Wheelset. Upgrade or Handbuilt.

[vekter303]

Been running a single speed as a 'daily driver' for about 5 years. It has been getting some upgrades and repairs...

I am now looking at a wheelset. Currently running Miche Express and considering Mavic Ellipse.

I am a bit of a Shimano fanboy and have a FC-7710 crankset and R-8100 callipers, so I am tempted to have a wheelset built using 7710 or 7600 hubs.

Overall planned spend would work out about the same, so with that being equal; I would love to hear what peoples experience or recommendations would be on the previously mentioned wheelset compared to a handbuilt set?

Cheers!

 

[Gunk]

Mavic Ellipse off the shelf IMO is the better option.

 

[Sharky]

The Elipse is a nice wheel. I used one on my fixed time trial bike.
But I believe it is a pure track wheel. I tried putting on a single freewheel, but it didn't have chearance and the chain was too close to the seat stays. Not a problem with fixed sprockets.

Might just have been my set up, but something to consider.

 

[DCLane]

Another vote for the Ellipse. My son used them as track race wheels for Under 14's as do quite a number of others; they're fast and robust.

 

[vekter303]

Appreciate the replies!

Have seen the Ellipse at a good price too. Although I hadn't realised they aren't designed for rim brakes...

Possible it seems, but Mavic recommend against it I believe.

In addition to that, clearance for seat stays is food for thought.

 

[FrankCrank]

My recommendation is for you to hand build your own wheels

 

[Dogtrousers]

Maybe I'm being pedantic, but "Ellipse" isn't a name that inspires confidence in a wheel.

Aren't they supposed to be circular?

 

[fossyant]

I ran fixed for commuting for about 8 years. Formula hubs, aCI spokes and Mavic CXP33 rims - handbuilt by me. Hubs, very easy to change bearings if needed as cartridge. Rims, again readily available as I used to wear them out in 18 months.

Currently running handbuilt wheels for commuting on a geared bike. Ryde 26" rims, ACI spokes and vintage Deore M737 XT hubs. Hubs are bombproof. Rims, replace as needed.

 

[Big John]

Hand built are great if you want to be picky and choose your own components but I wouldn't necessarily say hand built are better than a factory build. You can get a big bang for your buck with a ready built wheelset. I build wheels and I'd struggle to build a set of wheels for what a LBS can knock a decent wheelset out for using comparable components. Rims, hubs, spokes, nipples, rim tape, skewers...they all add up especially if you want the best.

 

[T4tomo]

Hand built are great if you want to be picky and choose your own components but I wouldn't necessarily say hand built are better than a factory build. You can get a big bang for your buck with a ready built wheelset. I build wheels and I'd struggle to build a set of wheels for what a LBS can knock a decent wheelset out for using comparable components. Rims, hubs, spokes, nipples, rim tape, skewers...they all add up especially if you want the best.

Indeed, the advantage you get with hand-built, usually, is that is its very repairable, not necessarily bang for buck on first use.. So if a spoke breaks, replacement can easily be sourced and fitted, because its isn't some factor built un-obtainium one; ditto if a rim wears or buckles very badly, you / wheel-builder can lace a new one in very easily. obviously rim wears less of a consideration with disc brakes

 

[fossyant]

OP is on single speed, so rim brakes. The Elipse isn't a rim brake model. The Miche Express are.

TBH, he could easily replace the rims on the Express - re-use the hubs, new spokes depending on rim depth.

 

[vekter303]

Yes, Mavic Ellipse are out. Part of the recent service and upgrade had involved buying R-8100 at a good price, that resulted in a new fork to accomodate the short drop...so, rim brake compatible essential.

Built up a Cervelo Soloist and happy to service the SS; but a self build wheelset seems a little more skilled and equipment dependant that I care for...

I went from stock rims that would rub the brake pad when cornering to the Miche and they have been great really. Just showing their age, had a couple of spokes replaced, hub bearings could use replacement (if possible on that model) and even the brake track is getting worn out.

Servicing may still be an option on the Miche. I suppose when considering this overhaul I have been tempted by a wheelset and there my guess was that a good handbuilt set would be stiffer, well trued and durable; better in the way that handbuilt would be inherently superior than factory made. Thanks again for all the replies.

Also I would not discount elliptical wheels being a thing, with the right marketing

 

[Gunk]

Yes, Mavic Ellipse are out. Part of the recent service and upgrade had involved buying R-8100 at a good price, that resulted in a new fork to accomodate the short drop...so, rim brake compatible essential.

Built up a Cervelo Soloist and happy to service the SS; but a self build wheelset seems a little more skilled and equipment dependant that I care for...

I went from stock rims that would rub the brake pad when cornering to the Miche and they have been great really. Just showing their age, had a couple of spokes replaced, hub bearings could use replacement (if possible on that model) and even the brake track is getting worn out.

Servicing may still be an option on the Miche. I suppose when considering this overhaul I have been tempted by a wheelset and there my guess was that a good handbuilt set would be stiffer, well trued and durable; better in the way that handbuilt would be inherently superior than factory made. Thanks again for all the replies.

Also I would not discount elliptical wheels being a thing, with the right marketing

I can build a wheelset for you, we also have a spoke cutting machine so you would just need to send me the hubs and rims.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Also I would not discount elliptical wheels being a thing, with the right marketing

On a cloth untrue
With a twisted cue
And elliptical billiard balls.
My object all sublime
I shall achieve in time—
To let the punishment fit the crime—
The punishment fit the crime;

WS Gilbert

 

[T4tomo]

On a cloth untrue
With a twisted cue
And elliptical billiard balls.
My object all sublime
I shall achieve in time—
To let the punishment fit the crime—
The punishment fit the crime;

WS Gilbert

did he write that after a game of pool down my local?