Spare wheelset recommendations, big rider (2 bills)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Grosenbach on November 4, 2013 at 7:45pm

Tough requirements! I'm not sure that the cheap used disc 'cross wheel exists yet. I would sell you my Velocity disc pair for $300 but they are way out of true and 130mm rear.

Cole has a disc CX wheelset. What's your budget?

http://www.cole-products.com/pages/product_details.php?ids=50

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nathan Masek on November 5, 2013 at 8:30am

Yeah, I'm basically looking for what to avoid.  I actually have a set of Iron Cross wheels now for the race setup.  I taco'd the front wheel on my second ride, but afterward my wheel guy has a put a bit more tension on the laceup (+1 lbs all around). It was too bad that I had already dropped bank on the set, otherwise I may have gone another route.  After a bit of dial in with tires, pressures, etc, I think now they are going to be solid.  It wasn't until I researched on the Stan's forum that I found that they have a 45psi max, and a 200lbs rider max......living on the edge I guess but I may put them up for sale once I find a different wheelset. 

Thanks for the advice and feedback. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nathan Masek on November 5, 2013 at 8:20pm

'Just got back from a night cross......got home and started to wash the bike and found the rear spokes loose as goose. Homme's taking the Iron Cross wheels back!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Wood on November 5, 2013 at 9:31pm

So is there a consensus that Iron Cross wheels come badly built? I just got a new set and am about to do my first race Saturday... I'm 180lb... gulp. One thing else I was expecting a 10spd hub but I think mine is 11spd - I put a surly spacer kit on anyways but thinking if I ever do gears I've got the wrong wheel. It was not clear where I bought it it was going to be 11spd. 

Maybe I should be preemptive and take them to a shop to tighten them up a bit?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nathan Masek on November 6, 2013 at 9:21pm

So, after a bit of consideration and this discussion, I think I'm going to stop messing around and go with a Mavic Crossmax 29 wheel for the rear. I'll probably run the Iron Cross front for the rest of the season to allow the funds to replenish, then I'll probably get a Crossmax front.
Mike, you should be ok with them if you have them locktited, or do it yourself. But like Chad is right and you might want to reconsider them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Wood on November 6, 2013 at 9:55pm

I'll check my spokes and trueness tomorrow. I've got three good rides on them so far. I ride single speed so do put some heft on them. Will expand my wheel search to include 29ers. I also saw some 26mm wide rim ones.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Wood on November 8, 2013 at 10:03am

My wheels say "Comp" which are the cheaper/heavier ones with higher spoke count at least! 195lb max rider. The "Pro" are 185lb. Still a little close for my comfort (just weighed myself at 175). I just bought them as a great deal ($525 - 20%) and had read good things.  

Checked them today and they are straight still. I now have Ravens mounted instead of my Mud 2. I am going to look for another pair for training. Putting the Ravens on them is not the easiest - having a second set of wheels would be nice. I think I'll go to my LBS and see what they can build or maybe choose a well-known builder online.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nathan Masek on November 8, 2013 at 9:07pm

Mike, at 175 you should be ok.  I'd have the LBS tighten the spokes, 1 lb more than stock, then have them lock tight the nipples.

• ▶ Reply