WHEELS & HUBS GO FORWARD:
(reprinted from ROAD BIKE ACTION)

"It's never been more exciting to be a custom wheel builder. My job has been made much more satisfying, albeit complex, by the vast array of wheel components available now," stated Dave Thomas of Dave's Wheels (1-800-275-5031). "Rims have become lighter and I stronger with more drilling options. Aero rims are strong and stiff enough to reduce the number of spokes, enhancing speed through aerodynamics.

"The latest hubs are much lighter, saving nearly half a pound over the standard of just a few years ago. Another development is the straight-spoke hub designs. You can say goodbye to spoke breakage with these babies.

"Alternative wheel designs are making inroads now, too. One-piece molded 'mag style' and deep-rim wheels, although heavier, are aimed at squeezing the last few seconds from any timed event.

"With all the diversity of components available now, wheels can feature greater individuality than ever before. What this I means is if you want lightness, you can get very light. Aerodynamics? Strength? Ditto. What you won't necessarily get is the maximum of all three things. Advancements have come a long way, but they're still not perfect.

"Let's say you have an aluminum frame that is rattling your teeth. Fiberlight spokes will give a significantly more comfortable ride and shave some weight, too. Criterium riders who want speed and stiffness will be well served with the asymmetrical lacing (24 drive, 12 non-drive spokes) of Hi E or Vertical Descent rear hubs. This design is so dialed in for the severe 'dish' of eight-speed wheels that light-gauge spokes (like Wheelsmith oval 15 gauge) and alloy nipples are no problem, giving you a setup that is lighter, stronger and stiffer than a standard 32-spoke job.