Originally Posted by
Germanicus
Carpediemracing,
Thanks, this is the information I was looking for. I guess the wheel I have now has a strong rim and a higher spoke count. But even with the higher count they have not loosened at all. about 1000 miles ago I broke my first and only spoke, which happened while the wheel was off the bike and just sitting on the ground during a tube change. Don't know what caused it to break on its own but hasn't happened before or since. Otherwise they have been true for 10,000 miles without any adjustment.
So I assume any lighter weight wheel will compromise the strength in some way. Either by a light rim or fewer spokes... I'll have to think about merits of both.
OP, for the $500-$700 you can get yourself a set of custom handbuilts that will get you a wide, strong rim with a higher spoke count at little/no weight penalty.
For instance,
www.prowheelbuilder.com will build you a set of HED Ardennes/DT Comp (w/brass nipples)/White Industry wheels with 28f/32r spokes for $680 that will weigh 1611g. (Price/weight per their custom wheel program). Velocity makes a similar rim that is a little cheaper (A23) and they have numerous hub option, I recommend the White's because they have very high bearing capacities but are still reasonably lightweight.
That is just one example. I have used them for a similar set and they came well built in about 2 weeks.
www.psimet.com and
www.wheelbuilder.com are a couple others that have been used by forums members that get high grades.