General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike Rim Question Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-08-23 8:51 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
357
1001001002525
Huntington Beach, CA
Subject: Bike Rim Question
Hi,

I've got a question about rims.  I have Alexisrims R500.  I've only got about 200 miles on them, and I have broken 2 spokes on the rear while riding.  I weigh 225 so I am wondering if I am too heavy for them.  So I have 3 questions.

1)  Could I be right about the weight assessment?
2)  Is there a better/stronger rim someone could recommend?
3)  Should I replace both or could I just the back one?  I am assuming the total weight load is spread more towards the rear...

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Patrick


2009-08-23 8:58 PM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Master
2202
2000100100
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
Im not very familiar with Alexis rims, but in general 225 is pretty heavy for bike components. How many spokes do the rims have?

At your weight, I would ride 32 spoke rims. Many people consider Mavic Open Pro with 32 spoke to be the ultimate training wheel for strength and durability. Might want to look into a set of those.
2009-08-23 9:15 PM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Member
313
100100100
Ventura County, California
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
Those are heavy wheels. I don't know the weight of the rim, but it's probably a heavy rim also. Hard to say where the problem really is. You are not the only one breaking spokes with that set-up. The problem could be the spokes themselves, but then given the price-point and weight for those wheels... they should be relatively heavy/strong straight 14 gauge spokes.
Can you give us more details about the wheels? # of spokes, type of spokes (straight, bladed/aero, double-butted...) Also, are you running Campy components by chance? Campy requires more dish in the rear wheel which can cause more problems on the drive side. Are you breaking spokes only on the drive side?
If you were to rebuild the rear wheel, go for new spokes AND a new, reputable, rim and you will probably be in good shape. Given your weight...the fewer the spokes you have, the heavier the rim you should run. The Mavic CXP-22 is a heavy duty rim that isn't too pricey... looks similar to an Alex R-500 rim. Replacing the rear is probably all that is required, assuming your front is not causing any problems. But again, the real problem could be the build quality, uneven tension, cheap spokes, etc...
As for rebuilding... it is probably cheaper to just buy a new rear wheel on Ebay or through an online shop, unless you have some high-end rear hub that you want to reuse.


Edited by TaylorB 2009-08-23 9:16 PM
2009-08-23 9:17 PM
in reply to: #2365584


798
500100100252525
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
Alex rims are junk.  I agree with Ranger, get yourself some quality Mavics and you'll likely experience far fewer (if any) problems.  Performance has them for $140 front, $160 rear to give you a ballpark on cost.
2009-08-23 9:29 PM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Extreme Veteran
357
1001001002525
Huntington Beach, CA
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
Wow that was some fast responses, thanks.  They are 32 spoke rims, not sure of the spoke guage nor the type of spoke.  The latest break was on the drive side, but I don't have Campy components.
2009-08-24 7:07 AM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Veteran
154
1002525
Virginia Beach
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question

my $.02 FWIW:
I’m a clyde (250#ish) and have been cycling for a number of years on 20/24 paired spoke wheels w/ no issues.
Generally after the first few hundred miles, most machine built wheels need the spokes re-tensioned. Even though the wheel appears true, the spokes can be loose. Improper tension can cause spoke failure. I’m not saying this is the cause, just a probability.
With only one or two broken spokes on a 32 spoke wheel, you might be able to just replace the broken spokes and get it re-tensioned (assuming there is no other damage) -- $25 for my LBS to re-tension & true a wheel. Or as others have suggested, you can now justify getting a better quality wheelset for raceday.
I hope that helped.



2009-08-24 7:30 AM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Extreme Veteran
510
500
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question

I am the same weight as you, and had the same problems with my alex wheels.  I brroke rear spoke and the front never staayed reall true for long, though alway remained ridable.  I think it is a spoke quality/tention problem.  But I decides to go and get a set of hand built Velocty Deep-V rims with 32/28 high quality double butted spokes with the drive side spokes being thicker.  Never had a problem with them.   They never went untrue no matter how many bike swallowing potholes I hit.  But, after about 18 months I have worn out the braking surface (front).  Don't know if this amount of time is unusual.  I do ride in all weather, in all seasons, on alot of hills.  You won't find many wheels heaver than these on a road bike, but I'd rather not get caught out with broken spokes.  Besides I have race wheels for racing and the heaver training wheels only make you stronger.

2009-08-24 7:37 AM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Expert
937
50010010010010025
Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
ALX wheels are not very good quality, they will be fine for lightweights but clydes will put a hurt on them.

If you want a bomb proof training wheel, pick up a set of Mavic Aksiums and never have to worry about anything again.
2009-08-25 11:39 PM
in reply to: #2365584

User image

Extreme Veteran
357
1001001002525
Huntington Beach, CA
Subject: RE: Bike Rim Question
Thanks to all.  As suggested I went Mavic Askiums.  Will roll them tomorrow.  Weight was 222 today so hopefully it wont be an issue for bike components soon anyway.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike Rim Question Rss Feed