Another Light Wheelset Thread
01-01-12, 11:38 PM
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Another Light Wheelset Thread
I've been looking at lighter weight wheelset options for a while now, and I'm having a hard time deciding what I want / what's really best for what I want to do. So I'm hoping that opening up the discussion will get me some recommendations I haven't thought of, or some feedback on sets I am considering.
The wheelset is for my Mash, but I'm turning it more into a distance machine as I begin training for longer rides in the coming months. My steel frames will keep their cheapish wheels.
1> Novatec to A23 / Aerohead or Fusion build.
Probably my lightest option without getting ridiculous. Should be good for keeping it light and normal riding too. Something boring about it for me though, stupid I know. I was also looking at chub hubs lately, though the rear hub is probably more than I want to spend, since I can't/won't wheelbuild myself
2> Mavic Ellipse front (20h - $230) - Custom Built Rear Wheel (Probably Novatec to Fusions or Kinlin 300s)
I like the idea of having a lower spoke front wheel, but I'm just over 2 spins so I don't feel comfortable getting the entire set, since the rear is 20h too. Lowest I probably want to go in the rear is 28h. Not sure how practical an sram s60 or similar would be on the front either, if I don't grab something nice for the rear as well.
3> Reynolds Recon (20h front / 24h rear)
I probably would've already bought these if I could find them anywhere. I realize carbon clinchers on the road sounds a bit silly but chrisss and others I've talked to seem to think they hold up just fine, plus they're sexy and pretty affordable considering.
TL;DR version: recommend me a lightweight wheelset for <$700. I'm not really interesting in Dura Ace hubs, but I could be swayed.
The wheelset is for my Mash, but I'm turning it more into a distance machine as I begin training for longer rides in the coming months. My steel frames will keep their cheapish wheels.
1> Novatec to A23 / Aerohead or Fusion build.
Probably my lightest option without getting ridiculous. Should be good for keeping it light and normal riding too. Something boring about it for me though, stupid I know. I was also looking at chub hubs lately, though the rear hub is probably more than I want to spend, since I can't/won't wheelbuild myself
2> Mavic Ellipse front (20h - $230) - Custom Built Rear Wheel (Probably Novatec to Fusions or Kinlin 300s)
I like the idea of having a lower spoke front wheel, but I'm just over 2 spins so I don't feel comfortable getting the entire set, since the rear is 20h too. Lowest I probably want to go in the rear is 28h. Not sure how practical an sram s60 or similar would be on the front either, if I don't grab something nice for the rear as well.
3> Reynolds Recon (20h front / 24h rear)
I probably would've already bought these if I could find them anywhere. I realize carbon clinchers on the road sounds a bit silly but chrisss and others I've talked to seem to think they hold up just fine, plus they're sexy and pretty affordable considering.
TL;DR version: recommend me a lightweight wheelset for <$700. I'm not really interesting in Dura Ace hubs, but I could be swayed.
01-02-12, 12:08 AM
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Out of all the options I really like the Aerohead. Those laced to formula is pretty great light training wheels.
Seems like you have a big budget for wheels so why not get the Reynolds. They hold up great for training and you can race them.
Seems like you have a big budget for wheels so why not get the Reynolds. They hold up great for training and you can race them.
01-02-12, 12:18 AM
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I can't find them for sale anywhere really. They were OEMs that ended up being sold to outlet stores and so I think my only hope is to find some on craigslist or ebay. no luck yet.
01-02-12, 01:03 AM
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I dream of a novatec (road front, bolt on rear) to kinlin 200, which is cheap and super light weight.... But I have no NEED for another wheelset.
01-02-12, 02:20 AM
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I got a set of Wabis actually, hopefully will have some real feedback for bfssfg in the coming month. I'm really hoping to get a non machined rim and black spokes though. emailed richard about it, neither of those are an option with him :/
01-02-12, 02:33 AM
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aerohead is decently light at around 435g, but the fusion is not.
kinlin XR-270 is a better choice compared to the fusion. only 445g with similar strength to the XR-300.
if you want lighter, XR-200 is 390g, but this is a fairly flimsy rim.
slightly stronger, but still quite light is DT swiss RR 415 at 415g
for the front hub, it's hard to beat the price of a novatec A291 road hub, maximum is 28h, but that ought to be enough for most riders. 70g
or if you want to blow money, go for a american classic micro 58. around 60g.
for the rear hub, just go for a DA low flange, because it's one of the lighter rear track hubs that can also be found for cheap.
