How much for reliable, all-weather commuting wheels..?

[mrmacmusic]

I've never been happy with the OEM wheels on my Boardman Hybrid Comp since the rear hub needed overhauled after just 1k miles. Having now covered ~2,600 miles I've had to strip and re-grease a further twice, plus the ball races (cups?) are quite pitted, particularly on the drive side, and the freehub no longer spins smoothly and feels pretty gritty. The Boardman is my winter/foul weather commuter, so I'm looking to replace the wheels with something that's not only more reliable and weatherproof, but also a bit lighter and feels like an upgrade (if that makes sense!).

However, not having a particular budget in mind, I'd appreciate some advice as to what would be a "wise" purchase – I'm not sure buying cheapest is actually the best option since I commute 28.6 miles a day in all weathers. But equally, how much is too much given the bike only cost £430 (after Halfords and BC membership discounts)..? I weigh ~76kg (the Boardman weighs 12kg) and my current summer tyres are 32c Marathon Supremes, and I'll be running 35c studded Marathon Winters when it's, er, Winter, so there's no need for skinny-capable rims. The following 700c, 6-hole disc wheelsets have caught my eye....

Shimano M525 + Mach 1 rims, £104 (2.4kg)
Mavic Crossride 29-er, £176 (2kg)
Hope Hoops Pro2Evo + Stans Crest rims, £299 (?kg)
Crank Brothers Cobalt 2, £299 (1.8kg)

...and I'm sure there are lots more options, including Superstar Components (which seem to be Hope copies for under £200). I've read that the Hope Hoops are very weatherproof, but the Mavic's seem a great price, although I'd want to add front QR convertor and skewer which will add a bit. The Crank Brothers look really cool

Thoughts anyone?!?

 

[I like Skol]

I built a set of wheels for all year indestructible commuting, here are the ingredients-

Shimano XT M756 hubs (black) 32H/Fr and 36H/Rr
32 x DT Competition spokes for the front
36 x DT Alpine III spokes for the rear (thicker at the hub end)
Mavic TN317 MTB rims

Throw in a super wheel builder (Me ) and I have a set of wheels that have done more mileage than 2 sets of factory wheels and are still like new (or would be if I ever cleaned them!).

 

[mrmacmusic]

Thanks ILS

Do you think going down the hand-built route rather than any of the off-the-shelf options mentioned above is the best way forward? I guess I could give Wheelcraft a shout as they're not too far away, and I'm no wheel builder myself

 

[fossyant]

I use handbuilts on my commuter. Specifically chosen for ease of maintenance and repair. Formula fixed hubs (mainly as you can pop new cartridge bearings in for £10) and Mavic CXP 33 rims (road bike).

Like Skolly, I now rebuild these myself. What he has recommended will build up some excellent wheels.

 

[palinurus]

I use budget handbuilts on my commute bikes, they last and they ride nicer than the cheap factory wheels that came with the bikes although I don't know how they compare with similarly-priced factory wheels. I've had a number of sets, the toughest being some Mavic touring (can't remember type) rims on 105 hubs, I've also got some CXP33s and a set of Open Sports- the front having a hub dynamo, the rear being fixed- which is a particular advantage of having them built up.

I get them built at the LBS, last time they gave me money off to match an online price without me asking.

Since 2008 I've worn out one wheel- a rear (rim worn). The rest of them just get switched to other bikes or stored (bikes come and go, the wheels generally stay with me)

 

[I like Skol]

I weigh ~76kg ............Thoughts anyone?!?

EAT MORE? I am around 90-95kg and not careful with my wheels

What he has recommended will build up some excellent wheels.

I think the bits cost around £150 but they are individually top notch items so given a half decent wheel builder should make a road use wheel that will outlast most frames.

 

[mrmacmusic]

Thanks folks – most helpful

Oh, and SKOL, I used to weigh 18st but had a "lifestyle re-alignment" and got down to 12st, which I've maintained for nearly 2 years now. Having added 28+ miles cyclo-commuting to my daily routine, I eat loads... in fact, I don't think I could eat any more!!!

 

[potsy]

What did you end up going with mrmac?

Am looking to upgrade the wheels on my cx at some point and am unsure as to what to get.