There are a number of ways to acquire a set of carbon clincher wheels manufactured in China. Is there any difference among the vendors? For example, through eBay Carbonbike2011, Speedcarbon2011, Carbonspeedcycle all can provide a wheelset in the $500 range (depends on rim width). BladeX (on aliexpress.com) is similar.
Are there any real differences among these? I know of the strengths/weaknesses as a group, but is there a $500 wheelset that stands out, positively or negatively, in practice?
The next level is the $800-$1000 wheelset (2Quik, November, J2velosport, Vuelta, others). Are these the same wheels (or same rims) as the direct-from-China choices?
There are others choices and considerations, of course, and this could be a long discussion - but here’s the bottom line - are there any functional differences among the $500 wheelsets or between a $500 wheelset direct from China or a $800-$1000 wheelset shipped from the US?
I haven’t seen a breakdown of the current ebay sellers in a while with most of the “know” sellers not being on Ebay any more as far as I know. I’d be interested to hear people’s experience as well.
I’ll give a bump to this since I’m curious. I got a quote last week for a set of 60mm front/88mm carbon clinchers from a Chinese seller, wheels were 450, shipping was 65. I’m not going to get a set, but just for kicks I thought I’d ask for a price. It is tempting though.
Carbonspeedcycle - Chinese Carbon Tubular 88mm EVO TT Vittoria tires F&R http://www.ebay.com/...d9f89#ht_4742wt_1163
**versus **Zipp 999 Combination 808 & 900 Disc with Tangente front/ Vittoria Corsa EVO CX rear
Weight +/- 20 grams they are identical F & R
Hubs: Spinning free both feel smooth but the Zipp bearings are noticeably smoother underway with the rider’s weight applied. Novatec hubs are decent & sturdy but not near the level of the CNC Zipps, in looks too!
Spoke: Zipp 808 has less spokes, high tension and wider stance at the hub
Aero/Handling: The Chinese are flat rims and while not completely dangerous, are very unnerving on descents and in cross winds. I put the Zipps on and it felt like a regular bike. Transitioning from aero to the grips @ speed on the Zipps did not give me white knuckles like the Chinese carbons did. It is conceivable that you could get “stuck” in aero on a fast descent with the Chinese, having to make the jump to one brake lever to knock off speed. Like I said a white knuckle ride.
Speed: The Zipps seem slightly faster but have twice the handling. The Chinese carbons are fast too, best in a window of not too slow or too fast.
Rim Construction: Chinese rims are well built, tough & crash tested they held up fine. I think they are about equal there.
Tires: The EVO TT Triathlon tires I think are butter, the two others much less so. Plus the TT’s hold pressure for days on end.
Conclusion: Chinese carbon is a solid deal, just not a savoury shape. I think these would be best applied to a road bike. In aero you’d want better more linear handling profile. Bottom line, the Zipps are safer and if you can score some used, worth the premium.
I’m just wondering but can you give us a test with the Chinese front and the disc rear. I think a big part of what you are feeling is the feeling of the disc stabilizing vs two deep wheels.
It’s all front wheel related issues. Obvious to me. When wind hits the rear disc the whole bike gets a push, which is controllable & actually feels pretty cool (like windsurfing).
I rode today and the way I can attack corners on the 808 is the way it should be.
So for the moment my Zipp 808 and 900 Disc are a daily driver? Unless I get yet another set of wheels, as I will not be putting the Chinese carbons back on the Tri bike. And I don’t like riding clinchers hmm…what to do.
I have a set of bladeX. 50/60. Rode a couple of rides on them ( 150 miles ). Definitly improved speed over old mavic. Smoothness and rolling is obvious. Rode over some rough road, and a felt a lot smoother. Not sure about brand name carbon wheels, but these where an improvement for me.
OK, I went with Far sports. I bought a 38/60 set in their mid weight rim. Went with shallower profiles since my bike handling is just OK and I’m 130 #. The entire transaction was perfect, from communication, payment and delivery. Just opened the package tonight. Well protected box, wheels in bubble wrap, includes skewers and blue pads. Was $505 plus about $70 shipping and some PayPay fee. Near, but under $600 delivered. They look, spin fantastic. Spoke tensions (by ear) seem fine - certainly not low. Spin nicely, round, true. Lots of pawls in the Bitex hub (by sound).
Here’s the big news…front wheel = 565 g, rear wheel = 817 g, total = 1382 g. Skewers were 24 + 26 g = 50 g.
Pictures after my cassette arrives and the wheels are on the bike…