of how good a job you did and might get some tips. I think I'll do that with the wheelset I'm working on now.

28 is perfect for a street bike for someone your size. As for what spokes to use, spokes are like the shocks on a car, you get one set of benefits from softer (butted) and another from stiffer (straight gauge). At 160lbs on 28's, it's a toss up.

Have you found somewhere that sells the formulas in all the different drillings? I know they make 28's because you can get wheels from Ben's that use them, but I've never seen them sold bare.

I have found the 28h formula hubs online for about $80. I am debating between these and the 28h suzue pro max sb for $145 std color or $149 gold plated (last edition). Any thoughts?

do you like silver or gold?

I mean, the suzues are more bling for sure, but the SB's probably aren't actually better than the formulas. Business cycles has a good page on them at http://www.businesscycles.com/thub-suz.htm

Depends on your cash situation I guess, but that $70 would buy you a lot more performace elsewhere on the bike.

The number of spokes is not as important (imo) as the lacing pattern. A 28 lace with a 3 cross pattern will be about 15% weaker than a 4 cross pattern. The strength of the wheelbuild is determined by the amount of weight being distributed by each point. You will also gain more lateral strength by using a 4 cross. Obviously the depth of your rims will make a big difference as to the strength of the wheel, but if you are <=150lbs in the saddle, a 28x3 should be sufficient.

With many hubs, 28x4 would be a no-go.

The Suzues will allow it though. I think (not sure) that most high flange hubs will allow it. Thoughts?

Actually, I'm looking at a 36h 4x built on a high flange hub, and it's really pretty much at the limit. The spokes are almost touching the adjacent spoke heads. 32 might work, but I'm giving 28 like a 99% chance of not working. Besides, 3x is plenty strong.

I don't think its possible to uild a 4x 28 spoke wheel.

i think # of spokes / 9 = maximum possible cross for 27"/700c wheels, not sure if it applies for larger or smaller wheels.

3x is the standard on 28 hole rims/hubs.

This is how mine are done, click my sig if you want to see them. I've got 28 holes on my Miche hubs and there haven't been any problems and I weigh 195lbs. They are Velocity Deep-Vs and I am not super-easy on them; Toronto's streets are pretty lousy.