HauntedMyst

I have a chance to get a set of Phil hub/Velocity rims 48h wheels new for about $500.
So far I have just used the stock wheels on my Cannondale but only for rides up to 25 miles. We have atria planned and I am wondering if it wouldn't be prudent for this Clydesdale to make the investment for a loaded tour. Any advise is appreciated.

MassiveD

Is it the new hub? Or the Freewheel hub. I like both, but a set of wheels for that price with the new hub is a great deal. 48 spokes is serious overkill for most uses, but there isn't any real downside either. The way I look at it is that on 700c you need at least 36 spokes, and that will do loaded touring even for Clyde, in normal conditions. But 36 holes in a touring rim is not going to be out there should you ever need a spare, so you are pretty much looking at the same supply lines as you would be for a 48, and the 48 is pretty much bombproof to start with. On 26, you still aren't likely to find a spare even in 32, and you can get a whole wheel just about anywhere for a quick fix should you require it. So I don't really see a problem with overbuilt wheels.

When I weighed 270, I still got good serviice out of 36 spoke 700c seriously well built wheels. My current 700c hubs are 40 spokes, and have White Hubs, though the Phil is probably better. I do think 40 is enough, and easier to re-supply. 48 starts to run into the risk of getting told they don't actually have it stock to ship out.

Cyclesafe

There is no downside to 48 spoke wheels. A little heavier and more time-consuming to true, perhaps. But the price is excellent. I'm sure that many people on this forum would buy these wheels if they got the chance.

Generally speaking, rear wheels are the most common source of problems while touring. If they are "overbuuilt", then you've eliminated many potential problems. (not to say of course, that well-built 36h aren't perfectly OK...)

GeoKrpan

If your wheels are 36 spoke they're strong, why spend the dough?

nfmisso

go for; it is all about increased safety margin and the resulting peace of mind. If they are properly built; and you maintain the bearings, they will out last us all. You may have to replace the rim from brake wear, but that is it.

bradtx

HM, If the 48H rim's strength will make you feel better and you can get them in time for a few rides before your trip (to sort any possible truing issues) then buy them. No sense embarking on a ride with nagging issues, real or not and overkill can give a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Brad

fietsbob

On my 9 month tour, I only broke 1 spoke , I had 47 left in the wheel .
so I didn't need to do more than a spot of re-truing.

rode on for a couple days .. it was a Phil Freewheel hub, so the Big wrench to
unscrew the freewheel, was borrowed, spoke replaced, and away I wet..

people use a matching 48 spoke front, just to have a rear rim spare ,
as any front wheel will do with a common 36 hole hub, off the shelf..
in a pinch..

LeeG

can't give advice without knowing what your existing wheels are, their condition, your weight and intended load.

B. Carfree

Does this wheelset have a younger/older sister?

mtnbud

My stock Specialized came with 32h Alex rim wheels. I would break spokes on practically every high mileage loaded tour I took. After having a spoke pull through the rim 150 miles from the nearest bike shop, I replaced my wheels with 36h Mavic A719's on XT hubs with 130mm spacing. I haven't had a problem since. If you're going to do long mileage trips miles from the nearest help, I'd highly reccomend getting the strongest wheels possible. It's very inconvenient to be stuck in a one horse town waiting a couple of days for UPS to deliver a new wheel.

Bekologist

I hope I'm not spoiling the OP's great deal, but a set of Phil Wood Touring/Dyad wheels went on Seattle Craigslist a day or two ago for $550. The rear is 48, the front is 36 so maybe this isn't the wheelset the's original poster looking at.

I'd totally get them but am changing to lighter touring on Open Pros, even off road.