Looking for some more durable disc compatible wheels.

[TheRedEyeJedi]

Hi,

Does anyone have a recommendation for some 700c 6 bolt disc brake compatible wheels with minimum of 32 spokes please?   

Strength and reliability is more important than weight, although I would also like to keep weight down to a the minimum required obviously.   I have a 'sprinters body' and the mavic aksium one disc that came with my Genesis Equilibrium disc are constantly needing truing and have today bust a spoke.   They are 28 spoke and I have done almost 5000 miles on them this year including Lejog (with luggage) so they owe me nothing.  The mavics also have a weird way of fixing in the hub end which makes them incredibly difficult to true without a specialist tool. 

On my other non disc bikes I run Spa cycles hand built 36 spoke wheel sets which are bombproof - before I ring Spa up I just wondered if anyone has any good recommendations elsewhere?

My current thinking is that the Spa hand built Shimano XT disc 6 bolt wheels with 36 spoke for around £220 delivered will take some beating?  Im willing to pay more for a significant upgrade but so far I cant find a good alternative?

[jiberjaber]

I got some SOM+ Architype from Spa, 32 front on a dynamo and 36 rear.  The 36 rear was lighter than the rear that originally came with my CdF.  They've been bomb proof so far and were built in a day and with me the day after I ordered.  So in summary - I don't think you can go wrong with the Spa ones

[Brucey]

a wheelset that has lasted 5000 miles owes you nothing? Blimey!

FWIW I agree a decent set of handbuilt wheels is probably the way to go. If they were for rim brakes and you carry a rear load then I'd suggest 32 front 36 rear but since they are discs 36 front and 36 rear makes most sense.

 H Plus Son Archetypes are pretty good rims for this use; they are pretty strong, and at this strength I don't think you will get any lighter in weight.

In rim brake use they seem to wear out without cracking and I have not seen any crack yet in disc use (thus far) either.

cheers

[TheRedEyeJedi]

Ta - when I say they owe me nothing ... of course I would expect wheels to last longer than 5000 miles.   Its just that got the bike cheap and knew the wheels would have to be upgraded when I got it but thought I would get some use out of them first.   When I did LEJOG I was 18 stone + full luggage and kit for 11 day tour.   Now I am 16.5 stone but last week I was carrying stuff to and from work and did 350 miles on some fairly rough roads.   In the past I have wrecked any wheels with low spoke count so I cant really blame these rims for their constant grumbling.  I took a gamble touring on them and thought they did really well to survive so I certainly woulnt knock the Mavics.

I am getting them fixed and trued by a local wheel builder today and will keep them as spares - so I havnt lost anything.   


Could anyone explain the difference to me between shimano xt, deore and SOM+ Architype?   Or are SOM+ Architype the rims, with a choice of xt, 105 or deore hubs?

edit - think I understand .... so Spa look like they offer xt or deore hubs in 6 bolt disc with the SOM+ rim, 36 spoke front and rear.    I assume xt is better than deore looking at the prices?

[fuaran]

What size tyres will you be using?
If wider tyres, maybe worth looking at mountain bike (29er) wheels, they should be stronger/tougher.

[Hot Flatus]

18 or 16 stone + luggage is a big ask on wheels.

I'd be looking at proper hand-built wheels with known brand name hubs and rims rather than anything factory, or jraSuperstar, cert, imported off the peg type stuff

[DrMekon]

I've had great experience with JRA. Not so much as a loose spoke.

[velosam]

FWIW I agree a decent set of handbuilt wheels is probably the way to go. If they were for rim brakes and you carry a rear load then I'd suggest 32 front 36 rear but since they are discs 36 front and 36 rear makes most sense.



cheers

I am intrigued why, other than because of disc brakes etc. ?

[rafletcher]

Probably because there are more forces transmitted through the spokes on a disc wheel - all the braking force has to be transferred to the rim through them.

[Torslanda]

I do wish that there was some way to communicate to fat <ahem!> larger riders the message that ultra lightweight wheels are not the answer.

Yet again, this morning, I have seen a 24 spoke Easton wheel that has pulled the spokes thru the rim. What the guy needed was a set of bomb proof 32 hole road wheels. He's ordering Shimano RS21s. 6ft and well over 16 stone I'd guess...

[TheRedEyeJedi]

I do wish that there was some way to communicate to fat <ahem!> larger riders the message that ultra lightweight wheels are not the answer.

Yet again, this morning, I have seen a 24 spoke Easton wheel that has pulled the spokes thru the rim. What the guy needed was a set of bomb proof 32 hole road wheels. He's ordering Shimano RS21s. 6ft and well over 16 stone I'd guess...

I guess the biggest issue is that hardly any off the shelf road bikes come with an option of high spoke count as standard.   I think this is especially poor on entry level bikes that are not going to be purchased by someone at race weight on average.   Your average larger, beginner rider is not going to be buying a custom bike with a choice of rims.... and for me .. I wasn't going to retire a brand new set of wheels.

