Wheel stiffness and AL frame
 

I have been looking at a few different wheel builders to get a new set of wheels, likely some form of a deeper aero-type wheel to gain strength. I commute daily on a 2011 CAAD10-5 and the RS10's are really starting to be noticeably not stiff enough. I rode a few other bikes with some high dollar wheels and I could tell instantly that I wanted a new set of wheels. Plus RS10's as spares wont kill me.

The problem I just read was a few threads stating that wheels can be too stiff for aluminum frames. Is this true?

If so, any suggestions? Looking to stay under $750. Total rider weight with pack will be around 240# and my route does have a brief section of nasty crap that is unavoidable. The Pure wheels seem to get decent reviews, among others. Since racing is not a concern, I have been eyeing up some 32/32 wheels.

Tires make more of a difference when dealing with "comfort". A wheel that is flexible can rub brake pads, frame, etc, when you're out of the saddle. You can run a stiff wheel (i.e. efficient) with a wider tire at a lower pressure, or run a stiff wheel with a wider rim and a regular tire at lower pressure.

So there are no concerns with a wheel that could be "too stiff" with my frame?

You will feel the stiffness of the weakest link. Never having owned one, everything I've read is that CAAD's are the stiffest aluminum frame you can get. I ride a cheap Nashbar Alum frame and can absolutely feel the stiffness difference between an OEM set of Specialized Alex wheels and my Easton EA50's. For me, massive improvement and well worth the money.

You will not encounter a wheel too stiff for your frame.

I used to race a Specialized S-Works E5 aluminum frame with Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels. That E5 frame makes my current Caad-9 feel like a rubber band. And the Mavic's are a very harsh riding wheel - they transmit a lot of road vibration into the frame. Yet, I never had any problems doing short crits or long training rides - 65-70 miles - on that set up.

I ride a CAAD9 BB30 and have a set of mavic carbones SLs on it (stiff, but not the stiffest) and I have zero problem. Although when I switch back and forth between that and my tarmac I can appreciate carbon more for comfort. I do prefer to ride the CAAD9 though.

The only time I've felt a wheel to be excessively stiff is when it's a very tall aluminum rim, like 40mm or whatever.

In general a stiff wheel is not going to cause problems. It's tire choice and design choice that determine a big part of "wheel comfort" (and bike comfort for that matter). For example no one will say that a stiff aluminum mtb frame is flexy but ride one with 2" tires with 80 psi in them and the bike feels positively cushy compared to a road bike.

Tubeless or wider rims will allow you to run lower pressures. A wider tire will let you run lower pressures.

I run a wider rim (23mm) with normal tires (23c) at about normal pressures (105-110, about 10-15 psi over recommended). I ran them at 85/90 and 95/100 but I didn't like they way they cornered. Guys have told me they run 25c tires at 80 psi on similar rims.

Go get a good set of wheels built. RS10's are junk. I had them on my C-dale and the rear flexed like crazy. GO with a 32 spoked rear, especially if you are commuting bad roads. Front is up to you. I've had good luck with some of the Mavics (22's & 33's) strong, reliable wheels, especially when hand built, and they don't break the bank. There others out there as well. Do some searching and talk to some wheel builders.

Velocity Deep Vs are 30mm deep semi aero and will make a good stiff wheel set and they come in high spoke counts if needed... They do make Deep Vs with machined side walls for braking

I have been thinking of 32/32 simply because I have no reason not to. I am likely 200lbs total now, including pack, and if I were 150lbs I would still likely get a high spoke count. Now the trick is which hubs...

I just placed my order for PSIMET wheels. I would look into those as he custom builds to your needs.

Email sent. Thanks.

Not to hijack this post, but how's the handling characteristics of a S-Works E5?
I know someone selling one, and I am considering buying it. It's either a used E5 or a new Caad 10.