20, 32 or 36 spoke?

[2Loose]

I killed a 32 spoke rear Mavic cxp22 and need a replacement.
Looking at wheels and it seems that there are some nice looking wheels out there in my budget, but would a set of RS20's with only 20 spokes per wheel do...I am particularly concerned about what would happen to such a wheel if a spoke broke - instant walkies or could I ride it home? The old 32 spoke wheels didn't pringle to much when one broke...

Budget £150quid. Ideas and common sense please!?! The bike is mainly used for a 10 mile each way commute, but longer rides are common.

 

[Nearly there]

Fulcrum 7 are a good solid wheel set 20 on the front and 24 on the rear well within your budget

 

[boydj]

You are unlikely to get a decent set of hand-built wheels for your budget. So, the RS20s are decent wheels, especially at the price (<£125 from Ribble). I've got a pair on my 'good' bike at the moment - well-built and smooth-running.

Unless the wheels are badly built, I don't think spoke breakage is a serious consideration unless you are planning multi-day rides. In the last 5 years and well over 20k miles I've had one broken spoke on a well-used (daily commute) back wheel. Mind you, I've got the build of a serious grimpeur, if not the ability.

 

[fossyant]

Hand built 32 spoke CXP33s but you may have to stretch the budget as the rims are £90

 

[2Loose]

Hand built 32 spoke CXP33s but you may have to stretch the budget as the rims are £90

You sir, are a bike snob
45 quid per rim at RoseBikes.... and a pair of 36 hole cxp 33's with Tiagra sealed hubs @ £140quid
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...00-c--mavic-cxp-33--shimano-tiagra/aid:203027

Would get them tweaked by the lbs on delivery all the same.

 

[fossyant]

2 rims at £45 each i did mean, Only leaves £60 for hubs and build, but Sherlock has found a bargain at Rosé.

Well done

 

[fossyant]

PS buy them now

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Build them yourself?

 

[2Loose]

Build them yourself?

Oh I wish, I think wheel building is like plastering...looks simple, but makes a real mess when the beginner screws up!
I'll use the old cxp22 front wheel for a bit of practice though.

Cheers guys, approval from Fossy means a lot :-)

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Oh I wish, I think wheel building is like plastering...looks simple, but makes a real mess when the beginner screws up!
I'll use the old cxp22 front wheel for a bit of practice though.

Cheers guys, approval from Fossy means a lot :-)

Provided you follow one of the many guides to the subject, take your time, and work methodically with the right tools, it is a piece of cake. Anyone can do it and build a round strong wheel first time. It is an absorbing pastime for a dark winter's night or a rainy weekend when you can't ride.

 

[Tynan]

I'm 15st and eventually got 36h wheels which were defo more hardwearing, hand built mind but that's not much more expensive and well worth it for the money

 

[fossyant]

Oh I wish, I think wheel building is like plastering...looks simple, but makes a real mess when the beginner screws up!
I'll use the old cxp22 front wheel for a bit of practice though.

Cheers guys, approval from Fossy means a lot :-)

I build now on cxp 33s on my fixed, reusing ACI spokes. Good solid wheels at that price.

 

[dellzeqq]

I killed a 32 spoke rear Mavic cxp22 and need a replacement.
Looking at wheels and it seems that there are some nice looking wheels out there in my budget, but would a set of RS20's with only 20 spokes per wheel do...I am particularly concerned about what would happen to such a wheel if a spoke broke - instant walkies or could I ride it home? The old 32 spoke wheels didn't pringle to much when one broke...

Budget £150quid. Ideas and common sense please!?! The bike is mainly used for a 10 mile each way commute, but longer rides are common.

instant walkies, yes. Actually, big bang, about 100 metres of slowing down and then walkies. And you can't wheel the bike, you have to carry it.

I think you have to be quite light to use RS20s. RS80s are good - they use the same rim as Dura-Ace, but they're much more expensive. If they're the same spokes (and they may be) then those spokes are very tough indeed - I've got a sliced derailleur to prove it.

 

[2Loose]

instant walkies, yes. Actually, big bang, about 100 metres of slowing down and then walkies. And you can't wheel the bike, you have to carry it.
.

I'm only small (67kg), but this scenario is definitely pointing me away from less spokes - thanks for your info.

 

[Crankarm]

Wheels were 36 spoke then went to 32 now 20 or less, brought about by racing. Fewer spokes mean less weight in the wheel and more fragile meaning they need to be built properly ie by hand and even then you need a team car following with spares. If you are commuting regularly then 32 would seem to be a mimum spoke count giving strength and durability. If carrying excessive weight then 36 spoke wheels.