Bombproof 700c commuter wheels for a fat bloke?

[sabian92]

Evening,

I've got a Carrera Virtuoso and I use it for commuting (rack & panniers). I'm about 16 stone and I carry another 10kg or so over the back in panniers and unfortunately the wheels (especially the rear) keep going out of true. I'm looking for some decent wheels that can take a hefty weight.

I'm not too fussed on price as I can save up but nothing too mad! I'm willing to go hand built if the builder has a good rep as well.

Weight isn't really a big issue for me - I'm not a weight weenie. I use Marathon + tyres (700x25).

Thank you!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I use THESE, on my commuter, and I use THESE on my best bike.

Both links are just to the rear wheels, but the front are available from the same site too.

I'm a larger guy, 6' 4" and heavy with it TBH. The Halo wheels I've had for a few years now and they have been superb, the second wheels I've only recently bought, but the build quality and their reputation give me complete confidence they will last well

 

[sabian92]

Have you needed to true them?

I plan on losing about 4 stone (I'm 16 stone but 7 inches shorter than you ).

I can get the Halo Aero Rage wheels 12% off too - I've got CTC membership so I can get a bit knocked off.

(Just looked - Evans have them 20 quid cheaper than the discounted price so Evans it is!)

 

[smokeysmoo]

Have you needed to true them?

Nope, I've never needed to anything to them TBH. I describe them as bombproof. I don't commute the distance you do, and I don't commute week in, week out, but I've had them for a couple of years and they are still perfect.

 

[oldfatfool]

I have just ordered a pair of handbuilt wheels for my tourer (14kg bike, 20 kg luggage,90kg rider) from Rose, Deore XT hubs and Mavic A319 rims, 36 spoke http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/atb-wheel-set-28700-c-mavic-a-319--shimano-deore-xt/aid:247985 £125 including shipping for a complete wheelset.

Takes 28 to 47 mm tyres.

 

[Psyclist]

Try a 36hole Phil Wood hub as it's stronger (google it) and buy these rims with double butted spokes. You won't get any stronger than that.

 

[Piemaster]

I'm similar weight / usage to you. Been very happy with a dynohub handbuilt wheel built from Spa cycles on the On-One Pompino. Good to deal with and will help to spec something for your needs.

 

[sabian92]

Nope, I've never needed to anything to them TBH. I describe them as bombproof. I don't commute the distance you do, and I don't commute week in, week out, but I've had them for a couple of years and they are still perfect.

I commute 7 miles a day (when I can be bothered to get out of bed at 7am ). I would like to do LEJOG (or vice versa) at some stage in the next few years (hopefully next summer before I bugger off to university) but I can't afford a tourer so it would be on this bike and decent wheels would obviously be an advantage.

Try a 36hole Phil Wood hub as it's stronger (google it) and buy these rims with double butted spokes. You won't get any stronger than that.

I'll have a nosey and price it up. I know literally nothing about wheels and hubs so I'll do my research.

I'm similar weight / usage to you. Been very happy with a dynohub handbuilt wheel built from Spa cycles on the On-One Pompino. Good to deal with and will help to spec something for your needs.

I've seen them before but never used them. I'd like a dynohub just for the sake of having one (and in case my phone dies) but i know they're expensive. I will have a look at these too. I know I sound like an idiot but that page you quoted has steam coming out of my ears in confusion

What should I do about hubs? I understand I need them but I don't know which ones are good and which aren't.

 

[Piemaster]

Didn't mean to confuse you The link was really to direct you to Spa's website and that I was happy with the quality and service. The dynohub is just demonstrates that they'll do what you want/need - it's a custom built wheel afterall.
As to the dynohub, the Shimano ones aren't massively expensive and it's worth weighing up the price difference between a dynohub and a normal one if you're having a wheel built and might want one in the future.

 

[sabian92]

Didn't mean to confuse you The link was really to direct you to Spa's website and that I was happy with the quality and service. The dynohub is just demonstrates that they'll do what you want/need - it's a custom built wheel afterall.
As to the dynohub, the Shimano ones aren't massively expensive and it's worth weighing up the price difference between a dynohub and a normal one if you're having a wheel built and might want one in the future.

Don't worry about it - it isn't difficult

If I had a budget of around 150-200 for a handbuilt set, what would you recommend? I know it isn't a lot as handbuilts go but I'm a student and the bike is only worth 350 quid anyway (a lot for me but not as bikes go...)

I don't think I'd need one - it's one of those "oooh, that looks shiny" things with me. I'd never use it

What hubs would you put in if you didn't have a dyno hub? I've got shimano kit at the moment.

 

[fossyant]

On a budget, CXP22 rims, tiagra hubs and 32 spokes.

 

[fossyant]

I run CXP33's and they are about £45 each rim... CXP22's are about£25, so you will get in budget.

 

[sabian92]

So i pick a rim then a hub and get somebody to build it? I know it sounds really stupid... but it sums up my bicycle knowledge pretty well.

Would shooting spa cycles an e-mail asking for that wheel be OK if I wanted it? (Or any other rim/hub combination for that matter as long as they stock it?)

 

[Piemaster]

So i pick a rim then a hub and get somebody to build it? I know it sounds really stupid... but it sums up my bicycle knowledge pretty well.

Would shooting spa cycles an e-mail asking for that wheel be OK if I wanted it? (Or any other rim/hub combination for that matter as long as they stock it?)

Yup. Or may be better to actually talk to them and explain your needs. They build for touring cyclists (= heavily loaded bikes) so should be able to offer some sound advice for your budget.

 

[smokeysmoo]

So i pick a rim then a hub and get somebody to build it?

Yes for a custom build. This is what I was going to do but the lead time meant it was a non-starter for me as I'd sold my wheels and needed some a.s.a.p. The ones I bought are the same spec as the custom build I was going to get, off the shelf, a far bit cheaper, and with me within 36 hours.

FWIW I've bought 3 wheel sets and one rear wheel from the same source over the years and they have all been perfect