For weight savings, it's better to use a light rim with 28~36 spokes, depending on what is available and what the hub allows. spokes should obviously be the lightweight DT revo, aerolite or sapim laser, CX ray variety.
kinlin XR-270 is a better choice compared to the fusion. only 445g with similar strength to the XR-300.
if you want lighter, XR-200 is 390g, but this is a fairly flimsy rim.
slightly stronger, but still quite light is DT swiss RR 415 at 415g
for the front hub, it's hard to beat the price of a novatec A291 road hub, maximum is 28h, but that ought to be enough for most riders. 70g
or if you want to blow money, go for a american classic micro 58. around 60g.
for the rear hub, just go for a DA low flange, because it's one of the lighter rear track hubs that can also be found for cheap.
For weight savings, it's better to use a light rim with 28~36 spokes, depending on what is available and what the hub allows. spokes should obviously be the lightweight DT revo, aerolite or sapim laser, CX ray variety.
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01-02-12, 02:52 AM
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Thanks AEO
I was also looking at Mavic Open Pro CD rims as well. 437 grams, just 10 more than aeroheads, and they look great. too bad velomine builds are the normal open pros and with non DB spokes.
And I know fusions are a little heavier but I'm a little beefier. Fusions about 50g more per, but maybe worth it if I go 24 front?
semi interested in those kinlins, I've looked at the 270s and 300s (which are almost the same weight as fusions anyway), but I'm trying to avoid machined surfaces if I can
As of now, if I can't find some Recons I'm leaning a little towards a Novatec build to Open Pro CDs if velocity isn't going to restock NMSW A23s (still may go mavic)
anyone know the lowest tire you can go to the a23s? I was looking at a lighter tire as well (obviously) and the veloflex Master x22
I was also looking at Mavic Open Pro CD rims as well. 437 grams, just 10 more than aeroheads, and they look great. too bad velomine builds are the normal open pros and with non DB spokes.
And I know fusions are a little heavier but I'm a little beefier. Fusions about 50g more per, but maybe worth it if I go 24 front?
semi interested in those kinlins, I've looked at the 270s and 300s (which are almost the same weight as fusions anyway), but I'm trying to avoid machined surfaces if I can
As of now, if I can't find some Recons I'm leaning a little towards a Novatec build to Open Pro CDs if velocity isn't going to restock NMSW A23s (still may go mavic)
anyone know the lowest tire you can go to the a23s? I was looking at a lighter tire as well (obviously) and the veloflex Master x22
01-02-12, 06:24 AM
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unless you get really lucky, you are way too late for the recon party...
i saw a "nos" set on geartrade a couple months ago for $600ish that was very tempting, but then remembered that they closed out those things for $300-400 on bonktown just a couple years ago, & put off buying. when i went back for them a few days later...gone.
you can easily build a really fine wheelset with your allotted budget but i think you will be very pleasantly surprised with performance of the wabi wheels. they are not exactly ugly & for "training for longer rides" how they look should not be such a big deal, right?
i saw a "nos" set on geartrade a couple months ago for $600ish that was very tempting, but then remembered that they closed out those things for $300-400 on bonktown just a couple years ago, & put off buying. when i went back for them a few days later...gone.
you can easily build a really fine wheelset with your allotted budget but i think you will be very pleasantly surprised with performance of the wabi wheels. they are not exactly ugly & for "training for longer rides" how they look should not be such a big deal, right?
01-02-12, 07:32 AM
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This is exactly what I went with (rims local - if you can believe it they came out cheaper than any velocity rims I can buy here, the rest from Scrod), but a track hub up front too. Sorry, I can't give you any feedback yet as putting them together is my winter project. But they look real nice in their current non-built state.
01-02-12, 09:57 AM
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Velocity Fusions on Phil Wood hubs for less than $700. https://spinlitecycling.com/single-speed-wheels.htm
I'd go with A23 rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes, Origin8 or Novatec hubs and use the rest of your money to buy beer. Lots of custom builders listed on this forum or over in the Roadie forum.
The A23 rims can take a 700c x 23 tire but nothing smaller.
I'd go with A23 rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes, Origin8 or Novatec hubs and use the rest of your money to buy beer. Lots of custom builders listed on this forum or over in the Roadie forum.
The A23 rims can take a 700c x 23 tire but nothing smaller.
01-02-12, 11:35 AM
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you can always buy a road front hub lace it to a Open Pro with sapim or dt swiss db spokes. The weight would be: 28H Hub [~110gr] $120 + Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Sapim Laser $24 [122gr] = A GOOD front wheel for $202 + $30 of labor with 667gr
then you can get a nice rear wheel laced with a Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Novatec Rear $60 [282gr] + Sapim Laser $28 [140gr] = Rear Wheel for $146 + $30 with 857gr.
Wheelset Total: ~$408 with 1524gr. Very respectable weight and very reliable 32H rear and 28H front.
then you can get a nice rear wheel laced with a Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Novatec Rear $60 [282gr] + Sapim Laser $28 [140gr] = Rear Wheel for $146 + $30 with 857gr.
