new wheels

[iLB]

looking at upgrading the stock wheels on my allez sport, just wondering what happens regarding the hubs i currently have- i.e do they get used when the new wheels are built or do i get new hubs with the cost of the wheels?

ps- im thinking of buying these ones or these ones- any thoughts?

 

[008]

Can't help with your question but just noticed the Ksyrium Elite are cheaper here if that's any good to you!

Used Merlin a few times and found their service/delivery to be excellent.

 

[Landslide]

If you get either of those wheelsets, you'll get new rims, spokes and hubs, all lovingly put together by the nice people at Mavic or Trek (Bontrager).
You can keep your current wheels as spares.

What you won't get is tyres, tubes, rim tape or cassette (rear sprockets), but you can transfer all of these over from your current wheels.

 

[iLB]

thanks landslide, what does anyone think about those wheelsets?

 

[fossyant]

Both good wheelsets - I've got the lower Ksyrium Equipe's and they have been bomb proof. Also got Aksiums and they too have been good.

The Bonti's are supposed to be good - got a colleague with these on his Trek 5.2 - the only issue he had was a spoke coming loose, but I think it's sorted now - told him to drop some superglue on the nipple (from inside the rim)

 

[spence]

Sweeping generalisation I know and from experience of mountain bike wheel sets only, Mavic sets are far superior to the Bonty factory wheels at the given price point. Both in hubs and freewheel assemblies.
Also with UST vs. TR.

 

[jpembroke]

I rate Aksiums. They may not be the lightest but they are strong. I've raced and trained cyclocross on the same pair for 2 seasons and they are still true and smooth. Good looking wheels too.

 

[jpembroke]

Sorry, just seen the links on your OP. Go for the ksyriums - lovely wheels. And yes, that's a complete wheelset, not a rebuild on you existing hubs.

 

[Dave5N]

I race cross on Ksyriums - and I'm not exactly light. They really are very strong.

 

[Dave5N]

Personally, I'd get some Open pros on DA or ultegra hubs.

 

[iLB]

Personally, I'd get some Open pros on DA or ultegra hubs.

now its funny you should say that... a trip to the LBS has prompted talk of custom wheels - where the spokes could be more easily sourced and replaced on tour than those on the ksyriums.

the guy mentioned open pros with HOPE hubs, wot do you think?

 

[Dave5N]

Sounds good to me. No personal experience of HOPE hubs though.

 

[e-rider]

Those bontrager wheels have a very low spoke count - if 1 snapped the wheel would be very buckled straight away. With more spokes it's less of a problem until you get home and replace the broken one.

Both of those wheelsets are racing wheels, not touring wheels - and as you say, getting a replacement spoke by just walking into the nearest shop is very unlikely.

I don't rate Hope products at all - poor design, finishing is awful and usually overpriced - I'm sure many people will disagree!

What is the main purpose of the wheels? Touring, racing, Sunday 'get fit' rides, commuting? First decide this and then choose appropriate wheels for the job.

 

[e-rider]

just another point; there are some good wheelsets available for half the price of the ones you are looking at - unless you've money to burn; I'd say they're a bit over the top for general use. £150 to £200 will get you a really nice pair of custom built wheels

 

[e-rider]

if you're touring across france and spain you'd want some strong wheels that you can repair yourself if necessary - the first 2 wheelsets are not suitable at all for such a ride. you'll want something very strong with 36 spokes in the rear wheels if you carry bags etc