I perused the forums to try and find some solid information on wheelset suggestions for urban riding / commuting. Between talking with people and what I did find on the site, Velocity Deep Vs seem to be a common suggestion. However, though I've never ridden them, I think they look a little dumb- i know, lame. I'm trying to see if there are any other suggestions... or if you're going to say "Velocity Deep Vs" can you tell me why? Would you recommend anything else by Velocity that's not so deep/dumb looking?

I ride a Surly Steamroller. Currently has stock wheelset (Alex DA-22 rims with Surly Hubs). So specifically looking for rim and/or complete wheelset suggestions for long distance urban riding. Should I keep the Surly Hubs and just get new rims?

Looking to spend less than $200 total.

Thanks for the help.

Is there anything wrong with the current wheelset? Alex DA-22 aren't the best rim but they make a really good wheelset. I'm currently rolling a set of them that I built 2 years back and they're going strong.

Unless you're relatively heavy and jumps curb all the time, I don't see why you need to upgrade to something more heavy. However, my opinion could be total BS to you.

What type of rim are you looking for? Spoke count?

My DP18s are incredibly solid wheels, but they are the same depth profile as the Deep Vs.

Sun M13s probably aren't the strongest rims, but a lot of people on this forum seem to like them.

That's good to know. I appreciate the opinion. I don't ride like a banshee in the curbs/jumps sense. I do ride a lot/long distances though (don't have a car in LA)

To be honest, this started with me needing new tires -too many flats. That led to me toying with the idea of getting new rims/wheelset as well. I know the Surly hubs are pretty solid, so I'm really just not sure about just getting rims vs. whole new wheelset. Looking for ideas/opinions is all.

Spoke count... That's something i was wondering about, does lower spoke count increase or decrease strength?

Just picked up some Sun M13's. Hopefully will be able to offer some input soon. And a lower spoke count will decrease strength

The reoccurring flats could be many things, bad luck, running pressure too low, riding through debris a lot, rim tape etc etc. Were the flats puncture or pinch flats?

Generally, the higher the spoke count, the stronger the wheel.

Why do people keep saying Surly hubs are solid? I don't know if they are or aren't, but I never thought they were that popular.

Flats aren't a result of your rims. See Squirrelli in post #6.

I find them slightly overpriced for what they are and the adjustable seal bearing is silly.

i've only had one pinch flat. i was stupid, changed the tire too quick. the rest have been puncture. I know it's mostly because the wheels aren't super awesome. Not bad, but not awesome. I think they're Maxxis 700 something or another.

right, i know my rims have little to do with my flats. what i mentioned before was, needing new tires led to me toying with the idea of getting a new wheelset...i figured..."while i was at it" you know? just looking for opinions on wheelsets, that's all.

Know you are not into deep Vs but just get strong wheels if you are urban riding. I have a rear DP18 as well and Radonnuer tires. This combo has already bailed me out and survived some serious potholes. I am so sold that I am getting another DP18 for the front. It is worth it if you ride in the city even for a little comfort boost as well.

If you want to push your budget a little, you could probably pick up some Mavic Open Pro's laced to Formula hubs.

is that what's on the bike https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/mercier-2211 in this link...

Those are Weinmann DP-18's

^^ he is correct, I have DP-18s, which are similar to Velocity's Deep V's. I'm looking into getting a lighter wheel and I've never heard a bad thing about Mavic Open Pro's.

It says right to the left what wheels those are.

i'm dumb.

Nah.

But just for future reference, you can go through that site and see all sorts of parts and know immediately what they are.

A little off topic, but does anybody know if the M13's will accommodate 700x25 and larger? Is it recommended to go bigger because these rims arent as strong? I'm used to running deep v's and weinmanns, so kinda switching up the rims here..

Properly-built M13s are strong as Hell on steroids and will have no trouble running up to most 28c tires.

I've got 25c Pasela TGs on mine, am a big ape of a dude who rides harder than Henry Rollins raping a water buffalo on the back of a speeding flatbed truck and have no trouble with mine.

That's a solid endorsement.

Right?

I'm rolling on a set of 32 spoke Velocity Fusion - DT - Phil's that I built a couple months ago. The Fusion is ~$65 a piece and plenty strong and lighter than the Deep-V's. I run a folding RibMo on the front and a Gatorskin on the back...I highly recommend the RibMo. I commute in LA on those everyday and do pretty long group rides on weekends on the same set. I haven't had anything to complain about.

As far as your flats go...investing in a proper pump (lyzyne floor pump) was one of the best investments I made so far...Having solid tires that are properly inflated will solve most of your problems. I work in NoHo in a somewhat industrial area, I was getting a few flats a month...I haven't had one since I built up the new wheelset and check their pressure every other day.

pedalroom.com - super helpful.

Yeah I was looking at the Velocity - Fusions. Those look good... Question though, do you prefer the RibMo to the T-serv?

I have a nice floorpump, so yeah, laziness is probably also a factor in this. But dude, seriously, there is so much crap on the roads all the time. it's ridiculous out here. I live in Thai Town and it's trash everywhere.

Fusions are awesome and so are Aeroheads.