Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,431
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
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I'm on my second pair of Ksyriums, SL and Equipe, from 240lb to 215lb, and I love 'em. Always stiff, always durable. Just today, during a criterium, I had another rider put her front tire right into my spokes a couple of times as we set up for position into a turn at perhaps 22-24mph. Ksyrium Equipes remained true and solid.
In general, I'm a proponent of straight pull hubs/spokes for heavier riders, especially aggressive ones, because they're generally stiffer and stronger. Same goes for aero bladed spokes. Bladed straight pull is my first choice in factory built wheels, but I might trust J bend bladed in a custom build from a reputable hand-builder if they had something really cool. In general though, unless you just want a certain hub or something, I think there's little to be gained from a custom build for the expense.