The Rigida/Ryde Sputniks are renowned amongst bike expeditionists as the ultimate durable rim for heavy loads on various terrains. We have chosen the 36 hole for increased strength. They are no compromise rims.

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"FULL MARKS FOR THE STURDY TOURING WHEELSET ON THE SKYELANDER. RYDE SPUTNIKS ARE STRONG" Dan Joyce, Editor of Cycle (Cycling UK's magazine)

Around-the-world cyclist Alastair Humphreys' (http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/roundtheworldbybike) biggest mechanical issue was broken spokes under the weight of the rear load – a strong rim helps minimise the stress on the spokes, and the Rigida Sputnik is one of the strongest out there.

All of our wheels are handbuilt in Sussex. Wheels hand built by an experienced builder can significantly increase its strength versus those machine built. On the Skyelander 700c they are built on the sealed and durable Shimano Deore hubs using stainless steel spokes. The  sealing of the hub with its internal grease sleeve helps to keeps out water and dirt from the bearings maximising the smoothness and longevity whilst keeping the grease in place. We're big fans of the Shimano Deore hubs because they have a steel axle giving strength for loaded touring. They are also easily  serviceable. 

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The wheels are finished off with the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 35c tyres providing a good combination of grip, puncture resistance and rolling speed. We now use Schwalbe inner tubes in all of our wheels. 

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For heavier riders we can tweak a few things - the rim choice (i.e. Ryde Andra) and the tyres (40mm Marathon Plus Tour) - please get in touch if this is of interest