[JSC1616]

I'm a casual rider - weekends mostly - I am looking to purchase new wheels for my Specialized - Allez, Sport. The wheels that came with the bike, new, are AlexRims - AT400. Hate'em. I weigh 235 lbs. and the wheels just can't take the beating.

Can someone recommend a good, durable, all-around wheelset for me?

I was looking at the Mavic 2009 Aksium wheelset -- I don't want to spend the money if the wheels weren't designed for a rider my size. Should I be looking at heavier wheels? If I pay more...will the wheels be more durable? What should I be looking for?

Thank you,

Jarrett

[dovitsky]

HURRICANE

the hurricane wheels are great!, super strong / light

[JSC1616]

Hey...thanks for the reply. I checked out the Hurricanes....nice wheels. I also like the fact they are American made. Any other options...maybe a little cheaper? Or, if I go cheaper will I lose the strength and durability?

Again, thanks!

[hophead]

If you want strong wheels, go with a 32 spoke set laced 3 cross and preferably with double butted spokes. You don't have to break the bank for a durable wheel set. For example, Performance has a front Ultegra/Mavic Open Pro 32h SS dbl butted on sale for 99 bucks. The matching rear is $179.

[JSC1616]

Thanks for the info. I will check those out as well.
A friend of mine suggested custom wheels from a place in Colorado...any thoughts there?

By the way...just got my hands on a case of Bells - Hopslam...love it!

Thanks!

[hophead]

Originally Posted by JSC1616

Thanks for the info. I will check those out as well.
A friend of mine suggested custom wheels from a place in Colorado...any thoughts there?

By the way...just got my hands on a case of Bells - Hopslam...love it!

Thanks!

Hand built wheels will be stronger than the same wheels built by machine. Of course, they will be a bit more spendy too.

Haven't had Hopslam yet. I'll see if they have some at my LBS.

Slainte!

[chh55]

I have a pair of Aksiums and I think they are great for the money. I don't think there is a weight limit for them. They have been bomb proof for me at 195 lbs.

[Weav]

If you want durability go with a higher spoke count like someone here mentioned. I'd go custom with someone like Zencyclery.com or Bicycle Wheel Warehouse. They will build you something that will suit your needs and be durable and easily serviced when the time comes.

[ZenCyclery]

@JSC- At your weight, you should definitely air of the side of durability. Now, this means that you may have to spend a bit more to get something that will last. But I'm sure many would agree that it is worth the hassle saved. You could go with a Kinlin XR300/White Industries setup and get no rider weight limit, easier serviceability, and a pound less in total weight.
Where something like this would really shine though would be 4 or 5 seasons down the road when they are still rolling smooth.

[Industry_Hack]

Air?