Boardman CX and wheel questions

[lulubel]

My partner has recently expressed an interest in getting a Boardman CX, which will be mostly used on road, with a little bit of light off-road use. Her ideal option will be to have 2 sets of wheels, one with skinny tyres for pure road rides, and one with wider tyres that are better suited to tracks and some of the really bad so-called roads around here. The wheels that come with the bike would probably be fine for the latter.

The wheels that come as standard have Alex DP17 rims, which I gather are 17mm wide, so 700x25 tyres would be pushing the limit of those particular rims. They're also "entry level" rims, and I've promised her a set of light, fast wheels to go with her new bike. Bearing in mind that the frame has disc brake mounts only, is it going to be possible to buy a wheelset with lightweight rims that will take her prefered 700x23 tyres?

Presumably I could build a set with disc hubs and standard road rims with a braking surface, but it would be nice to have a set of wheels that "matches" the bike. Also, I'm guessing disc rims are probably a bit lighter because they don't have the braking surface.

 

[steve52]

i have a cx ,i put marathon plus on it ,the 35 mm ones for comfort, i have done a few 100 mile plus runs on it some off road stuff and a few 30mile ish rides with groups and had no problem staying with em at 22,mph plus

 

[NormanD]

I've used 700X23 Ultra Gatoirskins on my Boardman CX without a single problem, they fit fine on the standard wheel set. I've also used the same tyres on some very rough cycle tracks (ash and hardcore surfaces) without problems too.

 

[tigger]

I've got 30mm Marathon Racer tyres on my CX. Absolutely fine on good roads, bad roads and hard packed trails. Unless you are doing proper off road, I.e. mud, one tyre set and one wheel set will do it all IMO.

 

[StuAff]

Also consider Marathon Supremes- tougher than the Racers and just as fast. Pricey over here, buy 'em in Germany...

 

[jamin100]

I've got 30mm Marathon Racer tyres on my CX. Absolutely fine on good roads, bad roads and hard packed trails. Unless you are doing proper off road, I.e. mud, one tyre set and one wheel set will do it all IMO.

I can vouch for these. Put a set on my cx a few weeks ago and there great

 

[potsy]

I'd be surprised if she noticed the difference between 23's and 25's tbh lulubel.

I put 35 Marathon Supremes on mine, fine comfortable ride on road, capable on trails unless it's wet/muddy then you'd want some grip.

 

[lulubel]

Thanks for the replies, guys, but no-one has actually answered my question.

She wants 23mm tyres - it's non-negotiable because everyone else around here uses 20 or 23 and she wants to fit in.

She doesn't want "nasty, cheap" Alex rims because she has those on her current bike, and she wants this to be an upgrade. I have DT Swiss RR465 rims on my wheels, and she wants something equivalent.

Since no-one has been able to make any suggestions, I suspect there aren't any wheel options for what she wants, and I'm going to have to build her something.

 

[tigger]

Yeah I'd say get some handbuilts. I'd get a set of H Plus Son Archetype rims with Hope Evo 2 hubs with DT Swiss Super Comp spokes. Under 1700g. Rims only weigh about 450g and they have 23mm rims. Have a search if you've not heard about mating 23mm rims with23mm tyres. Think HED Ardennes. As for the tyres, I'm a Schwalbe man myself. Durano maybe?

You can even go tubeless with those rims.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I take it she's going to buy the spare cassette and brake discs to so she can make full swaps? If not, it might be just as quick to swap the tyres!

 

[GrasB]

I can confirm that combining DT Swiss 340 24h disc hubs, HED Jet rims & Ultremo ZX 28-622 tyres results in a rather fast rolling wheelset

 

[PpPete]

Thanks for the replies, guys, but no-one has actually answered my question.

She wants 23mm tyres - it's non-negotiable because everyone else around here uses 20 or 23 and she wants to fit in.

She doesn't want "nasty, cheap" Alex rims because she has those on her current bike, and she wants this to be an upgrade. I have DT Swiss RR465 rims on my wheels, and she wants something equivalent.

Since no-one has been able to make any suggestions, I suspect there aren't any wheel options for what she wants, and I'm going to have to build her something.

Building a pair of wheels for yourself is special, building some for a loved one is even more so.

Rims possibles... Open Pro, somewhat cheaper than RR465 at full price, and a fraction lighter, using discs would eliminate their achilees heel of fast wearing brake track. Incidentally I've used Schwalbe CX Pro tyres on Open Pro rims - way outside recommended width, but with no problems at all.

 

[PpPete]

Yeah I'd say get some handbuilts. I'd get a set of H Plus Son Archetype rims with Hope Evo 2 hubs with DT Swiss Super Comp spokes. Under 1700g. Rims only weigh about 450g and they have 23mm rims. Have a search if you've not heard about mating 23mm rims with23mm tyres. Think HED Ardennes. As for the tyres, I'm a Schwalbe man myself. Durano maybe?

You can even go tubeless with those rims.

Where did you buy the Archetype rims?
Do they come in a 36h version?
I've been wanting to try out this wider rim idea but been held back by the lack of a 36h in either the Velocity A23 or HED.
I took the decision some time ago to go with 32 front / 36 rear on my bestest audax wheels, and not had cause to regret it, apart from the lack of choice in rims.

 

[tigger]

Where did you buy the Archetype rims?
Do they come in a 36h version?
I've been wanting to try out this wider rim idea but been held back by the lack of a 36h in either the Velocity A23 or HED.
I took the decision some time ago to go with 32 front / 36 rear on my bestest audax wheels, and not had cause to regret it, apart from the lack of choice in rims.

Only 32 hole I'm afraid, but that's plenty I'm sure? I'm 85kg and my Ardennes are 24 / 28 and plenty stiff. One of the many beauties of wider rims is that they help build a stiffer, stronger wheel. I absolutely love my Ardennes. One tip from HED. They don't use the Sapim CX Ray spokes on their wheels anymore as they aren't stiff enough. They use a pressed Race spoke. If you're not bothered about Aero spokes then Sapim D light or DT Super Comp are supposed to be good light options.

Wide rims are the way forward . More comfortable, better cornering, stiffer and technically a little more Aero with 23mm tyres. Nothing not to like. Go for it

http://www.justridingalong.com/h-plus-son-archetype-rim.html