I am picking up my bike but my lbs is incompetent at ordering a stock front wheel for me and I need my bike back today. Is this rim by Forte a piece of crap compared to the Bontrager rim that came on my LeMond Etape (very entry level LeMond)?

It's the Forte Gemini


It's like 80 bux which I am fine with. I'd pay more for a better wheel but I'd at least like my wheels to both be black. I am lost right now and need a whole front wheel ASAP

Well... it does cool. But don't count on it lasting your dream of 5,000 miles or whatever. Forte's generally pretty cheap stuff, but it gets the job done.

Why not borrow a front wheel from a buddy or something? 700c front wheels can be found, like, anywhere.

I dunno. no one I know rides around here. ugh this sucks. I really do not want to spend that much but I might just have to buy a set or something. I don't want some "it'll do its job" rim, yet I don't know how my stock ones stack up against these rims.

I can't imagine this would be any better than your stock bontrager.
What is the story behind the missing wheel and how is your lbs going to compensate you for it?

I created a thread about how I nailed someone on the bike path. long story but I just need a freakin wheel today so i can ride. so frustrating.

The Gemini's are actually good wheels. I'd put them in the same class as the Titans, which many people have had success with.

Your Etape came with entry level wheels - the '07 has Alex rims and "alloy" hubs while the '06 came with a "32h alloy wheel system".

For $160, you can get the Forte Titan wheelset at Performance - that is their current online price. About the same is the Gemini wheelset. Both, in my opinion, would be an upgrade to what you currently have.

I'd go with the Titan only because I've owned it, ridden it, abused it, and actually liked it.

55/Rad

I just re-read your initial post - you have Bontrager wheels? I assume these are the Selects. I'd put the Titan and the Gemini in the same quality class as the Selects and are actually lighter. The Gemini front is obviously a better replacement match for the Select for the paired spokes.

55/Rad

This is my exact bike and the name Bontrager selects rings a bell. Thanks for your input. I don't need wheels that are any better than the ones I had on there stock.


edit: The bontrager selects come on the even nicer tourmalet so mine I guess are not bontrager selects at all. I think I'll just pick up this gemini wheel since it is probably better than the wheel I demolished.

I agree...The Gemini's would be a pretty close match to what you already have...I've heard they are actually the same exact wheel as one of the Alex models (forgot which one). I have the Titans with a little over 500 miles on them and I love them(lighter than Select on my GF's bike)...They've been nice and smooth and still true to the core(I weigh 150lbs). Very satisfied considering I got them when they were on sale for $130. Here's a pic in the middle of building my bike...

While the tires are Bonty's, the wheels are not. Probably a lower end Alex rim and a generic hub.

From where you are, the Gemini's or the Titans would be a nice upgrade for around $160. There are other options as well but not at Performance. Good luck.

55/Rad

If the search function worked you could see a lot of good responses on the Gemini and Titans. I ride a Titan rear right now.

I had a spoke pinging issue, but I have solved it finally. Had to do with the threadlocker the manufacturer was using. Titans were a better match for my build (180-190 lbs) than the Gemini.

I would agree with what the others have said about them being on par with what you already had.

Are titans better for heavier riders? Maybe I'll just pick up the whole set front and rear. I have some ghetto loaner wheel right now. It's soooo ghetto.

ghetto?....what like a 20" spinner??


No I rememeber talking to the guy in the shop about the Geminis and he felt the need to mention that they have a 180 weight limit where the Titan's don't. Paired vs crossed lacings. I think there is a spoke count difference as well.

Ha ha...too fun. This one has an advertised 140 spoke count....140. I wonder if the Retro Grouches know there is more spokes than 36 available....They should be all over these. Oh and they're steel!


EDIT: Nevermind...they're radial lacing. Grouches will never go for that....

I sent back a Titan because it was a way too tight fit with my Vredestein Fortezza tires. I learned the hard way: after struggling forver to get the tire on the first time at home, I got a flat a few rides later and ended-up taking the subway home (!) because I ripped my spare tube after struggling for an hour to get the tire on. Pathetic, I know. Anyhow, I found an awesome deal on a Ritchey WCS wheel which was 100g lighter and only cost a little more and am quite happy with it.

I've got Cane Creek Strados wheels which are black too.
I got them at Nashbar(online) for $249 for the pair.
These wheels are tough, durable, and stay true. A lot of bang for the buck. I rate them right up there with my Bontrager Race Lites which are approx. $450/pair
These would probably match up with your current wheel...especially if you took off the decals. also..you won't have any trouble getting the tire off the rim.

https://canecreek.com/strados.html

If you are interested..call Cane Creek direct and ask how you can order. I'm not sure if Nashbar has any left????

That Lemond looks sharp!! Very nice!

^ Thanks man! I love it. So much fun