Its annoying when you can purchase the solution for £200 from a great builder like Spa and that is about the same value of the wheels that are on my bike as standard.  Its even more annoying when my bike has rack mounts and is designed for light touring - such a low spoke count almost seems like a design fault.   Then again - the bike was imo exceptionally good value so I guess the assumption is you will upgrade the wheels to meet your own needs?

The answer would be for bikes to be sold minus wheels - and let you spec your own..... but I suspect the reduction in price would not be worth it for the customer.   I very much doubt Mavic charge Genesis the off the shelf price to put these wheels on all their bikes!   I do find it surprising that when you look at ribble online bike builder - they offer the choice of hundreds of wheel sets and pretty much none of them are over 30 spoke.

Thanks for the advice all..... I have spoken to spa and I think I will follow their advice and go for the xt 36 spoke with SOM+ Architype.   Been happy with these in the past and it seems like they are still the best value solution.

[Dibdib]

I do wish that there was some way to communicate to fat <ahem!> larger riders the message that ultra lightweight wheels are not the answer.

Yet again, this morning, I have seen a 24 spoke Easton wheel that has pulled the spokes thru the rim. What the guy needed was a set of bomb proof 32 hole road wheels. He's ordering Shimano RS21s. 6ft and well over 16 stone I'd guess...

Straying off topic, but as a fat lad and on the subject of Genesis I'm so glad that my Equilibrium 20 came with 105 hubs and some heavy but tough 32h Alex rims - which'll be replaced with some better hoops (probably Archetypes) when they wear out. Compared with the alternative of some cheap but bling-looking factory wheels, it seems a more sensible way to keep the cost down without giving me wheels that'll go in the bin after a few thousand miles.

[TheRedEyeJedi]

Still havnt pulled the trigger on a new set of wheels yet.

Have seen these on offer from Merlin cycles.   Does anyone have any thoughts on these or Merlin?   36 spoke, Mavic A119 rim and deore hub.

I can get the pair for £130  (which is a ton cheaper than spa).   More importantly I can get them within a few days where as spa is going to take a couple of weeks (putting a ride I have planned in danger)

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-deore-mavic-a119-disc-touring-wheel-68397.html?utm_campaign=googlebase-GB&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=Bikes+%26+Frames&ucpo=15889&gclid=CJD5mLTj1M4CFRcTGwodbUsINg

[rafletcher]

Straying off topic, but as a fat lad and on the subject of Genesis I'm so glad that my Equilibrium 20 came with 105 hubs and some heavy but tough 32h Alex rims

My equilibrium Disc 20 came with Mavic Aksium wheels with radial spokes.  Immediately swapped out for H+ Son Archetype tubeless on Miche hubs.

[Genosse Brymbo]

Please excuse thread resurrection, but I'm looking for a road disc front wheel with a 6-bolt mount and which accepts 25mm tyres.  There are a couple of references I'd like to pick up on:

...
Have seen these on offer from Merlin cycles.   Does anyone have any thoughts on these or Merlin?   36 spoke, Mavic A119 rim and deore hub.
...
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-deore-mavic-a119-disc-touring-wheel-68397.html?utm_campaign=googlebase-GB&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=Bikes+%26+Frames&ucpo=15889&gclid=CJD5mLTj1M4CFRcTGwodbUsIN

The A119 rims on those from Merlin are recommended for 28mm tyres and above.  Are there any alternatives to the Mavic Aksiums I've found at Wiggle?  http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mavic-aksium-disc-clincher-front-wheel-2016/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360778511&kpid=5360778511&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Components&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7CsU7iJKqlI_dc%7Cpcrid%7C67090789142%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cprd%7C5360778511uk

Straying off topic, but as a fat lad and on the subject of Genesis I'm so glad that my Equilibrium 20 came with 105 hubs and some heavy but tough 32h Alex rims

My equilibrium Disc 20 came with Mavic Aksium wheels with radial spokes.  Immediately swapped out for H+ Son Archetype tubeless on Miche hubs.

Anything wrong the the Aksiums?  I'm not a particularly fat lad, as a 12.5 stone 6-footer.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Radial spokes are a bloody stupid idea on disc-braked wheels. I suspect that's why he swapped them out.

[Brucey]

Radial spokes are a bloody stupid idea on disc-braked wheels.

seconded!

cheers

[MattJH]

Another vote for Just Riding Along.  I've had a couple of sets of wheels from them and they've never been less than perfect.  I had a set of non-disc road wheels built by them for my previous bike. DT Swiss 350 hubs laced to Velocity A23 rims 28 spoke 2 cross front and 32 spoke 3 cross rear. I used these for audax (including 2 SR series and LEL2013) and general riding for years.  I also used them for the full Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix cobbled sportives - they never went out of true.

I've since purchased a new bike with disc brakes and my first upgrade for this was a similar set of wheels.  DT 350 hubs again but with H Plus Sons Archetype rims.  Similar lacing patterns to the old wheels, but due to the hub availability and discs 32H F&R.  I've not used them for long audax yet but I have used them for general fitness riding on some less than perfect roads, a cobbled sportive and I've even used them for a couple of off road rides in the peaks and rides at mountain bike trail centres.  Again, even with this type of use they're nothing short of fantastic.

I've also bought my dynamo wheels from them.

