Hi there!
I am looking for a set of clincher wheels for my Colnago MXL frame. I was looking for something combining comfort with reliability. Not sure if some of the build like Mavic OP could meet this goal. My rides on this bike will mostly be longer, with occasional group rides. I am currently at 210 lbs and try to be aware of most road hazards. Are there any particulars in how the wheel should be set up, spoke count, etc for me to kep in mind if having a wheelset built? I currently have Ksyrium SL's on other bikes that have held up fine and have a spare set of Campy Vento's(not sure if shimano compat) w/ G3 spoke pattern in the garage.

Hi there!
I am looking for a set of clincher wheels for my Colnago MXL frame. I was looking for something combining comfort with reliability.

I know lots of people talk about wheel comfort, but *no* wheel flexes more than a small fraction of a mm over normal bumps. Bigger tires with a supple casing, run at lower pressures *will* make a significant difference though.

As for reliability, something like a Deep V with plenty of aero spokes, and brass nipples would be both strong and aero...and pretty heavy. They come in colors, too. For reliable hubs, probably hard to beat Ultegra for the money, but you can get lighter ones if you don't mind spending a bit more.

Yeah, got some of the same info from the search feature. I know, shoulda done that first. I am going to see if my Vento wheelset can be used w/ a shimano cassette. :-)

Hard to go wrong with Mavic Open Pro rims laced 3x with 32 spokes (brass nipples) to Ultegra or 105 hubs. Most agree this is a solid set-up which is easily maintained. Nothing wrong with good quality aero rims, but they will likely be more expensive than OP's. Whatever you decide, remember that good build quality is critical. They best components built poorly will not hold up.

Personal opinion: go with either some MA40s 32 FT&RR (or if yer hard on yer stuff 32 FT 36RR) or if you can find em Campy Omega XL box sections. Ride softer than the semi-aero rims being marketed now.

I'll second the motion for well-built wheels. Helps. Really.

HTH

M

Look at Neutrons or Protons.

I am running DA hubs on Open Pros on a Colnago Olympic which is basically an MXL and I am happy with the set up - I weight 230.