Why build a set of wheels when you can get much better wheelsets commercially?
Wheels have evolved to the point where you can no longer make a hand made wheel as light as a company with more resources can design and build a wheel. The high end of the custom wheel market uses carbon rims that are not generally available to hand builders. I would not recommend carbon rims for what you want to do, you should stick with metal clichers.
The problem with a really light wheel set is you have to save grams somewhere. The hub and the spokes are two good places to do this. The problem with really light metal spokes is they tend to break. Also reducing the spoke count produces a lighter wheel, but also a more fragile one. Losing weight on the hubs is good, but weight on the outside of the wheel gives more bang for the buck, hence carbon rims.
I have been riding a pair of Topolino clinchers since mid summer and have been extremely happy with them. They are strong and stiff, yet more comfortable than metal spoked wheels, since the carbon spokes absorb road vibrations. At 1390 grams, they are the lightest metal clinchers you will find. Reynolds makes a pair of carbon clinchers at 1350 grams, but they have to drastically reduce the spoke count to get there, and you still have a carbon rim to deal with.
I use the Topos as an every day wheel and they are still perfectly true. Since they are so light, it makes a big difference in my hill climbing ability. I recommend them for what you are looking for. A very nice where.
|
Previous
Thread Index
Next
Flat
Re: custom wheels...off topic
Edit
Reply
Quote
