Thinking of moving into the 20th Century - changing bikes + of course race wheels.
Right now I have a HED (Specialized actually) narrow tri-spoke + Open Pro with a Wheelbuilder disc cover. Pretty much the same setup I’ve used since buying my Softride back in 2003.
I like ZIPP, HED, (have the 303s on my Caledonia, 404s on my wife’s road bike) but don’t wanna shell out the big bucks for small gains.
What do y’all think about the brands I mentioned in the title, anything else?
IMO, on the cheap, some used Flos are pretty well bomb proof if not maybe a tad heavy.
That’s my 1:1 as I bought used ones off here from realbdeal. They worked well and were very affordable.
I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but I’ve grabbed some “nearly new” returns or factory cosmetic defect wheels from Hunt for my cyclocross bike and been very pleased with the price to performance ratio.
If I was buying a disc I’d look at internal rim depth, cost and weight. The first 2 might be switched around
You can’t go wrong with the premier products, I was fortunate enough to get to play with them before launch and i really liked what i saw
ETA:
Less expensive does not = less quality and in the case of premier’s front wheels = slightly faster than Hed’s vanquish 8 and waaaaaaaaaaaaaay faster than Enve
FFWD wheels are 20% off right now until 2/28, so it actually makes a set of their Ryot 77’s even cheaper than a set of Flos.
Thinking of moving into the 20th Century - changing bikes + of course race wheels.
Right now I have a HED (Specialized actually) narrow tri-spoke + Open Pro with a Wheelbuilder disc cover. Pretty much the same setup I’ve used since buying my Softride back in 2003.
I like ZIPP, HED, (have the 303s on my Caledonia, 404s on my wife’s road bike) but don’t wanna shell out the big bucks for small gains.
What do y’all think about the brands I mentioned in the title, anything else?
It’s the 21st Century already. Are you going back to 36 spoke, tied/soldered wheels?
Light Bicycle are the best bang for the buck.
They are based out of Vancouver too.
If you do a custom build though, it gets built in China I think.
Delivery times can sometimes be long.
I went with Flo AS line , their research into aerodynamics and rolling resistance is on par with the big brands. Also they have a 20% off code on their Podcast and a great warranty.
Thanks for all the good advices!
I’ll read up on your suggestions before making the purchase.
I went FLO in 2016 and have not looked back….have now purchased 3 sets… great product IMO.
i purchased new wheels in November last year, and when i was looking at options the difference in cost between the traditionally expensive brands (Zipp, Enve) and the traditionally or new budget brands wasn’t much. i bought a 303 Firecrest disc brake wheelset for about $1500 on-sale from Trisports. Those are back up to $2000; but the 303s, 404, and Enve 45 and 65 are on sale. Based on website prices the Flo 49 will be more expensive than the 303s and in the price range of the 303 firecrest (actually more than i paid); and the deeper flo wheels are about the same price as the 404 firecrest.
Light Bicycle are the best bang for the buck.
They are based out of Vancouver too.
If you do a custom build though, it gets built in China I think.
Delivery times can sometimes be long.
Second this. NA headquarters are in Vancouver, but the company is definitely chinese. That said, they sell rims/wheel that are better quality that most $3000 sets for less than a third of that.
Verify mybikeshop’s inventory to see if the HED wheels you’re considering are still available. In terms of cost, performance, and quality, I don’t think any wheel brand can compete with MBS HED’s current liquidation deal.
Thnx all. Decision time in about a week. Tough choices!
I like ZIPP, HED, (have the 303s on my Caledonia, 404s on my wife’s road bike) but don’t wanna shell out the big bucks for small gains.
My new Argon 18 Krypton GF came with alloy Hunt wheels from the UK. I’m considering an upgrade to something slightly deeper, lighter, and full carbon - also from Hunt. Really impressed all around with the quality of the Hunt wheels.
I like ZIPP, HED, (have the 303s on my Caledonia, 404s on my wife’s road bike) but don’t wanna shell out the big bucks for small gains.
My new Argon 18 Krypton GF came with alloy Hunt wheels from the UK. I’m considering an upgrade to something slightly deeper, lighter, and full carbon - also from Hunt. Really impressed all around with the quality of the Hunt wheels.
steve (or anyone else), i’ve heard that the hunts have really (really) loud hubs. your experience?
I have a set of Flos that were on my P3 and my primary road bike has Boyds. Can’t go wrong with either. Great customer service at both.
My buddy has a set on his road bike. They are louder than most road free hubs.
My buddy has a set on his road bike. They are louder than most road free hubs.
Is that bad?
Personal preference, I don’t mind it.
Have two sets of premier tactical one set has been to Kona twice absolutely no problems. I have a set of Yoeleo wheels on my IA for 3 years and buying another set for a new bike.