Another Wheelset question
 

I am looking to replace my worn out wheelset from my old Specialized langster. I weigh 170 lbs and ride on bike paths and will regularly go up rounded curbs and ride on somewhat bumpy surfaces (carefully). So, I need something relatively durable.

My budget is around $200. What would be the best option for me for a single-speed wheelset that is light and durable enough for my use?

I was looking at:
Wabi Cycles GX410 Fixed gear set (not sure if they will be tough enough)http://www.wabicycles.com/GXwheels.html

Mavic Open Pro's to formula hubs http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=1437 (again not sure about durability)

Mavic CXP-33 to formula hubs (should be plenty tough, but might be more than I need and thus more weight than I need) http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=1950

Alternatives?

Deep Vs to Formulas.
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...3kfg5dv3jbga04

For what it's worth I have the Wabi wheel set and I consistently ride MUPs that are mixed pavement/hard packed gravel, some rough roads, and even a one-off on some single track trails. They've yet to go out of true after about a year, and I'm 190lbs.

They have low flange hubs, which I like the look of more, and they came fixed/fixed, which I liked.

Deep V's have been said, and linked to velomine. /Thread

But for the record, I run the Mavic CXP33 and they are awesome. Have lasted for 4 years so far.

I can vouch for the Wabi's too. They were considerably lighter than my old wheelset, which had the same rim profile, and they've been a lot smoother. Haven't gone out of true yet either, and my old wheels barely lasted a year before exploding, with one truing in the middle.

So, it sounds like the Wabi's may be strong enough for my uses. The CXP-33 definitely are and are also well regarded, but heavier. I don't have any feedback on the open-pros - are they considered to be less strong than the Wabi or about the same?

I know everyone seems to like the deep v's - I would need the machined sidewall since I run SS. So are they somewhere between the wabis and the cxp-33 as far as weight and strength are concerned? Also, If I bought the Wabis I would need a freewheel - so that adds a little to the cost if I get a shimano and a lot if a get a WI freewheel.

Velocity Aerohead or A23 should probably be mentioned here too. Both are inexpensive, light, and I would bet strong enough if you do 32 or 36 spokes.

At 170 everything you mention should be strong enough as long as they are 32-36 spoke wheels. I'm about 165-170 and beat up lighter, lower spoke wheels with out damage. I would think deep v's would be over kill and heavy.

Wouldn't you need a freewheel with either of the wheelset choices you are looking at? Regardless, you can get a decent enough freewheel for about $20, unless you did indeed want to go for the WI which I read is a great freewheel.

Does Velomine stock any wheels with double butted spokes?

I just noticed they have $450 wheelsets built with Phil hubs and single gauge spokes? WTF?!

+1

They are easy to find and in your budget.

Tire and tube choice will greatly lighten such a wheelset. Putting Gatorskins or ThickSlicks on a light wheelset is like going to McDonalds after leaving the gym. Eat better and you may not need the gym. Use lighter tires/tubes and you may not need light wheels. Just don't skid all day.

A little cheaper, a little shallower rim, but just as bombproof. http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=643

I have these as my SSCX/commuter wheels. They're more than strong enough for 170lbs.

DP18s are also heavier as I recall. Every wheelset mentioned in this thread will be durable enough if built well.

True. I haven't weighed mine, but they are noticeably heavier than my other SS wheelset (Mavic CXP 22 on Formula hubs). Oh, hey! Velomine has those too: http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=470

Just another fine wheelset to consider.

OK, so which are the lightest/nicest? I don't care about looks. I am guessing the weight from lightest to heaviest is:
Wabi
Mavic Open Pros
Mavic CXP-22
Mavic CXP-33
Deep V's

So if you were shopping for a new wheelset today for a single-speed, which would you choose?

To answer BFloyd's question - I believe all of the other wheelsets have formula flip-flop hubs that have a freewheel built in on one side.

FWIW - a freewheel can be installed on fixed threads without any problems.

Based on the riding you say you're doing, weight shouldn't even be a big concern. Pick the wheelset you like best.

Yes, I realize this. It was just a matter of it costing a few bucks more to get a freewheel and if I wanted a nice one - more than a few bucks. I am actually leaning towards getting a WI freewheel and the Wabi wheelset, I am just still a little concerned that they may not be tough enough.

I may be misunderstanding this but it seems like you're saying the wheels include a freewheel, which they do not.

There really isn't much of a difference between the open pros and cxp33, except for a small "aero" lip on the cxp33. The weight is about the same.

ok. I guess I am confused. On the velomine site, all the ones with formula hubs say: Fixed/Free Flip Flop

I understand I would still need a cog, but doesn't that mean that one side has freewheel built into the hub?
If I am wrong, then what is the difference between a fixed/free hub and a fixed/fixed hub?

It means one side of the hub is threaded for a fixed gear cog with reverse threading for a lock ring, and on the other side is full threading for a freewheel, with no threading for a lockring.

You can run a freewheel on either side. You cannot run a fixed gear cog with a proper left-threaded lock ring on freewheel threading.

http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html#flipflop
Fixed/Free Flip-flop hub means that only one side is threaded for a lockring since a freewheel doesn't need a lockring. The moving part of the freewheel is built into the sprocket, not the hub.

edit: d beat me to it

http://cdn.observedtrials.net/vb/att...ew-hu0208b.jpg
the threads on the left are for a fixed cog/lockring, and the threads on the right are for a freewheel.

OK. Thanks for that explanation. So, it really makes no difference which I choose. Learn something new every day.

I personally would choose fixed/fixed because it gives you more options. You can run a fixed cog/lockring OR a freewheel on either(or both) sides, it offers a lot of flexibility. With a fixed/free hub, you're restricted to having a cog on only one side.

Having this thought process alone puts you ahead of most people.