Originally Posted by
sdmc530
fair question:
36 wheel options are well UGLY...there are some really nice looking 32H options. Durability is always on the forefront I guess. My current wheels look terrible to be fair and hubs are just not great quality I don't think. I don't care much about the actual weight of the wheels because I am the heavy part of the bike.
So really its just to a point of vanity and better quality hubs.
Sounds like you are talking about “factory made” wheel options with 36 spokes. Of course these are going to be utilitarian, and
not sexy at all. In order to get exotic/36 spoke it sounds like you’re going to need to go custom. Not sure what colors you fancy or your budget but I would think if you could dream it up, a Pro wheelbuilder could build it for you.
I’m on a bit of a polished silver retro kick and my main road bike wheels are 32 front, 36 rear. My hubs are Dura Ace 7700, the rims are Velocity A23’s, polished. The build is DT Swiss (revolution I believe) light gauge front 2 cross, rear 3 cross with blue anodized aluminum spoke nipples. I weigh 195# now but have been over 250# in the past.
36 hole hubs by quality makers sometimes languish, un-loved, and therefore are offered at great clearance prices or on eBay. Just start looking around and you’ll find them. Are you running an 11 speed cassette? If you’re running 10 speed or earlier, the deals are even better. Also, if you are still running 10 speed or earlier, may I suggest that you spec a 36 spoke Dura-Ace 7403 hybrid Uniglide/Hyperglide freehub? These are lifetime hubs. if you are patient you can pick up a clean used one on eBay cheap. If you have clearance for wider tires you could spec a wider rim such as the Velocity Quill or HED Belgium Plus. Maybe even elect to set it up tubeless.
If your budget allows and/or if you are running 11 speed cassettes, why not get a White Industries, Industry 9, Chris King, Hope or Phil Wood in the anodized color of your choice. At your weight, I would specifically look at the freehub offerings from Phil Wood. They look absolutely beautifully indestructible, albeit expensive.
I hope these suggestions can be of some assistance to you. There is no reason why you can’t get a strong as hell, good looking rear wheel in 36 spoke that you you would
not be embarrassed by,
at all !