Wheels for my new frame

[dev null]

I need help selecting some wheels for my new frame.

 

I returned to cycling after being gone for a long time. So I got myself a decent frame (BMC SLX01) for a very good price and I need to get some wheels for it. Currently doing research on what to get, as it would be in my Feb budget. I will probably have to get back into the road cycling slowly, so the wheels will mostly be used for training. I am only looking at doing some races late in 2011.

 

I am planning in spending at most R4000 on the wheels, and have on my shortlist at the moment:

 

- Easton EA50

- Mavic Aksium

- Alexrims ??

- Shimano ??

 

Please advise. I will probably use a combination of SRAM Red/Force. I am 1.82cm tall and my weight is 78kg.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Edited December 30, 2010 by Moridin

[Edge_Design]

They're obviously less well known than the wheels you are looking at, but how about a set of Edge alu. wheels https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/73819-edge-goodies/ The SLR200's weigh 1360g and the SLR300's are 1490g, both are less than R3k. They use standard Sapim or DT Swiss spokes so are easily repairable and are on par with EA90SLX's weightwise (retail for about R9k I think). I also include a standard 2 year warranty with them and have spare rims, hubs and freehub bodies available if the need arises.

 

I'm currently riding a set of SLR200's with my SRAM Red and they are awesome. Had 3 people in my DC team on them and all loving them... I weigh 85kg's.

 

Otherwise rather have a set custom built at R4k, will get much better value for money than buying factory wheels like the ones you mentioned.

[dev null]

Thanks for the advice. Will add to my list. I see you are also around in the flippin windy place they call the Cape.

 

I wasn't aware that you could actually build up your own wheels. All new stuff to me. My last roadbike was a Western Flyer. Things have changed.

Edited December 30, 2010 by Moridin

[Edge_Design]

Thanks for the advice. Will add to my list. I see you are also around in the flippin windy place they call the Cape.

 

I wasn't aware that you could actually build up your own wheels. All new stuff to me. My last roadbike was a Western Flyer. Things have changed.

 

Luckily i've been injured so haven't had to venture out into the wind for a few weeks! Factory built wheels generally are a lot more flashy and get you more street cred, but a well built set of wheels (you buy rims, hubs, spokes) will give you much better value for money and (if built by a good wheel builder) can be a lot more reliable in most cases.

 

There are also a few great deals on CRC at the moment like Dura Ace 7850 wheels for just over R5k (incl. VAT) or for something cheaper, Fulcrum Racing 5's will be about R2,400... Lots of other wheels there, for custom wheels, Mavic Open Pro rims, Ultegra hubs, DT Comp spokes will cost you about R3k + building costs here (those should last you a lifetime, very solid build)... Lots of ideas there and I'm sure many hubbers will be able to give you some more info on good builds, but will be much better than the wheels you listed IMHO.