So I’ve decided that I want a set of race wheels to match my fancy schmancy P3C. What I’d really like to find is a set of everyday wheels that I can use for racing and for training. I know that people around here love tubulars, but no way I’m dealing with gluing etc… I’m totally set on clinchers. So my question to all of you knowledgeable ST’ers is what set to choose between the sets I’ve narrowed it down to. Oh, and I also don’t want to spend more than 1200.
My first choice is looking like the Soul 5.2c (http://www.bikesoul.com/s52.html). The weight is great, but my only concern is durability over heavy use. I live in Northern Westchester, NY and I think that the roads are typical chipseal and not so bad at all; I weigh 165-171 range.
The other set that I’m very interested in is the Williams 58 (http://www.williamscycling.com/58cc/58cc.html). I’m sort of concerned about the braking on the Soul wheels and the guy on testrider.com was glowing about these wheels and their braking abilities. I’m concerned about ascent’s with these Williams wheels; however having never ridden on carbon race wheels I have no idea what to expect, and no sense that the Soul’s would be better than the William’s for climbing and vice versa. Also the Reynolds Assault is an option as well.
So, in summation, with the criteria of: an increase in speed, longevity, ability to train on them daily, braking, ease of use of adapters, etc… what wheel would you guys reccomned? Am I looking in the right place? Would you steer me towards other rims? Am I insane for wanting to ride on my race wheels daily? Or is it now a viable thing to do with the advances in carbon clinchers. Thanks much, all help is surely appreciated.
The bontrager aaeolus are so tough that some use them for cyclecross. I have a pair of the 6.'s and they are very sweet! Fast,light, durable…all you asked for.
The bontrager aaeolus are so tough that some use them for cyclecross. I have a pair of the 6.'s and they are very sweet! Fast,light, durable…all you asked for.
do it right or not at all.
But that’s part of my question I suppose. On the budget I’ve got for wheels (1,000-1,200) can’t I get something very good and durable? Anyone have any experience with the wheels I mentioned?
Sorry, dont have any input on the ones you listed other than the Fusions look like rebadged gigantex carbon rims that you can occasionally find for much cheaper.
Ever thought about sram s60/80 or flashpoint fp60s or 80s?
They arent full carbon but similar in weight to the Williams you posted a link for. Also the aluminum brake track would get rid of your braking concerns.
I’ve been riding some fp80s full time and love them so far.
FP are great wheels. Lots of trickle-down going on, and I’ve used a pair of the 60s that are great! The alum. braking surface is really nice to have.
Also a second on Neuvation.
In a windy day, are the 66mm Reynolds Strikes really going to be hard to ride in…
I’m down to either the Assaults (48ishmm rim) or the Strikes (66mm rim). I’m leaning towards the Assaults, but I want them for a race wheels, and I’m just wondering if its too windy on a day if the Strikes will be more affected. (Obviously they would be affected, but I mean if its windy, would it actually be dangerous/stupid to ride a 66mm rim)??
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL Premium clinchers. They are extremely durable. I have been using them for over a year for both racing and training. No complaints.
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL Premium clinchers. They are extremely durable. I have been using them for over a year for both racing and training. No complaints.
+1. Finally a sensible answer. I have the Mavic Cosmic Carbone Pro wheelset, which is the tubular version, and it is simply fantastic. I’ve put over 3K miles on it now, training and race, potholes and smooth asphalt, and haven’t had a single problem. They are bombproof, feature deep-section rims and flat bladed spokes, and the hubs are to die for (so smooth). If you shop around a little, you should be able to get the Premiums for under $1000, which is very very hard to beat.
you can get a set of Zipp 404s on eBay for pretty close to your budget especially if you are willing to get a set without dimples. i’m not sure about durability. i put my road bike wheels on my TT for a lot of my rides. 404s are sweet on the roadie as well.
I think the advice to go with the Zipp’s is good advice. I really want one set of wheels that I can leave on always; I really didn’t think of the Zipp’s that way but perhaps that is the direction I should go. FWIW does anyone have any actual experience with the Williams/Soul/Fusion wheels? Also I am seeing Reynolds Strikes and SRAM 60’s for the $1200 and under ballpark. Any thoughts there?
I have to ask the question - why do you want to use the same race wheels all the time? What’s the point?
I’d rather trash a $100 rim on a pothole on a training ride, than a $500 one (or whatever, you get the gist). Would rather a $50 hub gets toasted w/ road grit and rain rather than a much more spendy one.
One of the biggest benefits to race wheels is - you go faster on race day than you did in training! Great mental boost.
Which you don’t get if they are your daily drivers.
The other thing is, if your race wheels are also your training wheels, then your race tires are also getting ridden all the time.
I prefer having relative fresh rubber on for raceday. Less chance of having something stuck in them that I didn’t see, and which finally works its way thru to the tube at the most inopportune time.
You have a P3C - I assume you already have some wheels. They are your training wheels.
Now go get whatever race wheels you think best, and race the snot out of them.
I just got offered brand new Reynolds Strike’s for $1000 which I think I’m going to take. And I guess I’ll just keep on with my Shimano WH550 training wheels…but I suppose the question is: if the wheels can take the punishment of daily abuse why not use them daily (beyond the psychological/actual increase in speed from the wheels)? Why not just get a wheelcover and then put that on only for races (apart from the potential expense of wear and tear)?