Wheelset Total: ~$408 with 1524gr. Very respectable weight and very reliable 32H rear and 28H front.
Last edited by 8bits; 01-02-12 at 11:52 AM.
01-02-12, 11:52 AM
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This is exactly what I went with (rims local - if you can believe it they came out cheaper than any velocity rims I can buy here, the rest from Scrod), but a track hub up front too. Sorry, I can't give you any feedback yet as putting them together is my winter project. But they look real nice in their current non-built state.
Those CCs seem like a popular set for people who ride tubulars on the street. I know you're jking, but I did wonder how totally impractical that is a bit to myself. I mean... what do do if you're 10 miles from home and you gash it?
Velocity Fusions on Phil Wood hubs for less than $700. https://spinlitecycling.com/single-speed-wheels.htm
I'd go with A23 rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes, Origin8 or Novatec hubs and use the rest of your money to buy beer. Lots of custom builders listed on this forum or over in the Roadie forum.
The A23 rims can take a 700c x 23 tire but nothing smaller.
I'd go with A23 rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes, Origin8 or Novatec hubs and use the rest of your money to buy beer. Lots of custom builders listed on this forum or over in the Roadie forum.
The A23 rims can take a 700c x 23 tire but nothing smaller.
you can always buy a road front hub lace it to a Open Pro with sapim or dt swiss db spokes. The weight would be: 28H Hub [~110gr] $80 + Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Sapim Laser $24 [122gr] = A GOOD front wheel for $162 + $30 of labor with 667gr
then you can get a nice rear wheel laced with a Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Novatec Rear $60 [282gr] + Sapim Laser $28 [140gr] = Rear Wheel for $146 + $30 with 857gr.
Wheelset Total: ~$368 with 1524gr. Very respectable weight and very reliable 32H rear and 28H front.
then you can get a nice rear wheel laced with a Open Pro $58 [435gr] + Novatec Rear $60 [282gr] + Sapim Laser $28 [140gr] = Rear Wheel for $146 + $30 with 857gr.
Wheelset Total: ~$368 with 1524gr. Very respectable weight and very reliable 32H rear and 28H front.
Thanks guys.
Last edited by hamfoh; 01-02-12 at 11:58 AM.
01-02-12, 11:54 AM
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If Velocity Fusions are the same rim as IRO Cold Fusions, then they won't build into a particularly light wheelset. There are plenty of lighter rims out there.
I vote for Recons 'coz pr0n.
Have you considered no-name carbon clincher rims? They are available on eBay and often times through this forum's group buy subforum.
I vote for Recons 'coz pr0n.
Have you considered no-name carbon clincher rims? They are available on eBay and often times through this forum's group buy subforum.
Last edited by yummygooey; 01-02-12 at 11:57 AM.
01-02-12, 11:59 AM
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@yummy: not really because I wasn't really 'set' on carbon clinchers, I just knew the recons had a good history and an affordable one too -- so they're basically the only carbon wheel I've looked at.
I really wish I could find some recons. And yeah the fusions were kind of a lower spoke count option for me, since they're apparently pretty strong and im beefy
I really wish I could find some recons. And yeah the fusions were kind of a lower spoke count option for me, since they're apparently pretty strong and im beefy
01-02-12, 12:01 PM
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No problem. Just carry a spare tubie. Do it all the time on my roadie and I get a lot farther from home than 10 miles on it.
01-02-12, 01:14 PM
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starting to think maybe the dura ace low flange (are LF unsealed too?) 28h to DT Swiss Super Comp Butted Spokes to A23s or Mavic Open Pros for the front.
still looking at the rear hub options.
anyone have any experience with Milwaukee hubs?
still looking at the rear hub options.
anyone have any experience with Milwaukee hubs?
01-02-12, 01:20 PM
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why settle for a 205gr track hub that you will only use on the streets? A chris king R45 is 102gr and you can choose 20,24,28 and 32 variant and 5years warranty.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=34349
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=34349
01-02-12, 01:33 PM
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why settle for a 205gr track hub that you will only use on the streets? A chris king R45 is 102gr and you can choose 20,24,28 and 32 variant and 5years warranty.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=34349
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=34349
01-02-12, 01:43 PM
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If you mean these, then yes. Very nice smooth running sealed cartridge bearings.
01-02-12, 01:53 PM
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how much do you weigh anyways?
it's hard to recommend the minimum spoke count you can use for whichever rim you intend to use without it.
it's hard to recommend the minimum spoke count you can use for whichever rim you intend to use without it.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
01-02-12, 01:53 PM
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I'm just over 200. not going anything under 28 likey. probably still going 28 front, 32 rear.
need to find the weight of the milwuakee hubs now
need to find the weight of the milwuakee hubs now