Climbing wheels - need help/recommendation
 

I was hoping to get a recommendation for a set of climbing wheels. I ride mostly in Marin County so am in hilly terrain a lot.

I'm 53, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, 168 lbs. I’m not hard on a bike at all and would like a set of light climbing wheels. I’m flexible in terms of the cost of the wheelset. I’m also open in terms of approach (stock wheels vs. custom build).

Thank you for your help.

Zipp 202 or 303
Reynolds KOM
Easton EC90 SLX
DT RRC 425F and 525R
Lew
Lightweight

Lots of options...

I'm 160 lb (5'11") and just build a set of Kinlin XR-200 rims to American Classic hubs with 28 radially laced Revolution spokes up front, and 28 2x Revolution (NDS) and Competition (DS) spokes in the rear... although I am probably going to rebuild them next week with longer nipples because they have 1-3 threads showing (remember kids, add 1-2mm for spoke length calculations on 28 spoke builds unless radial laced). I'm going to throw them on the scale tomorrow afternoon, but I expect them to come in around 1400g.

You would probably be happy with something similar, probably even 24 spokes up front (I only used 28 because I got a deal on the hub). White Industries and DT hubs are better at little weight penalty, or if your budget is lower, Formula or Novatec have some decent options.

Likin Bikin has a sale on some light wheels. I bought a pair of Kinlin 270/M5 hubs/CXray spoke, about 1350 g wheels from them recently. They are extremely well built, very comfortable to ride and accelerate nicely on the steeps. I highly recommend them to you. I even like them better than the pair of 2008 Easton EA90 SLX wheels I run on another of my bikes.

^ That is a good deal considering the hubs. Better yet, they have a 24/28 XR-200 option that claims 1250g.

What goes up must come down. Whatever you buy, stick with AL rims. I have Reynolds Assaults, which I really like, but just aren't suited for steep downhill braking, even with the yellow swisstop pads. My older Ksyrium SL's work great for the rough road surfaces and steep ups and downs that I do. A friend of mine has HED Ardennes that he likes pretty well. Read review in cyclingnews.