Source for lightweight 20" wheels

[Rob Archer]

I'm planning on getting a set of lighter wheels for my Streetmachine GT for commuting and fast, local rides. The back wheels no problem with plenty of choice but there seems to be a dearth of quality, affordable 20" wheels. I've looked at spare front wheels for Dahon folders but they have a shorter axle than the norm.

My other option is to build a front wheel myself, but I haven't found muvh in the way of rims either.

Any tips or experience?

[[XAP]Bob]

I bought new rims from ICE.

Not sure that they'd qualify as lightweight...

When building remember to check dish...

[Geriatrix]

I used Alex rims (32 spoke) to build my front wheel but these are the standard issue rims with HP Velotechnik so I don't know if you are looking for lighter rims. I found spokes harder to source but that was probably because the dynohub resulted in awkward sizes.

[squeaker]

Alex DA16 from Bikefix or various at Recumbentparts (need to ask about weights)?

[UpWrong]

AZUB do some really bling wheels. Not cheap though, and I'm having problems accssing their page at the moment.

[UpWrong]

The AZUB wheels are all aluminium (rims, spokes and nipples) with aero spokes. Very bling. http://www.azub.eu/CZ/r-a-w-wheelsets/

[wjvh]

You can get wheels made to your spec by Dylan Thomas (seriously) in York, http://www.yourspokes.co.uk . He made me a new 20 inch drum brake wheel, did it in two days for me (I nagged him for a quick turn around) and he even met me at the station so that he could hand it to me as my train passed through and saved me the p&p. Price was VERY good. Alternatively, you could buy my spare 20 inch front wheel, rim-brake (not set up for a disc brake). Deore HB-M510 hub and Alex DA16 rims, quick release skewer. Light weight, used but in good condition and true and rims are fine. £25. I can p&p for a tenner, or you can collect for no charge (DH2 3TG). wjvh@btinternet.com
Picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wjvh/85899 ... hotostream