Are my Mavic wheels strong enough for a tour?
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Are my Mavic wheels strong enough for a tour?
I am headed for Mexico in December for a month of light touring and am concerned that my 2006 Bianchi Eros, with Mavic Askium wheels, may not be strong enough. I plan on using a 28c tire to help with the load. Btw, I am about 220, and I figure an extra 40 lbs. of gear will be added. A small portion of my ride will be sagged. Opinions on the strength of these wheels? Thanks!
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Well even with the heft of those wheels, I don't think that equals touring strength. 260 lbs is a lot to haul around, and I don't know how Mexican roads will be. They only have 20/24 spokes and some radial lacing. I like radial lacing, but for touring loads not so sure. While its possible they could be OK, I'd be real hestitant. You are best to get a set of 36 spoke, 3-cross wheels. They would probably even weigh close to the Askiums (why are those so heavy?). I wouldn't doubt if you could get a brand new set built for under $250 using something like 105 or Ultegra hubs and my recommendation, Mavic CXP33 rims.
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When touring, there's no real reason to go with anything under 32 or 36 spokes. The speed difference will be minimal, and they'll hold up well.
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I've got about 600 miles on mine. I purchased them June of this year. They have been carrying my 300lb butt since I got them and I am now down to 260 and I have not a one bit of problem with them. My LBS promised me that I would have no problems with them and so far they have lived up to that.
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Personally, I'd go with some hand built 36 spoke wheels, particularly if the area is Mexico will be remote.
If you go with the Askiums, I'd take a couple of replacement spokes for each: front, drive rear, and non driveside rear. I'm guessing replacement spokes for your Askiums may be hard comeby in most of Mexico
If you go with the Askiums, I'd take a couple of replacement spokes for each: front, drive rear, and non driveside rear. I'm guessing replacement spokes for your Askiums may be hard comeby in most of Mexico
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Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
Personally, I'd go with some hand built 36 spoke wheels, particularly if the area is Mexico will be remote.
If you go with the Askiums, I'd take a couple of replacement spokes for each: front, drive rear, and non driveside rear. I'm guessing replacement spokes for your Askiums may be hard comeby in most of Mexico
If you go with the Askiums, I'd take a couple of replacement spokes for each: front, drive rear, and non driveside rear. I'm guessing replacement spokes for your Askiums may be hard comeby in most of Mexico
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Thanks guys for the info. Yes, my wheels have performed very well and have not needed a truing, despite more than a few serious pothole hits. Anyone know if 28c's would fit on the Askium's to possibly help absorb some rough roads? The spare spokes are going for sure.
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Originally Posted by jimx200
Thanks guys for the info. Yes, my wheels have performed very well and have not needed a truing, despite more than a few serious pothole hits. Anyone know if 28c's would fit on the Askium's to possibly help absorb some rough roads? The spare spokes are going for sure.