I can't recommend them highly enough.  They also really easy to deal with, and if you are in the area they serve good coffee and cakes while you are waiting.. 

I agree that radial laced spokes are a stupid idea on anything other than lightweight racing bikes, and even then it debatable..

[chrisbainbridge]

If you are interested in one with a dynamo then I am selling my wheel.  It was laced by a good local wheel builder.  The rim is a Velocity A23.  The connector brick will come with it.

I have probably done a couple of thousand km on it as it was used all last winter.  I am changing my bike as i had an accident on the bike and have memories.  The new bike has through axle rather than QR.  I do not have a centre lock to 6 bolt adapter.  It has a 140mm disc on it which I can include in the set.  If you definitely want 6bolt or another size then I would remove the disc.

The rim is £52 at wiggle and the dynamo hub is about £100. The disc is about £20 as it is the shimano rotor. Going for £75  pictures here https://www.dropbox.com/sh/maez4kteca6b9j3/AAAPWD4OvlU5WiDNV3tfuxNna?dl=0

I have no idea at the moment about transporting such a wheel.  I can certainly put it in cardboard but do not have access to a specific wheel box easily. 

[recumbentim]

A bit late on this thread but you can't beat shimano 29er XT as long as you service the hubs. My winter Road and 29er favourite

[Gattopardo]

A bit late on this thread but you can't beat shimano 29er XT as long as you service the hubs. My winter Road and 29er favourite

Are they bearing or cup and cone?

[recumbentim]

Cup and cone, thats what totalled my first rear with salty Scottish roads.

[sojournermike]

Another vote for Just Riding Along.  I've had a couple of sets of wheels from them and they've never been less than perfect.  I had a set of non-disc road wheels built by them for my previous bike. DT Swiss 350 hubs laced to Velocity A23 rims 28 spoke 2 cross front and 32 spoke 3 cross rear. I used these for audax (including 2 SR series and LEL2013) and general riding for years.  I also used them for the full Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix cobbled sportives - they never went out of true.

I've since purchased a new bike with disc brakes and my first upgrade for this was a similar set of wheels.  DT 350 hubs again but with H Plus Sons Archetype rims.  Similar lacing patterns to the old wheels, but due to the hub availability and discs 32H F&R.  I've not used them for long audax yet but I have used them for general fitness riding on some less than perfect roads, a cobbled sportive and I've even used them for a couple of off road rides in the peaks and rides at mountain bike trail centres.  Again, even with this type of use they're nothing short of fantastic.

I've also bought my dynamo wheels from them.

I can't recommend them highly enough.  They also really easy to deal with, and if you are in the area they serve good coffee and cakes while you are waiting.. 

I agree that radial laced spokes are a stupid idea on anything other than lightweight racing bikes, and even then it debatable..

Completely bonkers for a disc braked wheel - the increase in spoke tension as it winds up is worrying. Presume Mavic know what they're at with the their factory wheels though.

OTOH, I built a rim braked dynamo front with 24 radial lasers as the SP hub has narrow flanges and I wanted as stiff a build as possible within the constraint of spoke count and type (accepting that the stiffness gain is pretty marginal, but I did the calculations). Also used a stiff rim, which helps a bit. I'm not sure it's necessary if the hubs used have sensible flange spacing. I was pleased to build a dynamo wheelset with 31mm deep, 25mm wide alloy rims at 1800gm - and the rear is a Hope Mono RS, so not the lightest hub out there.

Mike

[Hot Flatus]

Another vote for Just Riding Along.  I've had a couple of sets of wheels from them and they've never been less than perfect.  I had a set of non-disc road wheels built by them for my previous bike. DT Swiss 350 hubs laced to Velocity A23 rims 28 spoke 2 cross front and 32 spoke 3 cross rear. I used these for audax (including 2 SR series and LEL2013) and general riding for years.  I also used them for the full Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix cobbled sportives - they never went out of true.

I've since purchased a new bike with disc brakes and my first upgrade for this was a similar set of wheels.  DT 350 hubs again but with H Plus Sons Archetype rims.  Similar lacing patterns to the old wheels, but due to the hub availability and discs 32H F&R.  I've not used them for long audax yet but I have used them for general fitness riding on some less than perfect roads, a cobbled sportive and I've even used them for a couple of off road rides in the peaks and rides at mountain bike trail centres.  Again, even with this type of use they're nothing short of fantastic.

I've also bought my dynamo wheels from them.

I can't recommend them highly enough.  They also really easy to deal with, and if you are in the area they serve good coffee and cakes while you are waiting.. 

Those are proper hand-built wheels.

I really had in mind the own branded stuff pumped out by new companies. Might have been confusing JRA with Superstar.  I agree that JRA know what they are doing. Not used their wheels, but I have spoken with them and it was enough to make me consider them a serious professional outfit.


(I'll edit my earlier post)

[chrisbainbridge]

I have had a set of carbon wheels on DTSwiss 240 rims from Michael Conway.  they are light and stiff but take a 28mm tubeless tyre easily.  I absolutely love them.  They feel light and spin up nicely in my very amateur opinion.  Superb service from Mike.