posted by Alex Zuckerman on february 06, 1998 at 16:27:57:
in reply to: rim selection posted by steve on february 04, 1998 at 22:09:16:
The 217 is a good lightweight rim. However, it has been my experience that they are dent very easily. Working at a bike shop, I've seen more of those rims with serious dents in them than any others. If weight is not much of an issue you might want to try RhinoLite's by Sunrims... they are pretty much bombproof.
Here's a tip for wheel building... radially lace the front wheel. You save weight that way and it does not take away from the strength of the wheel. Also, contrary to popular belief, it does not make a wheel feel more rigid. As far as durability of alloy nipples... if you keep the bike clean and use the proper size spoke wrench they will last you just as long as regular brass nipples. Do not use titanium spokes. They snap and cost a fortune. Also, with titanium spokes you have to use regular brass nipples to prevent bonding. It ends up weighing almost as much as double-butted spokes with alloy nipples, but for much more money.