Evan came to us with a plan – rebuild his ageing Zipp hubs onto some new tubs.
Of course, we did what we usually do, listened carefully to what our clients want, and detail their riding (style, surfaces, racing, frame materials).
From here we work out what specification will suit their needs perfectly.
Evan was a little cash strapped, but keen to get the best set of wheels for the amount he had available. We put some options together to relace his Zipp hubs onto some hoops, and presented an alternative – ditching the problematic hubs, and moving to a more reliable (and lighter) XLR8 MD hubset. A whole new wheelset!
This would enable using a standard J bend spoke – saving considerable cost on the straightpull spokes that Zipp hubs require, and making the (highly unlikely) replacement of spokes easy at any well equipped bike shop. Our hubs are light, reliable, and inexpensive. Parts are readily available, and in several years selling these units, we’ve only had one issue – completely our own, inquisitive fault, on own own wheels – an easily fixed sticky pawl!
Evan selected some carbon rims from a reputable supplier, who sends them directly to us to build. He gets a good pricing deal, and the confidence that the wheels will be build correctly, and from the components he selects.
He went with a 38mm front, and 50mm rear – for stiffness and aero. Both tubular, and 25mm wide.
All up, just a tad over 1300g, without compromising strength, rigidity or reliability by using expensive exotic spokes. Brass nipples as well. Smart.