I am going to build up a wheel set for the winter. Since this is a winter training wheel set, I am going to put the highest priority on stiffness and strength. Weight and aerodynamics will not play into the equation as these are for training. I plan to use slime tubes and a tube strip between the tire and tube to minimize flats as much as possible. I weigh 205lbs.
Any recomendations?

I have a set of Dura Ace 28hole hubs, Velocity Deep Vs, DT 14/15 DB spokes laces 3X front and rear that I train on. Pretty much bombproof. Any Shimano (Ultegra or DA) or Campy hub would be a good choice, I wouldn't go with sealed bearings as you want to be able to tear them down easily for maintenance. I weigh 175, so you may want to go to 36 or maybe 32 rear and 28 frt. A good wheelbuilder can give you spoke count and lacing suggestions. Velocity Deep Vs are about as durable a clincher rim as you can get.

Open Pro rims, Ultegra hubs, 14/15 spokes, brass nips, 36 hole.
These wheels will last for 10-15 years.

What Mr. Grumpy said. I'd probably go with Velocity Synnergy or Aerohead rims, but there ain't nothing wrong with the Mavics either.

velocity deep V for me with a decent hub. The rims are nice and heavy and nice to ride 30mm cross section for a rim make it strong

+1 Deep V's

They're super stiff and strong, plus the deep rim will keep some of the winter crud away from the spokes.

Campagnolo Record Hubs. 32 hole X 3 Front and Rear. Mavic MA40 rims shod with Vittoria Open Pave tires. Pretty old school but it works for me.

Look at the ad/sponser of this page. Neuvations for 269. If they aint cheaper than that, you're wasting money. Neuvations are a sick value. I beat the P!$$ out of mines, and they're awesome!!!
good luck

I can bunnyhop cattleguards at 30 mph with confidence on my ultegra/open pro's

I am going to build up a wheel set for the winter. Since this is a winter training wheel set, I am going to put the highest priority on stiffness and strength. Weight and aerodynamics will not play into the equation as these are for training. I plan to use slime tubes and a tube strip between the tire and tube to minimize flats as much as possible. I weigh 205lbs.
Any recomendations?

Use a serviceable cup/cone hub like Dura-Ace/Ultegra or Record/Chorus, lace them up to Mavic CXP33 rims. At your weight, go 32 hole front and 36 hole rear. Use 14/15/14 gauge spokes all-around except use some lighter gauge 15/16/15 or 14/1714 on the rear non-drive. Have them built by a competent builder, even online by Excel or Colorado Cyclist. They will be simple, strong and relatively cheap.

my vote goes to


velocity deep vs /mavic cxp 33s cross 3 with brass nipples i swear these things are insane ive seen them dropped crushed crashed etc....

also a full AEROSPOKE set is very strong ... they are heavy but they are freakin really stiff and seem bomb proof....

Open Pro rims, Ultegra hubs, 14/15 spokes, brass nips, 36 hole.
These wheels will last for 10-15 years.

You must not do a lot of riding because the braking surface should be worn out.