which wheelset?
 

Looking to get a new wheelset soon, not sure what to get. Only have about $225 to spend so I was looking at the Mavic Open Pro 36h w/ formula hubs from Velomine. Opinions? Suggestions?

Open Pro/Formula is a solid choice. I'd probably go with 32h instead of 36h, but that doesn't really matter much. H+Son Archetypes are worth considering too.

what are peoples experiences with bolt on hubs?

Never used them, the old wabi set I have had 15mm nuts. However, the allen bolts seem easier, especially not having to carry a wrench to change a flat.

No problems. Just remember to bring a wrench with you.

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/peanutbutter.jpg

Allen bolt seems easier, until you strip it out on accident and then you are kind of stuck. Especially if you have American Classic hubs that use a specific 8mm bolt. Axe me how I know.

Any of those wheels in the $200 range on Velomine will be fine. Same hubs, same spokes. Just choose which rim suits you best. I have a set of H Plus Son TB14 and Sun M13II, and there is very little difference. I really like the Sun rims I got for $120.

I have a set of these, I even got the 36h, because of crappy roads and occasional off road explorations.
I like them and they have stayed true. The cartridge bearing are a bonus as far as maintenance and because they are sealed and easy to replace.

Personally I'd go H Plus Son over Mavic. Formula Hubs are solid.

EDIT: You can get Archetypes with Formula Hubs for less than $200? No brainer.

One thing to be aware of on any black/hard ano H Plus Son rims -- the sidewall will progressively wear to silver. Happened on my TB14's just barely and on my trusty old set of Archetypes. There was 2-3 weeks of streaky ugliness on each, but once they're clean an uniformly silver, I kinda prefer that.

I'd offer another vote toward those Sun M13II's laced to Formulas, for the $120 price tag Velomine sticks on them, they're hard to beat. They look good and are pretty tough, too.

I love mine, a little on the Heavy Side but for the money you just can't beat them!!!!! Mine have held up just fine, haven't put a spoke wrench on them yet & I'm a little over 200lbs.

I don't think anything could be heavier than what I have currently.. Weinmann DP18 on Og8 hubs

Those Wabis don't look bad... weight looks even better... very strong wheel? Think I'll probably go with the OpenPro/formula combo because I like the black and I want machined sides.

This is correct. I got a set and they completely transformed my ride. Super light, fast, and sturdy. I'm 160 and after 500 miles or so they're still straight. Can't believe how much wheel you get for this kind of money. Oh and they are machined for brakes.

I had the HplusSon tb14 wheelset for about a year, and i can say good things about it. It's not really that light of a wheelset but it has that vintage look on it. Later, i swapped them for the Wabis and Richard was wonderful in responding to my questions. He responds quickly. Overall from my experience using both the TB14's and Wabis, i would go with the Wabis.

I was ready to checkout on the Wabis till I saw the $50 tacked on from taxes and shipping....

I did the same thing looking at Wabis. Velomine has shipping costs too, and since I live in IL, tax. My $120 Sun M13 ended up being $150.

You should just go pick them up.

Suppose I could.. less than 2hrs away.. don't know why it was $30 shipping when Velomine.com was $20 for a heavier wheelset and further shipping distance

Pack a wheelset into a 32x28x8" box and see how much it costs to ship it to your next door neighbor.

Shipping large packages costs money and not everyone uses the same shipping methods and/or carriers. If you owned a business that ships things on a daily basis, I bet you'd understand. My shop charges a flat rate of $20 for a wheelset (including insurance, no matter where they're going in the US) and the actual shipping charge always exceeds our designated rate.

Richard at Wabi has to eat too.

But you don't understand all bike shops are gouging their customers and living on champagne and Ferraris. Richard is probably at his billion dollar mansion right now pitting his servants against each other ; )

I understand people have businesses to run... I guess I left out the part where I could make a day trip out of it with that $30 in my gas tank... I'm sure the wife wouldn't mind a day in LA

Just wasn't sure why the shipping would be so different

+1 for Wabi's. Got my new Special a couple of weeks ago and as 235 lb 6'3" rider they have held up to the daily commute to work just fine. I agree with others, for $225 I don't think any other brand can come close to these. Have you looked at the 1,475 Gram (for a pair!!) Sub 15 wheels that Wabi sells for $275? WOW!!

Anyway the regular wheels are light, fast, strong, professionally built, tensioned, trued and pre-stressed. I just bought a 30 year old Raleigh touring bike that I plan to put a pair of Wabi's on to and turn it into a true old-school/chopped "track bike"...er, fixie...