OK, I’ve put on some weight. I’m up to 220 lbs, but I found a good deal on a wheelset that I couldn’t pass up ($100). How robust/durable do you think this set is for training?
Rims: Mavic GEL 280
Front Hub: Coda
Rear Hub: DA 7850
Spokes 28 DT Rev spokes laced 2X
Weight: 1350-1400g
I guess I’d just like to avoid crash due to a busted rim/spokes or something like that.
Thanks for your opinions!
Nice wheels, but the GEL 280s were considered race day rims in their day. Especially for the rear.
I don’t think anyone ever used the word “robust” to describe a set of wheels built with GEL280 rims. I had a set of GEL280s in the late 80s that I used in road races with a lot of climbing. I weighed about 140 at the time and I thought they were a bit flexy. They were built with regular double-butted spokes, DT comps or whatever the equivalent of that era was. I can’t imagine how much they’d give when built with DT revs. At 220 pounds these wheels are probably going to feel like a wet noodle.
Also, I’m not sure if you have the wheels already, but I hope you know that GEL280s are tubulars, not clinchers. If you are looking for a set of wheels for training, you could probably find a much better set for not a lot more money.
I don’t think anyone ever used the word “robust” to describe a set of wheels built with GEL280 rims. I had a set of GEL280s in the late 80s that I used in road races with a lot of climbing. I weighed about 140 at the time and I thought they were a bit flexy. They were built with regular double-butted spokes, DT comps or whatever the equivalent of that era was. I can’t imagine how much they’d give when built with DT revs. At 220 pounds these wheels are probably going to feel like a wet noodle.
Also, I’m not sure if you have the wheels already, but I hope you know that GEL280s are tubulars, not clinchers. If you are looking for a set of wheels for training, you could probably find a much better set for not a lot more money.
Yeah, agreed on all of the above. I bought em off craigslist in a monent of weekness although I knew it was silly to buy em at the time I did it anyway. Maybe they will go to the classifieds or ebay. Thanks
$100 is real cheap for that wheelset. You could take them apart and probably sell the rims for that if they’re in good shape. Also, the 7850 rear hub would probably fetch a good amount of eBay if it’s in good shape also.
good point, didn’t think of that but i’d rather use em as trade or just pass a good deal along to someone else.
In classified now for sale or trade.