Published by Tristan on 15 Apr 2009 at 01:22 pm
Ben’s DT Swiss / Ambrosio training wheels
This was an awesome “new classic” build – 32 hole box-section Ambrosio Excellight rim laced to DT 240s hubs with a combination of DT Swiss spokes.
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- 32 hole DT Swiss 240s front hub, Ambrosio rim
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- 32 hole DT Swiss 240s rear hub, Ambrosio rim
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- DT Swiss 240s rear hub, Ambrosio rim
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- The pair
For the rear wheel where lateral stiffness is important I used DT Swiss Competition spokes which are 2.0mm at the head and thread and 1.8mm in the center section. These spokes are laced 3x both sides and held in place with black brass nipples.
On the front wheel the hub’s flange spacing is much wider (because of the lack of cassette) which inherently builds a stiffer wheel – to reduce this stiffness and increase ride ‘feel’ plus loose a bit of weight I used DT Swiss Revolution spokes which are also 2.0mm at the head and thread but only 1.5mm in the center section. Again brass nipples were used on the front wheel – these are training wheels so the brass adds a bit of long-term security – and the spokes were laced 3x for the classic look.
Ambrosio rims are getting quite hard to find, especially here in NZ, and Ben was lucky enough to have had these in the back of his cupboard for a few years. They built up really well and should give many years of reliable service.
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Ben on 07 Mar 2010 at 10:53 am #
Hey Tristan,
It’s been nearly a year on these wheels and I really, really love them. Hard to put in words the combination of feel, response and shock absorption that makes them really special regardless of rough Wairarapa roads, fanging down the motorway on the new hot mix, climbing or descending.
Shod with a set of Conti Gators (for most of the time) they’re utterly dependable and haven’t needed truing.
What is interesting is that the ride quality and reasonable build weight is such that the old pair of SL2 Ksyriums I have for torrentially wet or city (i.e. glass strewn) racing where tubular carbon wheels don’t suit haven’t seen use since.
Thanks
Tristan on 07 Mar 2010 at 10:59 am #
Thanks for the comments Ben…I’m glad the wheels are getting a lot of use and are being enjoyed :-)
BTW: it’s Sunday morning – why aren’t you out on the bike?!?