Originally Posted by
NOS88
What kind of riding do you do? Where do you ride (kind of surface, road hazards, climbs, etc)? How much total weight will the wheels be carrying? Are you more interested in performance or longevity?
Answers to this will denote the answer.
For those that do not need a performance wheel- want one that is reliable- and at an economic pice- Hand built wheels are the answer. Depends on the builder of course but they can be recommended. A wheel based on Ultegra/105 hubs mated to a Mavic OpenPro/CXP rim will suit most. I run 105 hubs with Mavic CXP33 rims with 36 double butted spokes and they are strong- dependable and ride like a dream. X2 lacing on the spokes gives me a stiff wheel that gives a comfortable ride and last time they went in for a check for true- the Builder checked them and regreased the hubs instead to give me my $15's worth, The wheel was true- spoke tension was fine and that was after 4,000 miles. Or look at the Mavis Krysium wheels on offer at a lot on online shops. Stiffer ride but possibly a better wheel but with "Bling" attached.