Originally Posted by
Bike Hermit
Question; There is a difference between the Mavic A719 and the Velocity rims you mentioned. The Velocity rims have no eyelets while the Mavic rim has eyelets that extend through both walls of the rim. It seems to me that the stress from the spokes is distributed across the rim better with the Mavic design?
Spoke holes on the aero-style Dyad and similar A23 rims are located at a 90 degree rounded apex. It's impractical to rivet an eyelet into these rims due to curvature at the hole.
Google and you will find reputable wheelbuilders think eyelets don't make much difference one way or the other. Geometry, wall thickness, cross-sectional reinforcement and mass of the Al extrusion used in the rim are bigger factors in longevity than single/double/no eyelets.
Velocity's Synergy OC (for rear) is probably a better choice than A23 OC since it's a little beefier and offers same dish compensation, plus eyelets at same width. Velocity lists Synergy as a touring rim and A23 as a road rim (500g vs 460g in 700). Other tour-capable rims from Velocity:
1.
Atlas looks like an excellent touring rim in classic polished silver, in 32/36h 26/650/700.
2.
NoBS is a "better value" version of Atlas ($60 vs 90/120) without polished finish or eyelets, at 560g (26) / 620g (700).
3.
Chukker is a heavier aero-profile rim intended for tandem/touring purposes at 620g (26) / 680g (700).
Velocity - Rims