Budget touring wheelset for heavy rider

[Zorro]

Ahoy hoy,

Question for all of you bike geniuses out there. I need a new wheelset for my road bike and would like some recommendations. My criteria are;

• Strong rims and construction I am 115kg and carry 5-10kg with me when riding
• Spokes 32 or 36 - will 32 be strong enough for me or should i plum for the 36?
• Budget - up to £200 as I am saving my cash for my next bike and these wheels will only be a stopgap until that point.
• Hubs - need a 10 speed Shimano compatible hub but not too fussed on brand (run a shimano 105 at present)
• Where can I get them from? I would like to get them in the next week or so (by end of March latest).

Looking forward to your responses. Many thanks in advance

 

[MichaelW2]

36 spokes is the first priority for a heavyweight wheelset.

 

[dan_bo]

Give Johnsons cycles in Stalybridge a bell 01613048980

He did me a set of Ambrosio on Miche 36's for just over a ton. Havent budged a mil for a year.

 

[raleighnut]

Ditto to both the above but ask for a 4 cross lacing pattern.

 

[Zorro]

Give Johnsons cycles in Stalybridge a bell 01613048980

He did me a set of Ambrosio on Miche 36's for just over a ton. Havent budged a mil for a year.

Thanks dan_bo, will check them out.

 

[Zorro]

Ditto to both the above but ask for a 4 cross lacing pattern.

Is the 4 cross lacing pattern just a stronger configuration? And will it be the same price as a standard pattern?

 

[raleighnut]

Is the 4 cross lacing pattern just a stronger configuration? And will it be the same price as a standard pattern?

Yep it's stronger and more 'flexible' due to longer spokes so it absorbs bumps better giving less localised shock loading, it shouldn't be any more expensive (mine weren't) but it does require quite a large flange hub or things can get a bit 'crowded' at the 1st cross

 

[Zorro]

Yep it's stronger and more 'flexible' due to longer spokes so it absorbs bumps better giving less localised shock loading, it shouldn't be any more expensive (mine weren't) but it does require quite a large flange hub or things can get a bit 'crowded' at the 1st cross

Thanks, very insightful. I will definitely ask for that

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Yep it's stronger and more 'flexible' due to longer spokes so it absorbs bumps better giving less localised shock loading,

That doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps you can explain?

 

[raleighnut]

Is the 4 cross lacing pattern just a stronger configuration? And will it be the same price as a standard pattern?

This illustrates the problem of 'crowding' as you can see the spoke head is almost obscured by the crossing spoke, if the hub was any smaller then it would cover it more making replacement very tricky.

 

[raleighnut]

That doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps you can explain?

I can only quote what my wheelbuilder told me, John has been building wheels for 60+ years and not just for bicycles so I reckon he knows a thing or two.

 

[HelenD123]

You could try Poetry in Motion cycles/Yourspokes run by an ex Cyclechatter.

 

[dan_bo]

Ditto to both the above but ask for a 4 cross lacing pattern.

Bit excessive IME.

 

[Nibor]

I got some open pro on Tiagra 36 spokes from Rose Bike for about £130

 

[Brains]

Condor, in Holborn make wheels to order, they will be amazing, unfortunately with a price to match.

Spa Cycles in Harrogate also do the same at half the price (and do mail order)

I looked at Condor, but bought from Spa