Soonerinfrisco

Quick question for you guys: Anyone had a wheel built up by PCF?

Hi, my name is Jeff....and I am a clyde...(insert 12 step recovery program response of 'Welcome Jeff')

OK serioursly, after breaking a couple of spokes on my K Elites, I am tired of worrying about getting stranded. Tim at PCF (where I got my Tarmac and where I am a frequent patron due primarily to my wheel woes) tells me they can build up a set of 32/36 hole Velocity Fusions or Open Pros with either Velocity or Ultegra/Dura-Ace hubs.

I do realize that I can save a few bucks by ordering a set online; however they have treated me and my Tarmac well when I have needed it and I don't mind spending a few extra $$ to keep that going.

One more question: Anyone have experience with Velocity hubs? I have heard that the aluminum rear hub spindle (the part where the cassette goes, probably not the correct term?) might be inferior to other spindles. Any thoughts?

thanks

kevinmcdade

I have a wheelset that I had PCF build up for me earlier this year. I took them my choice of hubs and rims and had them provide the spokes. They built them in a couple of hours. I only use this particular wheelset as a backup but I have been very pleased with them on the few rides that I did do on them to test them out. I don't have a longevity report but even if they failed I know I could take them right back to PCF and have them repaired in a few minutes. If I remember correctly, Tim built my set.

Of the hubs that you mentioned, I would go with Ultegra/Dura-Ace. I opted for White Industry H1 hubs because I like the titanium or steel freehub body that they offer. The aluminum bodies aren't too bad but they do get chewed up over time.

tailchaser

Why not Deep V's? :-)

Soonerinfrisco

Ya I know this is going to sound dumb for someone who weighs 250, but Fusions are 45 g lighter per hoop!

520g vs 475g, 30mm vs 25mm, same price, supposed equivalent strength per Tim.

Like i said, it sounds dumb. Dura-Ace hubs are about the same diff vs Ultegra or velocity hubs but cost about twice as much. So Fusions with DA weigh about half a pound less than Deep Vs with Ultegra or velocity hubs. OP hoops are about the same as Deep Vs. 32 hole Fusions with DA would be slightly lighter than my K Elites actually if my math is correct.

PCF favors Fusions over OPs FWIW. I was very tempted to pick up a set of OP CDs with DA hubs from Performance for $299 +10% off but decided that PCF has treated me very well.

Anyway it's not like OP spokes don't break too huh chaser!!!

Thanks Kevin, actually that is exactly what I expected to hear. They have treated me well too.

tailchaser

Yeah... I'm still not entirely positive that the spoke pop on my rear wasn't caused by a rock thrown up. I *think* I heard a rock hit right before the spoke pop, but I wasn't sure, and I didn't feel like taking chances.

I'll probably put a set of Fusions on whatever new bike I get - once I make up my mind on what that will be... It's funny how the poor Trek keeps getting faster and more comfortable every week...

kevinmcdade

It sounds like you have thought this out very well! The Fusion hoops will be fine...just as strong but a little lighter. They will make a very strong wheelset especially with the 32/36 spoke combo. Do you know what kind of spokes you will using? I actually had them overbuild mine with DT Swiss Champion 2.0 spokes. I used a rim very similar to the Velocity Deep V; I used DT Swiss 1.2 hoops. They are a little heavy but they feel totally bomb proof!!! If I had to it again I would have probably used a lighter spoke like the DT Swiss Revolution.

Don't let the aluminum freehub bodies deter your decision. On most hubs the freehub body can be replaced.

Keep us posted on the build components that you decide on.

tailchaser

Now, more importantly, Jeff... You coming out to play Wednesday night?