Need recomendation for strong stiff road wheelset for heavy rider?

Question

I weigh 252, and 6'4. I have some standard SUP Mavic rims which came on a specialized I recently bought. My guess is that they are basic wheelsets. I've broken rear spokes just navigating all the pot holes on the way to work. I got a quick fix from my local bikeshop and they said I'd be good for a couple more rides, but that I should invest in some better Mavic wheels. I rode this last weekend and at the very top of a 10k climb, I broke two spokes and my wheel was rubbing badly. I had a h**l of a time getting off the mountain without crashing a couple times.

I like Mavic wheels and was thinking of the Ksyrium wheels with their blade spokes. I know they look cool, but will they last for me? Also I'm still saving for a Specialize Enduro Mountainbike, so I don't have a $1000 to spend on a wheelset. Just want something bullet proof and relitvely light weight for my road bike.

Answer 1

I've ridden Mavic Aksiums, SL's and ES's. I only race on the latter two, and found them both brilliant. Never damaged either of them in about 3,000 miles of racing (4,800km). I have ridden approximately  25,000km (~15,000 miles) on my Aksiums during training, never even knocked them out of true. Incredibly strong wheelsets, they survived a couple of crashes ... Until I got hit by a car in a very solid impact. The front wheel bent under that, but didn't break a spoke ...

In short, I would recommend any of the above. The Aksiums are quite heavy to race on but are cheap, whereas the SL's are not too bad in terms of price and a good racing wheel. Granted, I weigh all of ~140lbs, but we have some seriously poor roads here, and they stood  up well under me.

Answer 2

I love my Ksyriums ES's. They are stiff, light, and perform well. However, I at 150 lbs have broken 2 spokes.

I suggest some handbuilt wheels with higher spoke counts like these:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...

A handbuilt wheelset will last longer and with a higher spoke count, will be much stronger, easier to true, and very stiff.