Originally Posted by
VeloNewbie
Hey guys, I have been having some issues with my back wheel. I have Mavic cxp33 rims laced to Dura Ace hubs. They held up to some abuse for a while, but it is time for some new wheels. I've been researching different rims and I would really like to try the H+Son SL42 rims with a machined brake track(obviously for my road bike). I like the look, the budget, somewhat aero, and the strength. I would have them built by my LBS using my Dura Ace hubs again. Problem is they are a little on the heavy side. I weigh 145-150, I live in the city and sometimes have to deal with unavoidable potholes and recessed train tracks. I need a wheel that can stay together and be reliable day after day( of course with a good builder).Don't get me wrong though, I love lightweight wheels. I was wondering how many of you guys have wheels that are built more for strength than weight savings? Was it worth it?
As you suspect by your question, for the non racer, strength is always more important that a couple hundred grams. But you are light OP. You don't need 32 spoke wheels. I am 185 lbs and have always ridden production built Campy wheels (and others) that virtually never need to be trued. So you don't need custom wheels either. You can find bulletproof 1750 gram production wheels for $300..say Fulcrum 5's which Campy says are hand built...or find a very nice 1500 gram wheels like Fulcrum 3's for $500 or almost twice as much for about a 200 gram weight reduction. A guy like you can ride 1500g wheels without issue. The Fulcrum 3's would hold up find for me as well...they are very strong. But, there is a reason why there are no 900g wheelsets out there. For most of us there is sweetspot. So you will have to find yours based upon how light and how much you want to spend.