So I’m not a small guy. 6’3” 260. I’ve logged several hundred miles on the stock wheels that came with my salsa journeyer. It’s a fun bike (came from a surly ecr to this for some speed and quickness) and I felt amazing during the race yesterday. Unfortunately I broke a spoke and my rear wheel was done for the day. I could feel my wheel getting more and more wobbly and I wasn’t going to send that down any more big rock laden hills. There were some pretty alarming creaking noises coming from down there. Was a very frustrating way to end 27 miles. At least there was beer 😅
This wheel is machine built and has been problematic since day 1. I’ve retrued it 4 times before it finally held. It’s also a cheap wtb i23 so rather than feel grouchy I didn’t get to finish I’m using this as an excuse to upgrade. Retail therapy.
I’m thinking onyx vesper hubs because I like quiet bikes. Due to my size I’m thinking of sticking with 32h wheels and probably avoiding carbon wheels (haven’t seen any 32h wheels in brands I’ve looked at) but gosh darn it, carbon wheels look pretty. Any suggestions or ideas are very welcome.
For what it’s worth I’m running tubeless and inserts and would prefer to stay that way.
by Beautiful-Wonder8711
9 Comments
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I’ve put probably 6k miles on a set of DT Swiss G1800’s after being unsatisfied with a set of stock wheels (also using the wtb i23 rims). Th DT Swiss ones have been great, not issues at all. I’m also pretty close to the same size as you.
Roval Terra C’s quite nice and on sale! DT hubs and traditional J bend spokes:
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https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roval-terra-c-wheelset/p/200004?color=321266-200004&searchText=30021-4900
Dt makes some rims that are more in the trekking category, they have a higher weight limit on them, honestly the names change so often it’s hard to know which ones but their site will usually have good info
The most recommended seem to be Velocity Cliffhangers
I switched to Velocity Cliffhanger after having similar issues
https://www.velocityusa.com/product/rims/cliff-hanger-622
6-5, 260 here. I can’t untrue my campagnolo shamal road wheels after about 3,000 miles. Makes me want their gravel wheels.
I’ve also heard good things about heds.
I’m a fan of hand built wheels (vs pre-built wheel sets). I’ve been digging Velocity rims, high quality double butted spokes, 32 hole, 3x pattern. Oynx hubs are cool- I don’t care for the way they feel, personally, but I’ve heard the Vesper versions have failure problems.
Had this discussion with my LBS dude that is a killer wheel builder. Over 215# myself so not “light”
We landed on velocity hubs with the ss blunt hoops, 650B
Literally they have been bombproof
Think carefully about this. Don’t be swayed by pretty, go for quality, built for purpose, and longevity. You’re a biggish guy so 36 spokes will be better than 32. Eyeletted rims. 2 or preferably 3-cross. And here’s the bit I’m gonna get folks saying is rubbish but actually will give you a reliable long lasting wheel, lower spoke tension than is normal. If you go for normal or high tensioned spokes then you’re likely to overload components, so it’s important to get someone that understands lower spoke tension for heavier riders to build your wheels. Your hub choice is nice, just choose any quality rim with eyelets.