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.
I understand that my weight on a low spoke wheel is not ideal, but the OEM wheels did last 4 years, so I'd be willing to accept that for $200. From what I have read the Askiums are pretty strong.
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!
The issue with weight and wheels is this, if you take a 150lb load, on a 36 spoke wheel, spokes simply need to be attached at both ends, spoke tension, from the factory will be good enough. As you increase the weight of the load, or reduce the number of spokes, spoke tension needs to be closer and closer to optimum. This means that a 230lb rider on a 24 spoke wheel, needs a competent wheel builder, to tension those spokes properly, to get good life out of the wheels.