Wheelsets: What I think is a simple question...
 

I'm going to have a wheelset built up but am having difficulty deciding which set to run. I'm not concerned with the price of the two, just overall durability and such.

The two options are:
ms chocolate deep v's on black formula hubs with black dt 14g spokes and silver nipples
or
ms black open pro's with black formula hubs with black dt 14g spokes and silver npples.

Both f/r will be laced 3x, used only on the street and ridden frequently. I know both sets are solid, and I know both rims are very good. The V's will be a bit heavier than OP's is the only real down side to the V's, if that is a downside. I am leaning a bit towards the OP's, fyi.

I'm going out to get a chain, there is your topic, discuss.

Thanks!

Everyone here will tell you to get the open pros, but I believe they are nearly the same quality.

So, It's really just aesthetics. Unless you care about weight. Then its definately Open Pros.

OP

V's are ugly and heavy.

If used right, the vs are nice looking. On the other hand, ops look good on everything. If you don't already have them, go for butted spokes. They will last longer and stay true better than straight gauge spokes. For durability, the vs will be a bit stronger, but given the strength of the open pros, its not much of an issue. If you really like the look of the vs, get 'em. If you want a more classic look, that will be sure to work on a different frame if you decide to get a new frame and keep the wheels, get the open pros.

Do you need a brake?
I think the V's are pinned and the Pro's are welded/machined...

again, open pros. deep v's are WAY overkill, ugly (on damn near everything), and velocities are soft. (i dunno if it's the metal, but something makes me think that they aren't as hard as open pros. the seem to get out of whack easier. specifically from side forces...granted, wheels aren't supposed to get hit from the side, but i hit a pole sideways (don't ask) going well under 10 mph and it split the seam.)

+1 on the OP'z

I seem to remember something about black spokes being weaker than silver spokes? I must be losing my mind cuz I don't know why the color would matter.

Yeah, the only thing aesthetically that that really bothers me about the V's is the machining. If the are un-machined I think they look cool, but machined kind of breaks up look in my opinion. well it looks like it will be OP's.

yes, it's the anodizing.
but it's not a big deal

I have heard that also, supposedly it has something to do with the way the spokes are treated when they are treated. Just something I remember being debated a while back.

I have some SS MTB wheels that have black spokes and they are solid. Hadleys laced to Atomlab Trailpimp DHR's w/ black DT spokes. Just sayin' I've never noticed any difference in performance or durability. We could probably debate this till the cows come home though.

here's the thread about black spokes....

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...t=black+spokes

well, we're not seeing an epidemic of black spokes breaking, so i'm not concerned about it. plus, for 18months, i've beaten the crap out of a black-spoked rear wheel on ****ty streets, commuting, all weather, the occasional crash and staircase, curbs, hockey-stops, you name it. okay, i'm only 140lbs, but i'm pretty impressed with the build (iro wheel, thank you velocity)--i haven't had to true it.

i'd go deep v in the rear and aerohead in the front. machined in matching color.