[loiblb]

My Allez came with the Alex DA16 wheelset. Sofar I have been lucky. No issues.

[froze]

Originally Posted by 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

The Aksium's are not a light weight wheelset; but other forums have reported people weighing in your range riding them ok. Personally I would be a bit worried riding a bike with such low spoke count with 235 pounds on them, in fact I'm not so sure I would ride them with my weight of 160! But that's just me. They are very inexpensive wheelset, but I think you should look into a 36 hole rim and not even a 32 as another poster mentioned.

The following is what poster ZenCyclery was referring to and I agree full heartily.

This site CUSTOM HAND BUILT BICYCLE WHEELS Built By Professionals - Prowheelbuider.com Has the details, start by clicking on custom wheels, then click on aero/road/cross, then enter in the questions it asks, click wheelset, then click Kinlin. I would use 36 hole rim and hub (either Shimano 105 or Velocity-these are lighter and both are close to the same price) along with DT Competition spokes with brass nipples, laced either 3 or 4 cross, Probuilder recommends 4 cross for your weight.

Those wheels will be about $100 more then the Mavic but they would be bomb proof. I'm not sure if you can find those wheels for less somewhere else, but ProWheelbuilders has had a good reputation.

[rola643]

JSC1616 Last Activity: 04-21-2010, Maybe they will be back and look at all this good info.

[froze]

Originally Posted by rola643

JSC1616 Last Activity: 04-21-2010, Maybe they will be back and look at all this good info.

That was a waste of time! I think someone did that on purpose, and since ZenCyclery was the first to restart this post the question arises WHY?

[Weav]

I have found that a thread isn't always just for the OP, but often times it's more useful for the next guy who comes along seeking similar advice.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by rola643

JSC1616 Last Activity: 04-21-2010, Maybe they will be back and look at all this good info.

Originally Posted by Weav

I have found that a thread isn't always just for the OP, but often times it's more useful for the next guy who comes along seeking similar advice.

Agreed.

[SerottaLegend58]

I would call Ergott Wheels or Peter White Cycles and discuss your needs. Otherwise I would go with Mavic Open Pro or CXP33 or similar heavy duty rim and 32fr/36 rear spokes. Also consider using stronger spokes on the rear driveside. Colorado Cyclist may be the firm someone else was referring and that is an excellent recommendation as well. Mavic Aksium or good solid training wheels but I am not knowledge enough about them to comment whether they would be sufficient for your weight.

[SerottaLegend58]

Velocity Deep V is a very strong rim also. It is what I have front and back. I would have went with Fusion for the front but none were available at the time I needed a wheel built to replace an Aerohead that cracked.