Sputnik or Chrina?

DaveP · Post by **DaveP** » 24 Feb 2009, 10:26am

Its time, now the salt has about disappeared, to get some proper wheels for my Thorn Audax.
The max tyre size I can use with mudguards is 28mm. I have no particular desire to go smaller, 'cos I value my comfort rather than speed and anyway I'm no lightweight. :oops:

The intended use is local exploration and day trips, with a credit card tour in the summer.
The Spa offering of XT hubs with Sputnik rims is often recommended in these pages, but I noticed that 28mm is the lower limit for the Sputnik rim, and The upper limit for the lighter Chrina.
Which would work best with a 28mm tyre?

pioneer · Post by **pioneer** » 24 Feb 2009, 10:55am

I'm glad you asked that Dave because I'm in exactly the same quandary!

Have currently got a DRC ST19 on the rear with a 32mil tyre but it's quite a harsh ride.I think that 32mil is the lower limit for this rim.
I prefer a slightly narrower rim and then have more of a tyre cushioning effect.

Will await responses with interest.

CREPELLO · Post by **CREPELLO** » 24 Feb 2009, 11:16am

I would be inclined to go for the Chrina rim. It sounds more suited to the sort of riding you're proposing and I wouldn't be undulely concerned about weight. It largely depends on how well tensioned the wheels are.

I have Endevour rims on my Galaxy (same as Sputnik, just the old name) and they are strong, I mean really strong and heavy to boot. The sort you would use on a world tour. There is no need to opt for these unless you intend to go kitchen sink touring. For my other bike I opted for the DRC STouring rims which seemed like a more versatile rim for the 28-32mm section tyres I usually use.

Jerry

AndyB · Post by **AndyB** » 24 Feb 2009, 11:18am

I've no experience of the Chrina, but I do have the Sputnik (from Spa). It's fine for 32mm, but I thought it was too wide for 28mm. The tyres I tried were oldish Panaracer Pasela TG, which actually measure about 25mm if I remember correctly; true 28mm might be okay. Either way, if you aren't going to put more than 28s on, and don't need a super strong wheel, I'd go for the Chrina.

MartinC · Post by **MartinC** » 24 Feb 2009, 1:42pm

The theoretical answer is that the Chrina will give you a more compliant ride. The tyre sidewalls will have a nice curved profile. On the Sputnik because the tyre section is closer to the rim width the tyre walls will be straighter and there won't be as much give in the tyre. Assumes tyre pressures are the same.

Whether you'd notice this difference is another thing.

Other factors. The Chrina seems to have a good reputation and is certainly a standard choice for an Audax type bike. It'll be lighter than the Sputnik if this matters. I don't know if you can find out if the sidewalls are thinner. Normally you get better braking from calipers on narrow rims than you do from wide, again whether this will be noticeable or not I don't know.

zenzinnia · Post by **zenzinnia** » 24 Feb 2009, 1:58pm

I've ot a brand new set of Sputniks just recently to replace some Endeavours. I'm using 28mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins and am having problems with them not fitting properly (there's a thread somewhere) - as though the tyre is too small and pulling itself extra taught over one section of the circumference and making the tyre sit lower at that bit. It all makes for a bit of a bouncy ride. I don't know if this is cos the Sputnks are a bit big as they have a much deeper rim than many others or just an odd incompatability. If you are getting new wheels from SPA on-line it might be just worth asking them to pop some tyres on and check it's all OK before sending them.

hubgearfreak · Post by **hubgearfreak** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:07pm

i've built wheels with both, and the chinras are fine with 28&32
the sputniks are on a 29er, 54mmwide

deliquium · Post by **deliquium** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:09pm

Mavic Open Sport? 15mm internal width. I use them with 28mm Marathons.

robwa10 · Post by **robwa10** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:17pm

Dave I myself built up a Thorn MK3 this Christmas. I use Chrina rims on Deore hubs with 28 Gatorskins for very similar uses as you've said. I commute with two panniers and then use it for my rides out. The chrina are top notch and I've had no problems with them yet. Even with my Conti's at about 110psi the ride is still pretty nice. I would say go for the Chrina's.
However I remember on an earlier part of that thread there was some discussion about whether 32mm tyres would fit. I keep meaning to try it on mine with the wheels off my tourer. I'll try it today or tomorrow since I'm off on paternity leave right now.

