Help me build a new front wheel
#1
Would you just look at it
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Help me build a new front wheel
Just paid off most of my debts, so I figured it was time to buy a new 700c wheel. I've been snooping around for some components and came up with a few that I liked.
I'm looking to build (or have built for me) a 32h with a 3 cross lacing pattern. I'd prefer high flange for stiffness. Weight is the main motivator in my decision since my wheels are tanks at the moment (DP18's to generic formula-type with thick spokes). Strength would be the second most important factor. For rim depth, I'm pretty flexible. I am concerned about ride quality but at the same time, I hate dealing with hard cross winds.
I'm not really too worried what the wheel looks like. Budget isn't a big concern as long as its within reason. Just looking for a fast wheel that I could also possibly move over to a track bike, should I try that out. I want to hear of anybody's experience with any of these combinations, any other combinations worth mentioning, suggestions, flames, gifs, etc.
Hubs:
Dura Ace (leaning towards this)
Chub
Phil (Are they really worth it?)
Novara
Formula
Gran Compe
Rims:
Velocity A23 (leaning towards this)
Velocity Aerohead
HPlus Son TB-14
Mavic Open Pro's
Hed C2
Spokes:
No clue, educate me.
Or just say **** it all and go for a carbon trispoke.
I'm looking to build (or have built for me) a 32h with a 3 cross lacing pattern. I'd prefer high flange for stiffness. Weight is the main motivator in my decision since my wheels are tanks at the moment (DP18's to generic formula-type with thick spokes). Strength would be the second most important factor. For rim depth, I'm pretty flexible. I am concerned about ride quality but at the same time, I hate dealing with hard cross winds.
I'm not really too worried what the wheel looks like. Budget isn't a big concern as long as its within reason. Just looking for a fast wheel that I could also possibly move over to a track bike, should I try that out. I want to hear of anybody's experience with any of these combinations, any other combinations worth mentioning, suggestions, flames, gifs, etc.
Hubs:
Dura Ace (leaning towards this)
Chub
Phil (Are they really worth it?)
Novara
Formula
Gran Compe
Rims:
Velocity A23 (leaning towards this)
Velocity Aerohead
HPlus Son TB-14
Mavic Open Pro's
Hed C2
Spokes:
No clue, educate me.
Or just say **** it all and go for a carbon trispoke.
#2
848g
https://www.wabicycles.com/GXwheels.html
I have Formula (o8 branded) Hubs and I have PW hubs. I can feel the difference (at least my brain thinks it can) - I don't know if I can feel the difference for how substantial the cost is though, but if money really isn't an object, then my answer is just "yes".
no experience with any of those rims
https://www.wabicycles.com/GXwheels.html
I have Formula (o8 branded) Hubs and I have PW hubs. I can feel the difference (at least my brain thinks it can) - I don't know if I can feel the difference for how substantial the cost is though, but if money really isn't an object, then my answer is just "yes".
no experience with any of those rims
#5
1750g is hardly superlight, but not terrible either. for that price, as long as they are built well, go for it!
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#7
Can you link some lighter weight pre built track wheelsets that don't cost an arm/leg?
#9
Banned
hamfoh, you are right & fyi AngryScientist...i spent 2 weeks researching & shopping & can tell you that it is the lightest, under $200, pre-built wheelset around.
#10
Just smang it.
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I've been eyeballing that wheelset for quite some time. My only concern is stiffness. They mention several times how smooth they ride compared to "bone jarring" deep wheelsets. Is that just their way of say that this wheelset isn't very stiff?
#11
yoked
Yes and no. I think that a "smooth ride" could mean hubs that simply spin smoothly.
Last edited by homebrewk; 12-07-11 at 06:24 PM. Reason: fail
#12
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They refer to their set as being smoother than those with deep v rims so I don't think they're talking about the hubs there. I'm kind of in the same boat as GMJ. Lolergies aren't laterally very stiff and I can't use it if I start racing so I too have been looking for a new purpose-built front.
#14
yoked
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Unfortunately those wheels from nashbar couldn't be used on the track for racing since the hub uses a skewer. Have you considered Novatec/All City hubs? I have an All City rear hub and I've been impressed with it. One of those laced to an A23 with some butted spokes would make a good light wheel. As far as spokes go, remember you can't use bladed spokes with a lot of hubs because they're too wide to go through the holes. Butted spokes are a good way to save some weight though. They just get skinny in the middle so they'll work on any hub. Just keep your weight and riding style in mind when you decide how significant of a butting you want.
#19
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Deep V rims are stiffer vertically, which is irrelevant on the track. However, a high flange rear hub is preferable on the track, as it reduces spoke windup during acceleration. The reason many track racers use disk wheels in the rear is not for aerodynamics, but because they are super stiff under acceleration. In the old days, we raced on shallow section box rims with high flange hubs. I wouldn't worry about a Wabi front wheel with it's low flange hub, but would recommend a high flange rear.
#23
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Unfortunately those wheels from nashbar couldn't be used on the track for racing since the hub uses a skewer. Have you considered Novatec/All City hubs? I have an All City rear hub and I've been impressed with it. One of those laced to an A23 with some butted spokes would make a good light wheel. As far as spokes go, remember you can't use bladed spokes with a lot of hubs because they're too wide to go through the holes. Butted spokes are a good way to save some weight though. They just get skinny in the middle so they'll work on any hub. Just keep your weight and riding style in mind when you decide how significant of a butting you want.