3 Spoke or Deep rims?

Triathlon Forum
1

Ok, so I’m looking for a set of race wheels, but they’ll also be used for quite a bit of training. Of course, I can’t get them until my finance manager approves, but I’m dreaming already. I need help deciding whether to go with deep rims or 3-spoke. I’m considering a deep combo like the Hed Jet 60 front and 90 rear, or a 3-spoke like the Hed 3 or Xlab 3 spoke v2.0.

My criteria are:

  1. Not too freakin’ expensive (~$1,000 for both, ideally less)
  2. 700c clinchers
  3. Bombproof (I’m close to 200 pounds)
  4. No disks
  5. They would be for long courses (I don’t sprint)

So what would be the advantages / disadvantages to deep vs. 3 spoke? Or, what are the advantages of the Hed 3 vs. the Xlab 3?

Thanks!

2

For what it’s worth I say trispokes, simply because you will never have to worry about breaking a spoke during your race. After having spokes break on my bikes during races and seeing the same happen to others over the years, I made my decision. If, eg 808’s or whatever are faster, it can’t be by much.

3

If you don’t mind used, find yourself one of those specialized trispokes. Most bang for the buck you can get. Aerodynamic profile is identical to current HED3s, and they’re just as bombproof.

4

Im in the same spot you are. Im leaning towards HED Stinger 90. i dont think the spokes will break. 90 is not too big a front for you or me (175 lbs) if we can handle the bike decently. I think they are little better in the wind than the trispokes. Trispokes are cool, but the back trispoke doesn’t seem to be that aero, as compared to the 90. I think some deep rims are better for all conditions that the trispokes. But, Im just saying all of this based on things Ive read and things my friends have told me, haven’t ridden them myself. Also why not tubular?

5

Deep rims are very in style right now which means it’s hard to get as good a deal on them as you can with tri spokes. FWIW, Discovery (or US Postal??) used them on the team time trial in '94 TDF…if they’re any slower, it can’t be much.

I picked up a set for $350. The breaking surface has a dent and some glue residue which makes for some jerky stops, but they’re pretty fast.

6

Thank you all for the valuable input.

And as for tubulars - I guess the only reason is because I have never tried tubular. I have always been a clincher. And everything about tubular seems strange and scary. (Like, what if I flat? How am I supposed to repair a flat during a race if the tire is glued on?)