SadieKate

I'm building up a Kelly Bonestock as my hillclimbing bike and for the first time going with Shimano road components so I can run the short reach levers and a mtn drivetrain. I'm looking for some inexpensive wheels that I'll find durable for bombing down ugly pavement (like the top of Mt Diablo), not too harsh (I weigh about 130), don't weigh a ton (but neither is the bike being built for a weight-weenie competition) and won't break the bank. I'd prefer to stay away from any more Shimano stuff so I've been scoping Cane Creek, Ritchey, Bontrager, etc. Might even consider used wheels if I can find a trustworthy seller.

Any thoughts? A lot of the pre-built wheelsets have a med to high profile and I think they'd be a very harsh ride for someone my size.

Another option I have is to use a pair of Mavic Open Pro/Chorus wheels and change the spacers on a Veloce cassette to use with an XT derailleur. I think Sheldon Brown talks about this (according to friends but I haven't read the article yet myself). Anyone have experience with this set up?

Thanks everyone for your 2 cents!

sorebutt

If you want bomb proof wheels, the best value, in MHO, are the Campy Vento. They come with a Shimano rear hub.
Although those wheels are relatively heavy (at 2kg a pair), they are stiff, strong, and give you the confidence to fly down those hills no matter what the road conditions are..

and it is hard to pass on this deal at $177.00 (regular $350) for the pair!!!

Grasschopper

Well I am currently eyeing up the stuff at oddsandendos.com they have VERY reasonable prices on some nice hand built wheels. Check'em out.

Or if you want you can buy my Velomax Circuits for $300 and I will buy a set from them.

SadieKate

Very generous of you! I'm not sure that a 28mm section is going to be very comfy. Have you used the builder above? I've heard good things about Velocity rims but their site doesn't give specs (like rim section measurements) and I don't know anything about Sun. The American Classic hub sounds nice but I don't see that he has AC front hubs.

53-11_alltheway

Velocity Aerohead is 19mm section depth. The rear is 21mm section depth. (yeah, it's low profile and comfy. I've had them before. Mine were 19mm front and back. If I did it again I'd get the 21mm OC rear rim though)

He sells the AC hubs too. He just doesn't list them.

53-11_alltheway

That's a killer deal. Wow.

How can you pass that up.

I'll take those, but I think the original poster wanted something less stiff.

Grasschopper

That and he is building a climbing bike and those for sure aint light.

SadieKate

And SHE loves to climb!

53_11 . . . Have you used this builder? Thanks for the rim sections specs and the ride opinion. What do you think of the AC hubs? I'm kind of an old school rider (well, actually I'm an eclectic collector of rideable bikes) and love the AC stuff. These sound like they fit the bill.

Thanks all. Keep the comments coming. Just talked to Chris Kelly and I should have my bike this week which means the kitchen bike shop is open again (who says kitchens are for cooking?).

53-11_alltheway

55/Rad has the AC350 wheelset which can be had for $500 if you know where to shop.

If don't mind the extra grams the $300 set he offers is a great deal (delivery is included in that price)

He is a well regarded builder and he can overbuild the wheel or underbuild it if you ask him to.. Depends on how much durability vs weight you want.

130lbs, you can ride anything though.

SadieKate

OK, I'm know I get easily confused, but who is 55/Rad? Is that the same as oddsandends.com?

53-11_alltheway

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/104296-rolf-vigors-vs-american-classic-350-s.html

He is a forum member. Here was what he had to say. Those AC350s are probably the ultimate climbing wheel.

SadieKate

Thanks!