Wheelset for a big guy

[pabstblue]

I am looking into buying a new wheel set in the next month or so but I'm not sure what to buy. I am currently riding the wheels that came on my used trek 1000 and those work ok. The problem is that I am a pretty big guy and the wheels flex a lot when I sprint. I am 6'2" and 206 lbs (94Kg). I am looking for a wheel that I can use for training as well as use for the hand full of races that I am going to do next spring and summer. I want something that is strong, fairly aerodynamic and hopefully decently light. Any ideas? Plus I want to spend under $500 (290 pounds).

 

[fossyant]

Handbuilt on Open Pro rims -say 36 spoke if worried about flex. Hubs to match groupset - e.g. Shimano or Campag....

 

[Tharg2007]

i am 6ft and was that weight, have ridden open pros and now riding on cxp33 , both were 32 hole and had no problems at all. I believe you need to be heavier than what you are for a spoke count to go up to 36.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Agree with Open Pro's on Hub of choice, if Shimano bike recommend Open Pros on Ultegra (Shimano) or Veloce or above with Campag.
36 spokes should not be necessary, speak to a good wheelbuilder.

Decent wheels are worth having.

 

[mickle]

6'2" and 99kg. I use light wheels with low spoke counts without any problems. It's cheap wheels you want to watch out for.

 

[fossyant]

I'm old school - 36's are really bomb proof....

 

[Tharg2007]

I'm old school - 36's are really bomb proof....

hehe do you bunny hop to work in the mornings

 

[RedBike]

I'm 97kg and i'm great at breaking wheels.

So long as you avoid the super light-weight wheels then you should be fine. You don't need to avoid good quality low spoke count wheels. For example the Campagnolo range (like the Zondas) have a rather strange low spoke count pattern; yet they are very strong wheels!

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

6' 4" and 95 kilos...I just ride what I have and prey they dont break. The wheels on my galaxy tourer are wtb something or others...came with the bike...they work ok until I hit cobblestones in a hurry, then they wobble like crazy and spokes ping and I get upset.

My new Bianchi came with Ambrosio/miche Ws 23...I have no idea if they are any good or not, I am about to find out.

 

[Noodley]

6' 4" and 95 kilos...I just ride what I have and prey they dont break. The wheels on my galaxy tourer are wtb something or others...came with the bike...they work ok until I hit cobblestones in a hurry, then they wobble like crazy and spokes ping and I get upset.

My new Bianchi came with Ambrosio/miche Ws 23...I have no idea if they are any good or not, I am about to find out.

I am same height and was same weight a while back, and have ridden my Bianchi with those wheels for 3 years, and no problems at all.