jags,
I'm just delighted your new wheels are on the horizon and I can't wait to hear how they work for you -- good on you! This is pretty exciting stuff. If you're anything like me, you haven't finished spec'ing them yet and are already looking up the lane, waiting for the delivery truck to come 'round the bend.
As for your friend's suggestions on components, I think they're all good and you won't go wrong for your stated needs. Let's take a look at the pieces together...
1) Rigida Snyper rims. A good choice, I think. Reasonably narrow, but also reasonably strong and light. The delta rim shape will make for shorter spokes. I think they'll do fine for you. And, you'll have a choice of black or silver. Now the hard part -- which will it be? Decisions!
I really like Rigida rims overall. I also love my old-school Mavics from back in the day and laid-in a back-stock of double-eyeleted 700C MA-2s, but Mavic's more recent products have experienced some problems with cracking. Rigida seem to be doing really well, with nice tight rim joints, arriving round and true and are quick and easy to build up. The Snypers have double walls and single eyelets but also have a lot of "meat" around the spoke seats, which bodes well. I haven't read much about the 26" version, but word on the 'Net is people are very satisfied with the 700C version for light-to-medium touring and all-'round day-ride use. Sound like the ticket for your needs.
2) Sapim 14g spokes. No quibble there; Sapim make fine spokes. The 14 gauge will be a bit heavier than you might want for the lightest wheels, but they will also provide sturdy, reliable wheels with a minimum of after-build fuss and worry. I think they'll combine well with the rims your friend suggested, and will tip the balance in your favor for sturdy wheels. Did your friend mention how many spokes per wheel? I presume he is recommending 36...?
3) Shimano LX hub. Nothing to detract from this. A reasonable price, yet with an excellent service life and readily-available replacement parts. They are also very nicely sealed against the weather and should last a reasonable amount of time and won't break the bank. A good choice.
4) SON28 dynamo. I think there may be some confusion here with regard to the model designation. jags, I'd suggest checking this one carefully to make sure it is what you want before you commit. I have the older SON28 (now called the "Classic"; all the NOS for Fall 2011 is of the new SON28 design), which is intended for 28" (700C) and 26" wheels. There is a model intended primarily for 20" wheels (in January 2010, the 20R became the SonDelux). It is often the choice for randonneur riders because it has a it less drag, but it also produces less power. Because it is intended for smaller rims, it won't produce as much electricity a low speeds, so you may be disappointed if that's what you're seeking. It also is not the hub of choice if you wish to charge batteries. However, if you want minimal drag and will be riding fast most of the time (and I suspect you may!), then this might be just the ticket for you. There will be plenty of light to power LED head- and taillights, but again, you'll have to be going a bit faster to get the maximum output. It's a reasonable tradeoff. Just ask yourself whether you're a speedy night rider or a slower one, and you'll have part of the answer. The other part will be determined by whether you wish to charge batteries or not.
Here's the summary:
= Desire more light at slower speeds, max output at low speeds, want to charge batteries and don't mind a bit more weight and drag, then go with older SON28.
= Desire to ride at higher speeds, will only be using LED lights and don't mind them coming on at a bit higher low speed and won't be charging batteries, then go for the newer lower-drag/lower-output models or the one intended for 20" wheels.
There is one additional caution I would offer -- the SON20R/Delux has narrower flanges, which can make for a wheel that is less stiff/strong laterally (sideways). A new wide-body SON Delux is due by the end of this month, if you desire one. The wide-body hub shell has flanges that are 18mm further apart. For a good discussion of the different
currentmodels, see:
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.aspRemember, there's a lot of older SON hubs still in the shops waiting to be sold, and those may be available for a bit of a bargain now the new models have arrived.
Also, with regard to the SON hubs, you'll likely have a choice between a gorgeous silver polished-aluminum finish and a nice, architectural black-anodized finish. Either looks good, but the polished finish will require more care (polishing) to stay pretty, and can be badly stained and pitted/corroded by road salts. The black will stay looking nice without fuss. Now, you'll have do decide about matching color of hub to rim. What a fun dilemma!
<nods> Yes, I understand this is a one-shot deal and the need to get it right; these things are pricey, for sure. I think you'll do fine with your friend's suggestions. The result should be a nice set of light wheels at a reasonable price -- a good value. Just check out the specifics on the dynohub to make sure it is what you want/need. Look at it this way, jags...if the worst should happen and the wheels don't do what you'd like for the Sherpa, you'll likely be able to sell them without any trouble and go back to what you have (hang onto the originals, at least for awhile). Not the result you want, but it takes a bit of the edge off the uncertainty.
Please let us know how it all comes out, jags; excited and pleased for you!
Best,
Dan.
