Neurocyclist

I'm having my wheelbuilder friend build a new wheelset for me and I am having a hard time deciding between these two rims.

I am 6'2", 180 pounds and commute about 10 miles a day at a somewhat fast pace over hilly urban terrain. I'll be running 105 hubs with double butted spokes (32 spoke) and 32mm tires.

Anyone have experience with these for comparison sake?

My take is that the Tb14 is more durable and the a23 probably is a bit quicker. But who knows.

ivan_yulaev

180 is still relatively light, esp for 32 spoke wheels. I suspect the A23 or any other box-section rim with 32 spokes will be fine for your use, especially when 32mm tires are involved.

I've never heard of the TB14 rims. I suspect this is why you have few replies so far.

Make sure to give your friend beer AFTER he gets you the wheels, not BEFORE. Then you should get thousands (or tens of thousands!) of miles out of them before you need to turn any spokes.

CliftonGK1

The TB14 is a little bit heavier, and more of a box section than a slightly aero profile. The weight difference is made up because the TB14 is eyeletted while the A23 is not. Both are a 23mm wide and offer the same benefit with the 32mm tires you plan on using; lower sidewall deflection at lower running pressures, so you can get a plush ride with less pinch flat worries at lower pressures.
Given the similarities on the two rims, take the weight penalty to get the eyletted rim. In the long run you're less likely over rough terrain to have a spoke pull through with the eyletted rim.

rubic

I am also 6'2" and vary between 180 and 185 pounds. For the last several months I have been riding on A23s with 32 spokes. So far they have been bomb proof and run as true as when they were new. Clifton might have a point about the eyeletted rim. However, my understanding is that the Velocity rims are thicker at the spoke insert which could make up for lack of eyelet, I hope.... I have not heard of any A23 rim failures at the insertion point on these forums.

You can't go wrong with either rim as long as they are built well. Enjoy you commute.

jcmkk3

I think they would both be great rims. The biggest draw for the A23 to me is than the new runs of them are road tubeless ready. If I didn't think I would ever want to try tubeless, I would go with the TB14 as I love the classic look of them.

CliftonGK1

Purely anectodal, to be certain. To be honest, the only 2 rims I've seen have spokes pull through have been eyeletted anyhow (Mavic Open Pro, and Salsa Delgado Cross) both with many thousands of miles on them. The Open Pro didn't phase me too much, the Delgado Cross I was surprised, but the owner explained the harsh abuse the wheel had seen over it's 10,000+ mile lifetime.

Heck, I've got multiple pairs of IRO Cold Fusion rims (unbadged Velocity Fusions, AFAIK) and even during CX racing season and multiple race and training crashes, I have cracked one of those. So I trust the durability of Velocity's equipment.