Tyre and rim advice for 220lb Sirrus rider
 

Well, would-be Sirrus rider. I picked up a very nice 2003 Expert but the rear freehub has gone. It's Spec's own, and they import the bikes into the UK but don't bother much with spare parts. So I need a new rear wheel, but this is the first time I've owned a 700c bike and I'm confused.

I weigh 220lbs; this isn't an issue on the MTBs I'm used to, but I thought it might be here and I should get a 32 spoke wheel. However, I was told by a shop's wheelbuilder that I didn't need to worry about this at all.

Looking at the Rivendell site, I thought I should get rims that would let me ride with 32 to 38 mm tyres, but I've been told that 28s should be fine - and I can't find out what the Sirrus's tyre size limit is. I've googled, but get wildly different opinions and no definite information.

Oh, well - at least I've found a guide on Sheldon Brown's site that lets me work what width rim I should go for once I have the tyre issue settled. So if someone could give me reliable advice about tyre size and spoke count I'll be fine - I hope!

I'd go with 36 spoke wheels just to err on the safe side, the weight and aerodynamic drawbacks are hadly measureable and you won't need to worry if you later a rack on it and load it up with bags. Mavic, Sun, Alex, there are many good rims available, those with double eyelets are the strongest. Deore or Deore LX hubs should be fine, XT's are a bit lighter but not much better. I think the Sirrus comes with stock 32mm tyres.

Yes; this makes sense to me.

Mine arrived with 26s. Some people online say they can't run 32s, others that they can. Maybe one group has changed rims and another hasn't? I wish manufacturers would give more info on this sort of thing. Judging by eye, I can't see why there would be a problem, but still...

Thanks!