Vanity Wheel Upgrade!

[Chiefwiggum]

I would like to replace the wheels on my SCR 2, the Alex rims are fine and have covered several 100Km. The reason for the upgrade is to generally update and pimp my ride. Question, I am a larger rider, 17 stone, regarding spoke count, many of the wheels in my price range (£200ish) seem to have relatively few spokes compared to my current rims and I am unsure they will be strong enough to cope with me. Any advice on spoke court or wheels for bigger chaps

 

[PpPete]

These would be a possibility - but I don't know if they are the look that you want?

The ordinary silver or black Open Pro rims certainly have a reputation for being very robust, although I've read of problems with the CD anodised version.

I recently built myself some silver Open Pros onto 105 hubs for my "pimp job" but with 36 spoke, not 32 like the Wiggle ones. Not the lightest wheel in the world, but built to last (I'm also a big guy), and they are a LOT faster than the classic Weinmanns rims/Maillard hubs that had been on the bike since new.

 

[jpembroke]

32 spoke wheels should be fine unless you are planning on riding long distances or touring. I do agree with Porkypete that a set of handbuilt wheels may be your best bet. Go for 105 or Ultegra hubs with Open Pro rims; or better still CXP33 rims, which are stronger and deeper section rims look the business. Make sure you don't skimp on spokes either: double butted DT Revolution or Sapim Laser spokes are stronger and more forgiving than plain gauge spokes. Try to find a decent local wheelbuilder and tell them your requirements. They should be able to build you something that a) suits you and your riding, and looks good.

Alternatively, these are good value, well rated, and strong off the shelf wheel:

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Planet_X_Road_Alloy_279.html

The A57 model would probably be best for you.