Doing some research and trying to get personal experience/opinions here.
I am currently on some hand built alloy wheels. From what I’m reading, getting some semi deep carbon aero wheels is a smart move. Stiffer, lighter, climb better, smooth out the road some, and above 20mph will be a big difference in terms of speed retention.
My list, in order, is as follows
Enve 4.5, WI hubs, Sapim CX Ray Spokes
Zipp 404 NSW, WI hubs, Sapim CX Ray Spokes
Boyd 44, WI hubs, Sapim CX Ray Spokes
Are Enve worth all that extra money over the Boyd’s?! Zipp are a bit cheaper than Enve, but I am having trouble finding a reputable wheel builder who stocks Zipp rims and will make them up with the spec’s I want.
Is there another wheel I should be considering in the mix here?
From what I’m reading, getting some semi deep carbon aero wheels is a smart move. Stiffer, lighter, climb better, smooth out the road some, and above 20mph will be a big difference in terms of speed retention.
From what I’m reading, getting some semi deep carbon aero wheels is a smart move. Stiffer, lighter, climb better, smooth out the road some, and above 20mph will be a big difference in terms of speed retention.
Comparing a set of Kinlin 270s (WI Hubs) to Mavic CXR60C and Zipp 404 FCs:
Fresh tires and latex tubes impact the feel more than changing wheels.
I’ve never felt any difference in “speed retention”
The only difference I felt when climbing was because I could hear the Zipp and Mavics rubbing the pads.
In the end, for my road bike needs, I think dabbling in expensive carbon wheels was nothing more than a waste of money. At least I came away with experiences. I’m now on a set of Flo 30s and have no wants. I’m aero enough and I have aluminum braking surfaces.
White Industries T11’s gorgeous, definitely add a look to the knowing eye. Myself, money no matter, I’d go with the Enve’s. A slightly deeper rear, nice and wide, being a New Englander you can get some wide tires on them and not lose to much for fast group fall/winter/spring rides, then throw some 25s for racing.
Can’t answer, I’m a tubular guy on Stingers and Nemesis wheels. Haven’t heard to much bad about them other than ridiculous wait times via direct purchase. If you have the disposable cash, it’s something you enjoy, it’ll make you ride more then why not I say.
H+ Son Archetype
White Industry Hubs
Sapim CX Ray Spokes
Michelin Pro 4 Service Course 23mm
Im looking for more speed, more stability
Are the Enve worth all that extra money??? Thats one question i am having a hard time answering.
I don’t know if you’ll get any additional stability…so how much more speed do you want before it’s worth it to you?
My guess is a set of 4.5’s over your current wheels…with 20 mph as your baseline…will get you maybe…0.2 to 0.4 mph faster? Or roughly 60-90 seconds over 40k
If that math is tried and tested, how much slower are the Boyd’s, Knights, HED’s etc versus the Enve? Are there other glaring factors like stiffness, and weight between them all in this size?
Comparing a set of Kinlin 270s (WI Hubs) to Mavic CXR60C and Zipp 404 FCs:
Fresh tires and latex tubes impact the feel more than changing wheels.
I’ve never felt any difference in “speed retention”
The only difference I felt when climbing was because I could hear the Zipp and Mavics rubbing the pads.
In the end, for my road bike needs, I think dabbling in expensive carbon wheels was nothing more than a waste of money. At least I came away with experiences. I’m now on a set of Flo 30s and have no wants. I’m aero enough and I have aluminum braking surfaces.
I like what you are saying here. Its easy to put the investment into latex tubes and a set of GP4000’s for $100. (if you go from eBay).
But my real question is about the carbon/aluminum Flo 30 wheels. I do not really understand that aerodynamic advantages and rolling advantages of different wheel sets. I currently have a Giant Trinity Advanced Pro 2 with the stock wheel set. I believe they are also 30mm deep with 25mm tires. How much more “aero” would the Flo 30’s be over a wheel set like this, if any at all?
Giant P-A2 Aero rims 30mm
Wheel weight measured
Front 751g with rim tape (726g without)
Rear 1022g with rim tape (996g without)
Pair 1773g with rim tap (1722g without tape)
Zipp 404 nsw rims are 58 mm deep. We’ve got a set of those in the household, with the nsw hubs, and my spouse enjoys riding them. I haven’t ridden them, but I have a lot of miles on the 404 firecrest and they are nice to ride.
But my real question is about the carbon/aluminum Flo 30 wheels.The Flo30 has no carbon, it’s all aluminum.
How much more “aero” would the Flo 30’s be over a wheel set like this, if any at all? I don’t know. I’ve never aero data for those wheels.
Neither ENVE or Zipp are actually 40mm (or there about…). Zipp is 58mm front/rear and ENVE 4.5 is 48 front/56 rear.
Either of these wheels would be just fine as daily wheels. And don’t think the magic number is 20MPH, the aerodynamic benefits are there at any speed. The 4.5’s are amongst the most versatile wheels you can get, great for flat out speed, light enough for climbing and definitely stiff enough not to flex, yet comfortable for a long day in the saddle. 404NSW’s would be another great option, so pick you poison.
