Wheelsets

NewDIrt said:

HI,
I got a question?
I am new to this sport, fell in love with it a little late in life, bought me a Cannondale Jekyll, the LBS recommended to me a new wheelset to handle my weight (260lbs), I was wondering what is the difference's between a inexpensive verses top of the line? I am thinking about getting something descent, and dependable, any suggestions?
Thanks
NewDirt!

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Mostly, as you go up in price, the lighter/stronger/more stable/spiffier they get. If you're riding cross country/trail riding, I wouldn't worry about the wheelset too much early on, unless you plan on hammering through rock gardens at high speed or doing drops. Just keep an eye on them, and keep the spoke tension up. If the spokes start making noise, get them serviced. It's easy to find strong cheap wheels, but they are usually heavy. You may not care at your weight.

The thing is, if you got a Jeckyl with a Lefty fork, you're in for a super specific front wheel. You have to get it built up with the C'Dale special hub.

You can get wheelsets that are better for clydesdales, beefier spokes and more of them, like a 36 spoke wheel as opposed to a regular 32 spoke. You can also go with beefier rims, like RhynoLites. These options add weight, but they will last longer.

Also, machine built wheels tend to be cheaper than hand built, but a well made hand built wheel generally lasts longer.

Right on about taking up the sport. Keep it up!

NewDIrt said:

HI,
I got a question?
I am new to this sport, fell in love with it a little late in life, bought me a Cannondale Jekyll, the LBS recommended to me a new wheelset to handle my weight (260lbs), I was wondering what is the difference's between a inexpensive verses top of the line? I am thinking about getting something descent, and dependable, any suggestions?
Thanks
NewDirt!

Click to expand...

As the guys below have stated you should be OK on most wheel setups, as long as you are not doing anything really abusive to 'em. But a custom wheelset will let you have a few important benefits.

The parts will normally be better.
A custom wheelset lets you dictate where the parts are important to you. If you abuse rear wheels you can choose 36 spokes, or beefier spokes and rims. A wheelbuilder will talk with you and help ya decide what will work best for ya.
The wheels will be professionally built. This is often the most important part. A well built wheel of just about any level of parts is often superior to a stock wheelset because those are normally machine built and don't always have equal, and adequate tension in the spokes. A well built wheel is a wonderful thing.

As an example I purchased an aftermarket wheel years ago from a well known mail order house and it needed truing almost every week. That got expensive, fast. I bought a hand built wheel from a local shop and I'm still riding that one. This is about 4 years running now. Parts were similar in both wheels.

JmZ