mxs

I am in the process of building up a set of wheels for my Fuji Track Pro and have questions after trying to search myself. The bike itself will be used for training, taking a beginner course, and some riding at my local velodrome on open days.

In regards to hubs I noticed that most track hubs have the tall/large sides, but both Dura Ace and Campy have short/small variants. Do the tall/large hubs make for a stiffer wheel set and should I just disregard the small weight savings of a short/small hub? Just for referrence, I am looking at Mavic cxp33 or Velocity a23 rims

As far as spokes go, is it worth it to go with a set of bladed spokes like the Mavic Ellipses or should I just save the extra money and put it to something like extra cogs/tools?

Lastly, I am a small guy (60kgs/175cm). Will there be any strengths/weakness with a 28 spoke vs a 32?

zx108

you should go find a shop that has someone around who either rides track or rode.

are you building the wheel yourself? its most likely alot cheaper to just start with wheelset if your having someone else, or if your lacing it yourself.

was browsin craigslist the other day and saw two sets of mavic ellipses both for around 300. if you can find that jump on it.

chas58

I did that and got $100 worth of tires on them to boot. Can't complain about that! The best ones have been used on the track only, and not on the road.

OP: Yes, the high flanges make a stiffer wheel and would be better for the track. With your weight, I don't think you need 32 spokes on a track wheel. And yes, good spokes on a track wheel are a good investment.

mxs

Thanks for the info guys. The issue with pre-built wheels is either shipping will kill me or the huge premium most shops tack on. I will give craigslist a shot and see if I can just have a friend pick them up for me. I was just going to have my good buddy at LBS build me up a set with Dura-Ace hubs since I can get them for pretty cheap.

carleton

+1

The high flange + deeper rim shortens the spoke lengths which is why they are stiffer.

If you want DA hubs and custom wheels then get them. But, I find it hard to believe that you can't get a set of pre-built wheels in Tokyo for cheaper than building up a set of DA hubs (even buying them at shop cost) + spokes + nipples + rims + labor (even if that labor cost is simply a 6-pack of beer or dinner).

Find a local Fixie shop and you will have LOTS of off the shelf stuff to choose from. These wheels would be just fine for training and racing. These are the same wheels that come stock on entry and mid-level bikes.

Also, I have some DA hubs on my training wheels. These hubs require regular maintenance. I occasionally have to reset the load on the bearings and every season or so I have to remove them for cleaning and regreasing. Sealed bearing hubs don't require this.

mxs

Carleton, thanks for your help as always. Let me ask the reverse then, are there any brand hubs/rims I should stay away from for track/training?

carleton

There aren't any that come to mind. At 60kg you can ride pretty much anything

Kayce

Dont pay for the cool tax on anything brightly colored.