Where to get a durable/reliable wheelset?
 

I need to get a new wheelset. I don't really do much loaded touring, but I want a functional, reliable/durable wheelset for my cyclocross bike I use as a general purpose rig (commuting, shopping, light touring, recreation). Again, function is a priority or light-weight, as long as they aren't ridiculously heavy.

I'm inclined to go with 36-spokes, probably Deore LX hubs. My budget is around $200-300. I'm looking for something on-line or mail-order since you can save so much money. Locally, I decent handbuilt wheelset with 36-spoke Deore LX hubs and good rims will run at least $300+, but on-line I know there are better deals. All suggestions are appreciated. :D

Cheap online may not allways be the best way to go. Where was the money saved, probably by having a machine build. Apparrently there may be severe problems w/machine builts if the spokes are not tensioned/stress relieved (by hand). If you buy cheap sets, take them to a skilled craftsman to have them checked out.

If there is a problem (ex. out of round), you may be SOL. Make sure there is some type of decent support (return etc).

Now for wheels w/a guarantee, I recommend Peter White, but that's in the same ball park your trying to avoid---

Peter White...
"I got a great deal on some 32 hole Grey Shimano LX hubs. The hubset costs $35. which is the regular price for just a rear LX hub. Add to the hubset the cost of two rims, spokes and labor, and you have a very inexpensive wheelset with some rather nice hubs. See some example wheelset prices below. I have plenty of other rims to choose from as well.

These LX hubs will accept any eight or nine speed Shimano cassette. They will also work with any seven speed Shimano cassette, with the addition of a 4.5mm spacer.

LX hubs, Wheelsmith DB14 spokes, Velocity Cliffhanger rims, built by me: $249.00
LX hubs, Wheelsmith DB14 spokes, Velocity Deep V Ti Grey rims, built by me: $249.00
LX hubs, Wheelsmith DB14 spokes, Sun CR-18 rims, built by me: $189.00
LX hubs, Wheelsmith DB14 spokes, Sun Rhyno Light rims, built by me: $199.00
LX hubs, Wheelsmith DB14 spokes, Mavic X517 rims, built by me: $252.90"

Peter White, yeah. I just couldn't remember his name. In money cases the money you save on-line is because of lower overhead costs. Some wheelbuilders operate out of there own home rather than a bike shop, so there's no overhead; you just pay for parts and labor, which is considerably less than at the LBS.

Hey, I have this setup, built by Colorado Cyclist, and I'm getting cracks at the eyelets after less than a 1,000 miles. I was told this was a bomber setup. Where do I go from here?

For a durable rim at a reasonable price, one cannot beat Sun Rynolite. A bit heavy and certainly out of fashion (except on tandems where they are a very common choice) but I like my two sets well enough so I will be using them on our other two bikes when we do some upgrading soon.

Doc

and a bit*ch to mount/remove tires.... but strong as hell, cheap, but heavy.

You might think about Velocity rims. I'm not sure personally about the touring rim they offer -- it appears to be a deeper vee than I would prefer in a cross-wind. It is wider, however, than others in their road range to accept a wider tyre (probably up to 45mm).

I have Aeroheads on my randon bike, the off-centre one on the rear (delivered as a complete wheel with "Velocity" hub). I like. They will also be used for loaded touring. They accept a 28mm tyre and probably a 32 (I have yet to mount TT2000s on them).

A lot of those prices are expensive - in my opinion.

I do some building of custom wheels, have been for shops on and off for about 8 years, and some for friends, myself, etc.

After a look at suppliers, I can do LX hubs on Velocity K525 rims (32h) or Mavic 230 rims (36h) for about $160 using Sapim Race butted spokes and brass nips.

Plus, I guarantee my wheels for trueness for life (not really helpful unless you are local) and against spoke breakage for 3 years.

Sorry for the shameless plug.

i just got a nashbar sales circular in the mail.

sun SL1/shimano xt disc atb wheelset
32 hole disc compatible, xt hubs.

item #YW-SLXT $169


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--> a gorilla and 8 tire levers?

must be your tires, not the rims. i've never had a problem
changing tires with 2 or 3 plastic levers. old used-up tires
sometimes can be peeled off without spoons. not easy,
but can be possible.

I read somewhere that cracking around the eyelets is a known issue with 517's , ( I read it on the internet so it must be true :) ) so the first stop should the place you got them from, if he doesn't take care of it harass Mavic .

The Sun Rhyno lites have worked well for me. but as someone else pointed out . you need a gorilla and 8 tire levers to get a tire off

Thanks for all the help, but after much soul and economic searching, I think I'll just have a new frame and spokes built around my 105 rear hub. The hub seems to be in good shape, only the rim and spokes really need to be replaced. I talked with a local wheelbuilder, he says he can do it for a little over a hundred buckes, with Velocity rims and double guage spokes.

I definetely want to go with velocity rims, they look like much better quality than Mavic.

I had a Deore LX rear hub (1st gen 9spd) and I wore it out after around 12,000 miles. I guess I could have taken better care of it, regreasing it twice, but that seems to be pretty good service. The front hub is still going strong.

My Mavic X138 rims with the same miles on them look almost brand new.