Decent wheels by post

aesmith · Post by **aesmith** » 1 Apr 2008, 9:11am

Hi,

I'm going to need a set of decent light touring type wheels, something that will take 700 x 25 tyres and not be too fragile. They'll need Shimano compatible hubs.

I don't like the look of the various Shimano or Mavic ready-made wheels, as they only seem to have 20 or so spokes.

I've looked at the options from Ribble, Spa, SJS, and to be honest I'm getting a bit lost because each place I look uses different rims. I would appreciate some opinions on firstly the relative suitability of Mavic Open Sport vs Sun CR18 vs Rigida Chrina rims. And secondly on whether I should be looking elsewhere either to a supplier I'm not aware of, or for a different rim.

Thanks in advance,

Tony S

Steve · Post by **Steve** » 1 Apr 2008, 9:31am

I have had two pairs of wheels from Spa with Rigida Chrina rims, 36 hole on Shimano hubs, which I would have no hesitation in recommending for light touring - I use them with 23 & 28 mm tyres. The rims don't last forever but then I'd like to see some that do...

NewHorizon · Post by **NewHorizon** » 1 Apr 2008, 10:48am

Paul Hewitt or BikePlus will build wheels to your spec - talk it through with them and trust to their expertise to come up with a suitable solution. I've read nothing but good about Spa's wheels, the wider rim version is very heavy, but the lighter ones seem ok weight wise.

Kentish Man · Post by **Kentish Man** » 5 Apr 2008, 11:10pm

I've had four wheels from Spa and have been very pleased with the advice, service and quality received.

reohn2 · Post by **reohn2** » 6 Apr 2008, 12:00am

Likewise Spa cycles

johhnyP · Post by **johhnyP** » 13 Apr 2008, 3:41pm

I can also recommend Spa Cycles. I use Chrina rims on Ultegra hubs with 25mm tyres for commuting in London. I discussed with the wheel builder who had spent many years doing the same, and he was confident that they would put up with the potholes of London streets without having the weight of the sputnik rims. He was right, and so I have ordered another pair to put on my Hetchins restoration project :-)

Dave Yates now offers a custom wheel building service, and has some interesting information on his website, at http://www.daveyatescycles.co.uk/

Cunobelin · Post by **Cunobelin** » 13 Apr 2008, 8:47pm

I would also recommend Spa Cycles.

I had a rear wheel built for my recumbent and it has been faultless.

Ring them up and discuss your requirements