Wheels for a big guy....

I am pretty well set on buying a new LeMond Tourmalet (61cm). I will be testing out the fit this weekend (legs aren't too long - I am more torso and arms).

My concern is that I am a pretty big guy (6'6" and currently 275lbs - I will be down to about 235lbs in 6 months or so) and I don't think that the Bontrager Select rims (24H R, 20H F) will stand up to the task. I have the opportuntiy to upgrade the rims when I purchase it. My question is what should I go for? I will need to pay the RRP price difference between the two sets and am willing to spend an extra $100-150 if required.

I have heard good things about Neuvation rims and also I would be looking at Mavic as well. What models should I be considering?

TIA,
Jeremy

More spokes and stiffer rims will help support you better.
I like Velocity rims. If I were building you a custom set I would use Deep V rims and 36 spokes.... at least for the rear wheel.
Most Mavic road rims are rated for a rider weight of 220 pounds (actually 100 kg to be mpre precise).

__________________
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

I don't know where you are. If US though, this guy did me right. http://www.spinlitecycling.com/index.htm
I'm 205 - 215 & on a 61 cm Specialized. I got through the first year before spokes started giving up on the ALX's.
I went w/ the velocity deep vees 32 & 28, whole hog on the Sapim CXRay spokes and laced em on Ultegra hubs. Been very happy. As a relative new guy, I could percieve less flex. I don't know ( cause it don't really matter to you or I) how they come in weight wise.
There's a heap of wheel threads on here - that's where I found spinlite.
I used their veloplugs too.

edit : Dave snuck one in on me while typing - that's scripture dude !!

Cheers guys.

Many thanks - that is great advice. I am in Australia by the way (Adelaide - home of the Tour Down Under).

I was considering the Mavic Cosmos due to a slightly higher spoke count than the Aksium etc. but I'll look into the Velocity you mentioned.

Jezza

And I just unbrain farted ...Velocity's are MADE in Oz - and their price is very reasonable here , ought to be cheaper than stealing them down there. A 32/ 36 or 36 36 set would do you good. I dig the SAPIM's.

Thanks 9.8mps2 - I just discovered those are Aussie made too! Should be helpful. I already e-mailed them asking who their local dealers are.

Re the lacing pattern, I notice that the front rim on these is often laced radially and the rear is a 3 cross pattern. How are yours set up? Are they a 3 cross pattern front and rear? I assume that would be the case for 36/36 but if you went less on the front maybe they would be laced radially?

Oh, and what gauge are those Sapim spokes by the way?

Regards,
Jezza

They are a 1 X on the 28 front. The 32 rear is 3X drive side, 2X off side. I was fumbling around w/ the camera - photoshop is giving me problems -pics too big for here. The sapim CXRay's are bladed , but of small dimensions . The specs are linked at the spinlite or sapim site. They carry pretty high fatigue resistance and tensile strength . If you want to pm me and shoot an email address, I can send you some so so pics. I went with gray color- looks good. Some other colors looked tempting - maybe on a faster /younger rider .
edit : It'll be tomorrow before I send them, which is your day after tomorrow, which is.....piss on it - can't change the past !! Any way , I forgot I have an interview tomorrow and gotta hit the rack.

Thanks mate - sent you a PM.

Jezza

For a guy of your size I would build 3x front and rear. It will give you less hassle in the long run. As for spokes go a standard 14g spoke. Velocity Deep V's with 36H rear and 32H front.

Given your weight and height you will be pushing alot of air. It will be like a brick wall regardless whether you run aero spokes or not.

Yeah - tell me about it!

Thanks for all your help guys. This is the most helpful, friendly and courteous forum I have ever been on!

Jezza

I'd have te agree. My other haunts ( riders with my model motorcycle, fellow canoe racers )are finite little groups - we all know each other. Cycling is way diverse, and after a so so start, I too find it fun to mess around on and get/ trade serious data. 98.5 % of you can kick my ass on the road - thats OK-

" The one who wins is the one having the most fun "

( and vice versa...) - it IS more fun to win - I'm a realist - it's a little late in the day for that to happen .

" Your'e only as old as the woman you feel"
Billy Joe Shaver