Originally Posted by
richjac
Rather than start a new thread, I will resurrect this one. My 4 year old Giant OCR1 is in need of new wheels as I have found several hairline cracks in the rear rim - in this case a 24 spoke Xero XSR3 with slightly under 5,000 miles. And, I do weigh in at 230 lbs - with plans to bring that down :<)
One LBS recommends the Aksiums as my best bet under $600, and I can get a pair for roughly $210 at REI - in stock , so I can be on the road again today! The most likely alternative would be to have a set built up with Ultegra hubs and CXP33 or DT RR1.2 rims , which would be in the $350 range.
Strictly based on performance and comfort (currently riding 28c tires, aluminum frame, up to century distance) - would the $350 options outperform the $200 Aksiums? I have also looked at the Fulcrum 5 ($350), Easton EA50 ($300) and just about every other combination out there. I hate to make the decision only based on availability, but the weather is going to be nice this weekend!
Aksiums may be low spoke count but they are strong. My only concern would be the straight pull spokes giving the wheel a hard life over a period of time. Just face it- some of the "Retail" cyclocross bikes have Aksiums fitted to the top of the range models and they will take a lot of strain in cyclocross. A strong wheel that will take the punishment- are cheap and definitely an improvement over the zero rims.
However- I would out of preference would get the handbuilts. They do give as good a ride as the Aksiums and I have a set of 105 hubs to CXP33 rims and 36 spokes that I do prefer to ride for comfort.