Wheels for heavier guy?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by martin_j001
Hi, I was wondering if anyone out there has had good experiences with any particular wheels and is also a heavier rider. I weight about 230lbs and haven't had the worst luck, but I would like to think there is something out there that looks nice, doesn't weight a ton, and will still work for us big guys.
My current wheels are:

Mavic Open Pro, D/A hubs, 32spoke 14/15 (these seem to need some adjustment about every month if I ride them a lot)

Velocity Deep V, 105 hubs, 32 spoke 14 (not many problems at all, except weight)

I have looked at all the Ksyriums, VeloMax, Rolf Prima, etc and like them, but am not interested in buying them just to see if they will stand up to the abuse I can dish out on wheels. Any advice? Thanks.

Jeff

Jeff,
I would try to use something like this maybe: either a Mavic CXP33 or Velocity deep V rim. Perhaps consider 36h on the back although if you are easy on wheels that might not be necessary. 32h on the front is fine. DT 14/15 spokes should work great all the way around. New hubs aren't totally necessary but if you wanted to upgrade that would be fine too. The key would be to make sure the wheels are built properly. Please check out the "Best MtB spoke" threads on this site as there are many posts explaining all of the necessary things to look for in a well-built wheel. Have fun with your new wheels!

try these
http://www.rolfprima.com/products/vigor_rs.html

sd5500, i have seen those and have heard good things about them from a few people, especially concerning use by bigger guys--but, I still worry quite a bit about the paired use of spokes and the very few spokes it does have. If you break just one, that pretty much puts an end to your ride. Those spokes have to be pretty highly tensioned to keep the wheel with that few spokes strong, so if one breaks I can only imagine what it might look like.... Tacos, anyone? Anyone else out there have any first hand experience with these?

Jeff

My new wheel for the same problem will be ready on Monday. Record 36 hole hub mated to Mavic Open Pro rim. 14/15 spokes. The present rear wheel on my bike is 32 hole and was fine when I weighted 180, but after 5 years of use and 220 lbs, it can't take it anymore. Even at 180 when i was racing, I would start to break spokes after about two years of use. Of course I used to put a lot more miles on my equipment. Again, the skill of the wheel builder is very important.

I agree w/ the Mavic CXP33 as I have settled for these in my search for durable wheels. Mine are mounted on DT Hugi hub for the front and Campangnolo Record rear. Both are 32H using DT double butted aero spokes.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by martin_j001
Hi, I was wondering if anyone out there has had good experiences with any particular wheels and is also a heavier rider. I weight about 230lbs and haven't had the worst luck, but I would like to think there is something out there that looks nice, doesn't weight a ton, and will still work for us big guys.
My current wheels are:

Mavic Open Pro, D/A hubs, 32spoke 14/15 (these seem to need some adjustment about every month if I ride them a lot)

Velocity Deep V, 105 hubs, 32 spoke 14 (not many problems at all, except weight)

I topped 300lbs when I started riding last year (after 20 years out of the saddle. My wheels are CXP33s on Daytona hubs (pre-loved), 32h F&R, triple crosssed, tied and soldered. The weigh in about 1650gr. I get them retensioned every 6 months but otherwise don't have to touch them. I'm now 250lb and the hubs are past their best so I'm having some new wheels built with CXP30s and King hubs, lacing yet to be determined. You're pushing past the upper limits of most factory wheels. I'd stick with a solid, conventional custom wheel built to suit you until you're at least 30-40lb lighter.

I have looked at all the Ksyriums, VeloMax, Rolf Prima, etc and like them, but am not interested in buying them just to see if they will stand up to the abuse I can dish out on wheels. Any advice? Thanks.

Jeff

I think quality build has the most to do with it. A well built well should not break spokes IMHO. Broken spokes are an indication of poor wheel building. Spokes don't break because of load or harsh riding. Try to break a spoke like most break at the bend. They break because of repetitive stress fatigue. Like bending a wire back and forth till it breaks. If wheel the wheel is built correctly than the load get distributed and it limits this fatigue. More spokes equals more distribution so even less of a chance. That said a well made 28 will outlast a poor 36 in my experience. I'll add that I'm 6'4" and currently 220 lbs. I have had wheels that I have ridden for 15 years without a break and wheels that I rode for 500 miles with multiple breaks. The bike shop will say it must be my riding style not wanting to admit a problem. So how come this 15 year old wheel with 10,000 miles on it never broke down? That wheel by the way is a campagnolo high flange on a weinemen rim 6 speed that I rode from high school till two years ago when the frame it was one rusted through. I'm 40 years I'll add. So find someone who will build you the best wheel and stand by what he or she does.