They are here! (Pacenti SL23 rims)

So I got my first run of rims.

I built up the first set to be put through its paces.  I never like putting new components in the hands of customers before I get some first hand experience with them.  First two rims weigh 450g and 452g with decals in place.  They built up with even tension and were easy to true.  I didn't have to fight the rim at all.  I'll report back after I get some more miles in on them.  I did had a preproduction rim I was testing since September.  With about 1200 miles on some horrible, construction riddled pavement, all went well.

The build you see here is what I like to call my "GT" signature build.  I use Alchemy hubs as the best foundation for a set of wheels.  These hubs are the current model, but future builds will be with the Alchemy UL as they become available.  The spokes are Sapim CX-Rays with the exception of Sapim CX-Speed for the right, rear side.  CX-Speed spokes are bladed like the CX-Ray, but are made from a heavier gauge than the CX-Ray.  They are about 1g heavier per spoke.  The added material makes them more resistant to stretching which in turn increases the lateral stiffness of the wheel.  Modern rear wheels have to make a lot of room for the cassette which is the Achilles heal of a rear wheel.  My answer to that is stiffer spokes where they are needed most.    Other custom options include Chris King R45, Tune or White Industries T11 hubs as well as 24-28 spokes for the front wheel and/or a 28-32 spokes for the rear wheel.  My "GT" build is available to all riders without having to shoehorn them all into one design specification.  The build below weighs 1420g as shown.

(It was too late at night for me to start cleaning up the bike for the inaugural run in the morning.  The roads are so messy here anyway;-)