General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Budget Wheel Dilemma Rss Feed  
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2008-10-09 9:58 PM

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Regular
102
100
Calgary, Alberta
Subject: Budget Wheel Dilemma
I'll explain my dilemma if you want to entertain my rambling.

I purchased a new cyclocross bike last year as my multipurpose road bike. I've used the bike for commuting, group rides, and several triathlons (sprints and an Oly). The bike came stock with Shimano WH-R550 wheels. Although I haven't had any problems with the wheels I've always been a little leery due to the low spoke count, commuting use, my weight (220 lbs at purchase, 185 lbs currently), and poor reviews. My plan was to ride the wheels until the first sign of problems and then replace them with some 32H CXP33s laced to ultegra or similar. But the wheels are still as true as the day I bought them.

Since I had so much fun during my first season of tri's, I've decided to build a budget tri bike. I've been trying to decide whether I should:

a) Buy some handbuilts for the 'cross bike and use the WH-R550s (with rear cover?) on the tri bike.
b) Buy a new set of Mavic Aksiums locally for $200 and use them on either bike.
c) Buy a set of lower end aero wheels for the tri bike.
d) Shut the F$%# up and just ride my bike.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

CC


2008-10-10 6:43 AM
in reply to: #1732155

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Champion
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Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Budget Wheel Dilemma
I guess it would depend on which becomes your "alpha" bike (the one you ride most). IIWY: I'd build a set of 32h 3X handbuilts and swap the 550's to the tri bike and get the cover. Assuming the crosser is your alpha bike...
2008-10-12 2:33 PM
in reply to: #1732155

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Veteran
203
100100
, Washington
Subject: RE: Budget Wheel Dilemma

After breaking 3 spokes in 2 weeks, then breaking 2 more on a new set of wheels(warranty swap), I got the shop to swap the wheels that came with my bike for some Aksiums and they've been bombproof for me at about 200 pounds. A year and a half later and 3-4k in nasty all weather commuting miles (winter in Oregon-rain, rain, more rain + cold) and they're still dead true. They're also not THAT high on the spoke count either...

OTOH, if your existing wheels are staying true, who cares what the reviews about them say?

You can tell us if you're just looking for an excuse to buy some new wheels, none of us here would think ill of youCool

edit: typo 



Edited by deskjockeyjim 2008-10-12 2:34 PM
2008-10-12 5:43 PM
in reply to: #1732155

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Budget Wheel Dilemma

The R550's that came on my Cannondale R700 are almost four years old, and I've had no problems at all with them (I'm in the 190-200lb range).  That includes one crash at about 20 mph and a 15mph collision with a mailbox (while attempting to ellude a dog). 

In the interim I have picked up a set of HED.3's and a Renn 575 disc, but the R550's are still my "everyday" training wheels. 

Mark

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