Old 04-13-14 | 08:12 PM
  #9  
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Drew Eckhardt
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA

Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs

Originally Posted by littlegeorge
So...The question is simple.

What is best?!
I'm really fond of picking a generic (DT/Kinlin/Mavic/Velocity in no particular order) rim, starting with Campagnolo/Shimano (or PowerTap if you want a hub based power meter system) hubs, and connecting the two with standard (DT) round (aero spokes are only good for 1-2 W at 30 MPH depending on yaw angle) J-bend spokes.

When you bend or wear out a rim you just lace a new one on for $40-$80 and are back in business, even 20 years later.

In the unlikely event you break spokes you can have identical ones delivered to your door tomorrow for under $1.50 each and in a pinch most LBSes can sell you a mismatched (stainless not black, straight gauge not butted) spoke immediately.

Campagnolo and Shimano cup-and-cone hubs last nearly forever with service and adjustment and are relatively affordable.

If you want something personalized, Velocity does a ludicrous number of colors on some of their rims plus polished aluminum and retro-reflective. Cartridge bearing hubs (Novatec, etc) also come in a lot of hues.

Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 04-13-14 at 08:16 PM.
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