Originally Posted by
ColonelJLloyd
I have built up many wheels for myself and others over the last few years. Here are some observations.
- Sun CR-18: Great budget rim. Wide enough for fatter tires. Builds up pretty easily but not as nice as more expensive rims that have some better QC.
- VO PBP: Not really on my radar anymore as they're not wide and I don't care for the taller sidewall. That said, they build up easily and are good looking rims.
- VO Diagonale: Same profile as the CR-18. On the heavy side (like the CR-18), but a stout, double walled, eyeleted rim.
- VO Raid: The best of their offerings in my opinion. 22mm wide, classic profile and build up easily.
- Velocity A23: Great combination of wide rim, strong V shape and build up well. Velocity offers most of their rims with an off-center (OC) rear for more even spoke tension. I like this. Made in USA. Pretty much everything else is made in China or Taiwan FWIW.
- Velocity Aerohead: Comparable to the A23, but only 19-20mm wide so why not go with the A23? Because they come in a lot of colors might be a reason.
- H+Son TB14: Vintage looks, 23mm wide, eyelets, sexy little name plate and builds up easily. I have two wheelsets with these rims and really like them. They come in polished, black (kinda hard to find), gold (harder) and grey anodized (for that MA-40 look).
- Kinlin XR300: Modern medium V shape, only 19mm wide, but light, strong, aero and relatively inexpensive.
- Pacenti: He makes really good products and I'm eager to try out some of his rim offerings.
Thanks, Colonel - that's
exactly the sort of first hand experience I was looking for!