DaveP · Post by **DaveP** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:41pm

Thats it - I'm convinced!

Thanks especially to Martin for explaining the theory. I agree that the difference could be insignificant in practice - but its still nice to feel that one has made the right choice!

And thanks to Robwa for the personal endorsement, and the link - I'd forgotten that Reohn2 said that...
I wonder what he's doing right now?
Come on back - its time to get your knees brown!

gbnz · Post by **gbnz** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:46pm

I'd go for the Chrinas, it's much ligter than the Sputnik. I've carried 120kg over distance without a problem, though having a more heavily spoked rear wheel helps (36 on mine)

Rigida were stating a 25mm tyre was the maximum width that'd fit on the rim, though Spa state up to 28mm. That said, Mavic state a 32mm tyre can be used on the Open Sport rim, despite it only being an extra 1.5mm in internal rim width (15mm as opposed to 13.5mm). I've used 28mm tyres and would consider 30mm to be quite ok, though then side walls would presumably deteriate more quickly

Tom Richardson · Post by **Tom Richardson** » 24 Feb 2009, 2:59pm

Sputniks are also quite heavy. I've got one on a rear wheel but only use it for touring because its noticeably heavy while riding (unless youre carrying weight when it don't make much difference). I wouldn't get one to use with a 28mm tyre.

I use mavic open pros like deliquium, with 32mm tyres for general riding and 23mm tyres on my audax bike. Chrinas have a good reputation but theyre quite narrow - too narrow for 32mm tyres. Open pros are a nice and light, good size and seem to be durable enough - I've had no problems with them so far.

(with apologies for duplication with above!!)

pioneer · Post by **pioneer** » 24 Feb 2009, 3:17pm

That's interesting. So, you can put 32's on a Chrina (re' Hubbers post).

I did have the same 32mil tyres on a Mavic MA3 (in fact the front wheel still is) and though I believe it isn't recommended, it works fine and gives a very comfy ride.
(The tyres are Hutchinson Globetrotters and if I can find any more,I'll buy them!).

NewHorizon · Post by **NewHorizon** » 24 Feb 2009, 3:56pm

pioneer wrote:Have currently got a DRC ST19 on the rear with a 32mil tyre but it's quite a harsh ride.I think that 32mil is the lower limit for this rim.
I prefer a slightly narrower rim and then have more of a tyre cushioning effect.

DRC's site has been borked for ages, so its hard to check with that. However, some while ago Chris Juden commented on this forum;
"The optimum rim width, for tyres of 28 or 32mm section, is 15 to 17mm between flanges. Mavic used to make some rims like that, but have recently allowed a yawning gap to appear in their 700C product range: between the racing rims – all about 13mm between flanges – and the 19mm rims that go better with 37mm or wider "trekking" tyres. Granted, you can also fit a 28 or 32mm on these, but they won't roll as smoothly or give as much comfort as they ought to. Unfortunately: many shops find it convenient not to stock any other brand of rim than Mavic, and foist one extreme or the other onto the occasional tourist who dares to darken their door!

But if you (and your wheelbuilder) are prepared to consider other brands, there are still a few 17mm rims about. Perhaps the best currently available is model ST19, made by DRC."

So I would say 32 is just right for the DRC ST19, certainly not the lower limit. I'm running 32's on mine, and was told when I bought them they they would run up to 38's without a problem.

deliquium · Post by **deliquium** » 24 Feb 2009, 4:25pm

"The optimum rim width, for tyres of 28 or 32mm section, is 15 to 17mm between flanges. Mavic used to make some rims like that, but have recently allowed a yawning gap to appear in their 700C product range: between the racing rims – all about 13mm between flanges – and the 19mm rims that go better with 37mm or wider "trekking" tyres.

Mavic do make the Open Sport which is 15mm between flanges