Well after having broken 5 spokes in the last 4 weeks (3 in one shot), I’ve decided to venture into looking for some new, quality wheels. After most of my research, I’ve narrowed it down to two - Ksyrium Elite and Bontrager Race Lite. I go about 205 lbs. these days, so I’m looking for sturdy. I’m not a weight weenie, so that is moot. I just want something that I can feel confident in when I’m headed uphill. If y’all feel that there is something better around that price point, or less, feel free to sound off.
If you want a wheel that is tough as nails, look at the Ksyrium SSC SL. I am going on three years with these, and they are still true. You will not break a spoke climbing on these. Period.
People will rip on it for being overpriced and heavy, but they meet my needs perfectly for training and some racing.
Another option would be to have someone build you some wheels - 32 spokes in the rear, 28 in the front, with the Sapim CX Ray spokes laced to a Velocity Deep V and the hub of your choice.
I’ve had both the Ksyrium Elites and the Bontrager Race-X Lites… the Ksyriums (IMO) were the tougher more durable wheel, I wanted a solid training wheel so I sold the Bontragers and kept the Ksyriums. I’ve been riding them for 2 years now and have not had to true them yet. I jsut purcahsed a new bike that came with the newer (silver) Ksyriums which are also sweet wheels. I am 165 lbs and pretty light on gear but I do ride in al lconditions, rain, snow, etc and the Ksyriums have never let me down.
At 205 lbs. I would put you on 32 spoke Mavic Open Pros with 14/15 DB DT spokes laced to either a Shimano or Campy hub that matches the rest of you group. It might not be what you want to hear but at your size you don’t belong on low spoke count wheels for anything other than racing.
My “newest” set of wheels are 36 hole Chorus crossed 4 on Open Pros 14 ga spokes. Available at 2/3 the cost of fancy wheels and the local shop can build um and true them as needed. I worry about my low spoke count wheels, if a spoke breaks the wheel may be so out of round it is unrideable. In my almost 40 years of riding, I have had to be “rescued” twice. One time was in an ER visit vs car. The other was when I broke a Rolf spoke on a rear wheel, the rest of the times I rode em home.
I’m not quite as big as you, 178 at my heaviest, but I do ride on some pretty crappy roads at times. I’ve had fantastic experience with the Velomax Circuits. They are reasonably priced and have been absolutely bombproof. I’ve heard the same for the Ksyriums.
Well after having broken 5 spokes in the last 4 weeks (3 in one shot), I’ve decided to venture into looking for some new, quality wheels.
Instead, what you should be looking for is a new, quality wheelbuilder. A well-built wheel will not break spokes. Your wheels were built poorly.
I have approx. 3000 miles on my Bontrager Race Lites. I’m 190 lbs. The wheels have been bomb-proof. I train on rough roads. I hit a (very) deep pothole during Gulf Coast 1/2 IM last year. Sheared one of my aerobar armrests off, but did no damage to the front wheel. Didn’t even need to true the wheel. I use the Bontragers on my LeMond Zurich.
Dura-ace/record hubs
Mavic Open Pro Rims
32 hole
3 cross
light and super sturdy. Very servicable. Plus you’ll save a few bucks.
Ditto…that is what I train on 99.9999% of the time…they have over 25k on them and I dont think have ever been trued…Record, Wheelsmith, Spoke Prep, Tensiometer build up…and damn near as light as my Campy wheels (lighter than the Shamals)