Alternative for Ambrosio wheels

[redjedi]

After my recent encouter with a mini cab, I need to get a new set of wheels.

The wheels I'm replacing are a set of Ambrosio rims which are just labelled Bianchi Componeti, which I guess are just the standard wheels supplied with most Bianchis.

I was happy with them, as they lasted a year without any problems (were probably due for a "truing"), but were no match for a car.

I need a nice strong set of wheels to cope with the wonderful London road on a daily basis.

I think I'm swayed towards the Mavic Aksiums which I've read lots of good reviews on, but would these be as good as the Ambrosios?

I'll have upto £200 to spend on the wheels, and I've seen the Mavics for around £130.

 

[domtyler]

Aksiums would make pretty good commuting wheels, but better would be a set of hand builts. Mavic CXP22/33 rims maybe? Probably end up with a wheelset that was significantly stronger and lighter than the Aksiums.

 

[stephec]

If you're going for handbuilts the wheels will only be strong if the wheelbuilder does his job properly. Open pro's are a nice lightweight rim, I've bounced a pair over the Bolton/Manchester potholes without any problems.

You should find a pair of these for under £200.

 

[domtyler]

Good point, mine were made up by Harry Rowland who has a good reputation in the industry.

 

[redjedi]

I think I've decided on the hand built option.

I've swayed towards the Mavic CPX33 with Tiagra hubs, as I've seen lots of good reveiws on both and I prefer the deeper profile of the CPX to the open pro. Purely for cosmetic reasons, but I think they should also be stronger.

I've found them cheap on Ribble

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=CSNAWHHR340000000000

Does anyone have any experiance of dealing with Ribble for their wheels?

Also is there a lot of difference between 32 and 36 spoke wheels? Surely 4 spokes can't be that important considering a lot of the factory ones come with 20.
Should I go 36 rear and 34 front, or just 34 (should say 32) all round?

 

[4F]

I think I've decided on the hand built option.

I've swayed towards the Mavic CPX33 with Tiagra hubs, as I've seen lots of good reveiws on both and I prefer the deeper profile of the CPX to the open pro. Purely for cosmetic reasons, but I think they should also be stronger.

I've found them cheap on Ribble

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=CSNAWHHR340000000000

Does anyone have any experiance of dealing with Ribble for their wheels?

Also is there a lot of difference between 32 and 36 spoke wheels? Surely 4 spokes can't be that important considering a lot of the factory ones come with 20.
Should I go 36 rear and 34 front, or just 34 all round?

The more spokes the stonger the wheel and double butted spokes are the best. I have not used ribble however have read very differing views on here about them.