For cyclocross race-use only, I'd recommend Tubulars, hands down. They form
to the shape of the ground much better than a clincher, pinch flats are less
of a concern, and they reduce rolling resistance.
If your'e a big guy (180+), I'd recommend:
A 32-hole build, 3x front and rear (which I always recommend for 'cross),
Mavic Reflex rims (Still available, last time I checked),
Shimano hubs - anything 105 or higher (For ease of maintinence in harsh
conditions),
Double butted spokes - DT alpineIII's on the rear, if you can get 'em,
Brass nipples.
If you're a smaller rider, you can get away with DT revolution spokes and a
lower spoke count - 28, maybe 24-hole, but I'd still recommend a thicker
spoke on the rear drive-side. Sun makes an aluminum tubular rim in a
24-hole pattern, but I don't know how it holds up to the rigors of
cyclocross.
Obviously, if you have disc brakes on your cross bike you'll be limited in
your choice of hubs and hole patterns (most disc hubs only come in 32-hole).
However you could go with a lighter rim, if you can find it, since you'll
be able to put your wheel out of true during an event without having to
worry about brakes rubbing.
And Tufo makes some fantastic tubeless 'cross tires.
-Erik
a.k.a. "Gearhead"
----Original Message Follows----
From: "Paul Greenwalt"
Reply-To: "Paul Greenwalt"
To: "Erik Long"
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] The facts about fast wheels
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:26:33 -0700
Erik,
Some interesting thoughts and suggestions.
I'm starting to think about a new cyclocross...racing only wheelset. I'd be
interested to hear your option on a cyclocross wheelset...tubular vs.
clinchers, spoke count, etc.
Thanks,
Paul
----- Original Message ----- From: "Erik Long"
To:
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:52 AM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] The facts about fast wheels
>I agree with Dan. Tubulars are the way to go, but only on a "race only"
>wheelset. If you use your wheels at any time that you don't have a support
>vehicle immediately following you, flat repair will be a problem, so carry
>a
>cell-phone.
>
>-Erik
>a.k.a. "Gearhead"
>
>----Original Message Follows----
>From: "Dan H"
>To: "Erik Long" ,
>Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] The facts about fast wheels
>Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:27:33 -0700
>
>I like the Matrix Iso tubulars with Wheelsmith AE 15 spokes on Dura Ace or
>Record hubs. I won a whole bunch of sprints on these going against
>"boutique" wheels. I don't think I won because of the wheels though. Like
>the article says, Sensible hand built wheels will do the job just as well
>as
>high end production wheels and often for less money. The boutique wheels
>are
>for pros who are supplied with extras for spares and all the special parts
>and tools to service them but average Joe bike enthusiast only sees the pro
>team winning on cool looking bling wheels and never sees the mechanics
>frustration with some of the very expensive well designed but poorly
>assembled & manufactured wheels that come out of the box sort of true, kind
>of round and mostly tensioned. If the mechanic is smart he will put them on
>the bike as is, let nature take it's course and get some sleep. If the
>mechanic is like me, he will take the special wrench, remove the rim tape
>and tension & true the factory built wheels so they tend to stay that way
>longer.
>That's why I like the Spinergy Rev-X wheels. They are never perfectly true
>but true enough and there is nothing you can do with them. Just mount tire
>&
>go.
>If you have the disposable income and you like the look, get the bling
>wheels. If you are on a budget, don't worry that you at a disadvantage with
>well thought out, well built "normal" wheels.
>Another thing, give tubulars consideration. They really are lighter and
>faster. Pros use clinchers because it's a lot faster and easier for the
>mechanic and with everyone else using them it's no disadvantage.
>Just my personal observations subject to revision at any time.
>
>
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Erik Long"
>To:
>Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 10:29 AM
>Subject: [OBRA Chat] The facts about fast wheels
>
>
>>
>>http://www.helium.com/tm/227496
>>
>>Contact me if you have any questions.
>>
>>_________________________________________________________________
>>Mortgage refinance is hot 1) Rates near 30-yr lows 2) Good credit get
>>intro-rate 4.625%*
>>https://www2.nextag.com/goto.jsp?product=100000035&url=%2fst.jsp&tm=y&search=mortgage_text_links_88_h2a5f&s=4056&p=5117&disc=y&vers=743
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>OBRA mailing list
>>obra@list.obra.org
>>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>>
>>
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>Watch free concerts with Pink, Rod Stewart, Oasis and more. Visit MSN
>Presents today.
>http://music.msn.com/presents?icid=ncmsnpresentstagline&ocid=T002MSN03A07001
>
>_______________________________________________
>OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.org
>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
_________________________________________________________________
Mortgage refinance is hot 1) Rates near 30-yr lows 2) Good credit get
intro-rate 4.625%*
https://www2.nextag.com/goto.jsp?product=100000035&url=%2fst.jsp&tm=y&search=mortgage_text_links_88_h2a5f&s=4056&p=5117&disc=y&vers=743