Circuit Wheel Life Found

[dhk2]

I've been wondered for a while now how long my set of Velomax Circuits would last. Got the answer last week when doing some planned replacements at 30K miles: chain, cassette and new tires. When changing the rear tire, was shocked to find a substantial crack in the rear rim:

The only thing I noticed on the road was a slight knock on braking, maybe for a couple of weeks. I actually spun the rim while the bike was hanging in the garage and didn't notice anything other that a slight wobble in the rim.

In my experience, 30K miles on a rear wheel (with no truing or broken spokes) is excellent life. I've never gotten that kind of mileage out of my built-up 32 spoke wheels, but they were built with basic, low-end Mavic rims.

 

[Not Sure]

thanks for sharing.

If you're trying to flatter or be supportive of Velomax and Circuit Wheels, I think placing their name in the subject line along with "failure", is not a very good idea.

 

[dhk2]

Good point Not Sure. Hope the revised title reads more accurately. Certainly didn't intend to dis the Circuit wheel here.....30K miles under a heavy (180-195 lb) rider with no broken spokes or need for truing is very impressive durability to my way of thinking.

 

[Reid2]

That's amazing life span, for any wheel, considering how little tire there is, and the load,
wow! Great picture, and kudos to the wheel makers for such a lasting product.

 

[maydog]

I too have found the Circuits very durable / reliable. I am not sure of the exact mileage on mine, but probably 10,000 miles and no issues other than getting a pedal stuck in my rear spoke. Minus that one repair, I have had to do 0 maintenance on the wheels themselves.

I weigh in at 225 and the wheels have taken some very hard knocks. No other wheelset I have had has needed as little upkeep - I am watching ebay to get my hands on another set.

 

[maydog]

After inspecting my wheels today, I found some cracking around the rear drive side spoke holes. Once crack is pretty significant, I can catch my fingernail on it. All of the spokes still have good tension, but I am afraid that I have to retire the wheel. The front probably still has many good miles left on it, but the braking has seen better days and the bearings had a slight roughness. Since I have a backup wheelset, it will get a much deserved rest on the garage wall.

I figure I got somewhere between 12 and 15K miles on the wheels, they have the most miles of any of the wheelsets I have had and never once broke a spoke. I am a bit sad that the rear had to give up the ghost.

Being on a beer budget, I am replacing the set with some Mavic Aksiums. I have one set that has seen some hard service on my everyday road bike, then my TT bike and back to my everyday bike with no issues. I got another for a steal on ebay - you can find last year's models at rock bottom prices. They are a decent wheel and a great value considering the price and do look pretty spiffy when new as well.

If I come across a set of circuits in good shape, I will be sure to ****** them up if the price is right.

 

[dhk2]

maydog, I'd say you did OK with the Circuits. My front wheel is hanging from the garage wall also. Like front tires, they seem to last much longer than rears, barring accidents/crashes.

The bearings in the Circuit hubs aren't anything special, just R8 skateboard bearings. Advantage is that they are cheap, easy to find and replace. Good luck with your new wheelset.