Replacement wheels for winter bike

My friend built me a pair of Mavic A319's, for my hybrid commuter.. Laced with DT Swiss spokes and on Superstar Switch Evo hubs.. Have some all condition armadillos in 28's fitted & can go up to a 47mm if I want..Easily the strongest pair of wheels I've had & should take anything our crappy roads & weather can throw at them.. My friend lives in Barnoldswick & is a highly regarded wheelbuilder..Not sure if this is any good to you, but I could pass on his details if you want..

Don't dismiss Aksiums, I have a set from 2008, still going strong despite my 90kg plus weight and several thousand km of riding.

I have replaced the freehub twice in 5 years, two spokes in the rear wheel because the nipples seized and the rear wheel bearings last week, but they have been superb.

They are now used on my winter bike.

I have a pair of 2014 Fulcrum 5's. Cant fault them.

Hope Hoops. Fit and forget. Nothing to adjust or service.

I'd go hand built as all parts are easy to maintain and replace. There are plenty of good hubs about, I've had a good experience with Shimano and Miche hubs and Mavic and Ambrosio rims. The best thing for me is that replacement spokes can be found anywhere and that you don't have to throw them out if you wear out the rims.

Handbuilts all the way - and not just cos I'm currently selling a very nice pair at the moment!

Open Pro on some good hubs will be perfect, and you can simply get them rebuilt with new rims when you eventually wear them out. Plus you can justify better hubs on handbuilts, which can be rebuilt, than on wheels that you'll have to throw away when the hubs wear out.

Let us know what you get!

Support your local wheelbuilder—custom wheels are back big time! Ambrosio or Miche or Hope hubs on Archetype or A23 rims, and you can get 20/24H, no need for 32H hubs unless you insist on 105 or Ultegra (both very good).

Say no to unmaintainable factory wheels!

Fulcrum Racing 5 CX, very solid and spin beautifully. Been using these over the last two winters, very happy and tremendous value.

if you're looking for wheelbuilders in the North East then you could try Tony at Cycle Art in Prudhoe, comes recommended. M Steels in Gosforth also build wheels, plus there are online builders like Just Riding Along.

For off the shelf wheels the Shimano R501 can be had for £70 a pair from Ribble.

My all purpose wheels are 32h mavic cxp22 on tiagra hubs, workmanlike and not exactly super light but they are as tough as old boots.

re: hope hoops, a mate has some and I wasn't all that impressed, they are just bog standard parts. Besides, you can build a whole wheel on 105 hubs for the same price as a hope rear hub on its own.

+1 Open Pro built around a hub of your choice. Will also put a bit of trade your local lbs way

The entry level Hope Hoops are pretty damn good - they may ge a bit pricey but pretty tough, well sealed and with all bits replaceable. And made in UK.

105 or ideally Ultegra hubs laced to Open Pro's (cheap option) or if there's room in the budget Velocity A23 or H+Son Archetype rims.

The hubs only come in 32 or 36 hole but 32/32 will be stronger than any factory build even laced up with Sapim Lazers (probably wise to go Race non drive side rear).

My winter wheels are basically Ultegra/Open Pro and while they're not light they are outstanding as a do anything, almost no maintenance wheelset and unlike most factory wheels you can maintain the hubs easily.

I'd say the answer depends on your budget.

32 spoke Open Pro with something like 105 hubs and d/b spokes is a traditional, strong, rebuildable wheel. Paul Hewitt is a well known builder but there are others with a good reputation like Al at Wheelcraft and Wheelsmith, both in Scotland.

Otherwise Shimano R500 might be worth a look, Parker have them at £95 at the moment (here).

I bought some Giant PR2 wheels from a local guy who bought a Defy and upgraded almost immediately, though I have yet to try them on the road. Pairs sell on ebay regularly.

Mavic Aksium race - awesome and affordable!