New Wheelset

[Gummo]

My rear wheel has died on the doctor's table and I need your extensive knowledge to help me to avoid making the same rubbish purchase again. I need recommendations/advice on a wheelset (quick release and rim brake) that will survive 15-40 miles per trip involving, as a nature-landscape-loving amateur photographer, cycling over filthy and rough country lanes as part of many of these gallivants. I know such wheels may not have been invented yet, so I'm looking for the least worst option.

Ideally, I'd like the best fit for my Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard 700-32c tyes and Shimano Tiagra HG500 10 Speed Cassette Silver 11-34. Price limit is probably £150 (Ireland/UK) - it may be low but there's likely to be a high casualty rate because of the places I go to and I'd rather not spend my trips worrying about my expensive wheels.

 

[raleighnut]

My rear wheel has died on the doctor's table and I need your extensive knowledge to help me to avoid making the same rubbish purchase again. I need recommendations/advice on a wheelset (quick release and rim brake) that will survive 15-40 miles per trip involving, as a nature-landscape-loving amateur photographer, cycling over filthy and rough country lanes as part of many of these gallivants. I know such wheels may not have been invented yet, so I'm looking for the least worst option.

Ideally, I'd like the best fit for my Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard 700-32c tyes and Shimano Tiagra HG500 10 Speed Cassette Silver 11-34. Price limit is probably £150 (Ireland/UK) - it may be low but there's likely to be a high casualty rate because of the places I go to and I'd rather not spend my trips worrying about my expensive wheels.

Handbuilt for my tuppence, try to get 4 cross pattern* as opposed to the normal 3 cross, much stronger wheel.

* Tandem spec.

 

[FrankCrank]

One method of making a super strong wheel is explained here


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CVc0hM5AU


I've head of it being used in the recumbent world for tadpole trikes, where side loading of the front wheels can be an issue in fast tight turns.
The advent of cheap/strong 48h BMX wheels has made it pretty much obsolete now.

 

[Jameshow]

Try spa or DCR wheels?

Or perhaps look for one local to you for customer service.

 

[Spiderweb]

If you can stretch your budget to around £195 then get some hand builts from Spa Cycles, Harrogate.

 

[fossyant]

A standard 3x 32 or 36 hole wheel will be more than upto the job. Just get handbuilt from somewhere like SPA Cycles or SJS. Fancy spoked 'factory' wheels aren't really what you want.

 

[Big John]

You don't need four cross would be my opinion. Three cross has long been considered adequate for a good strong wheel but spoke count should be minimum 32 but preferably 36. I've got 36 X three cross and my guess you'll be using the same crappy potholed lanes like I use and they've been fine for the years I've been riding on them. Just don't hit any big holes full on because even a strong wheel has limits.

 

[sevenfourate]

One method of making a super strong wheel is explained here


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CVc0hM5AU


I've head of it being used in the recumbent world for tadpole trikes, where side loading of the front wheels can be an issue in fast tight turns.
The advent of cheap/strong 48h BMX wheels has made it pretty much obsolete now.

48 hole BMX wheels were consigned to the history books long-long ago.

Triple wall or clever shaped double wall (All Welded joint - not pinned) Aluminium rims provided as much or more strength than 48 spokes ever gave. With weight reductions included…..

 

[Hover Fly]

Another vote for hand built. Ryde Andra on Shimano hubs to choice. Personally I would build myself (or get the missus to build them) , but if you don’t feel like learning, and it’s a useful skill, get them from a reputable shop. If cost is a problem replace just the rear now, then go back for a front if you feel the need later.

 

[FrankCrank]

48 hole BMX wheels were consigned to the history books long-long ago.

Triple wall or clever shaped double wall (All Welded joint - not pinned) Aluminium rims provided as much or more strength than 48 spokes ever gave. With weight reductions included…..

I should have added that they also had the larger 14mm axles, another requirement for the side mounting of tadpole trike front wheels.

 

[Dogtrousers]

My rear wheel has died on the doctor's table and I need your extensive knowledge to help me to avoid making the same rubbish purchase again.

Just out of interest, what was the cause of death noted on your rear wheel's death certificate? That might be a good pointer for what strengths are required.

Like - if the braking track is worn out then more spokes/spokes laced in a different pattern wouldn't have helped your wheel to live longer.

 

[Gummo]

...what was the cause of death noted on your rear wheel's death certificate?

Severely bent. I had broken a spoke so I took another one off to take to my local supplier. The mechanic couldn't believe how tight the rest of the spokes were - maybe why it warped when the two came off?

 

[Gummo]

Thanks for all your advice - much to muse over.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

One method of making a super strong wheel is explained here


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4CVc0hM5AU


I've head of it being used in the recumbent world for tadpole trikes, where side loading of the front wheels can be an issue in fast tight turns.
The advent of cheap/strong 48h BMX wheels has made it pretty much obsolete now.

This cross-tying of spokes is is absolute BS. It doesn't increase strength in any form or shape, nor does it aid durability.

 

[raleighnut]

This cross-tying of spokes is is absolute BS. It doesn't increase strength in any form or shape, nor does it aid durability.

I agree, if anything it would increase stress on a short length of spoke as opposed to the whole spoke being able to absorb it. As I understand it originally it was done to increase rigidity of the wheel so was popular with track cyclists BITD