So what are some recommendations for some nice training wheels for a road bike (new or lightly used) for around $500.
Priorities are:
Shimano (damn, Campy makes some cool looking wheels)
Durable
Relatively light
Look cool
You can get a new set of Ksyrium Elites for under $500, or possibly a set of used SSC SL’s for that price, too. I think they look pretty good, they’re bomb-proof, and there are a ton of Shimano-hubbed wheels out there. Not sure how light they are, but I use mine in races sometimes.
I bought Campy Scirocco wheels for around $300.00 for my Colnago at www.bellatisport.com. With shipping from Switzerland, they were still under $350.00. Andrea Bellati sells them with Shimano hubs, too, for a bit extra. I just checked the website, too, and they have Campy Zonda wheels for just under $500.00. Don’t know much about Zondas, but my Sciroccos have held up very well and I’m 6’4" around 200 lbs. The Zondas and Sciroccos both have G3 spoking on the rear wheel, which I think looks kind of cool.
Here’s a pic of the Scirocco: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=5zlzb80
Here’s one of the Zonda: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=53gjn1k
Colorado Cyclist has the Shimano Dura Ace 7801’s on closeout at $499. They are INCREDIBLY nice wheels with the smoothest hubs I have ever ridden. They’re wonderful wheels.
Yeah, those Campys do look cool. But I can’t put Campy wheels on an otherwise Shimano bike.
This forum has almost universally approved of the Easton Circuit wheelset; I just got mine and they look pretty good.
Nice training wheels?
Just go buy the cheapiest, heaviest, most durable wheels you can and you’re set.
I’ve had a pair of cosmic elites running for over 7 years. 1900g and 30mm depth. I don’t think I’ve ever trued them
Yeah, those Campys do look cool. But I can’t put Campy wheels on an otherwise Shimano bike.
Because of aesthetics? I understand completely.
What kind of “looks cool” are you looking for? Color of spoking? Arrangement? Bladed vs. Round? Deeper rim?
Spoke arrangement, bladed if possible as they will be my “everything” wheels and a little bit of aerodynamics would be nice, so maybe a little but of rim depth as well.
I tend to think colored spokes sort of look tacky so probably the stuff listed above.
Spoke arrangement, bladed if possible as they will be my “everything” wheels and a little bit of aerodynamics would be nice, so maybe a little but of rim depth as well.
I tend to think colored spokes sort of look tacky so probably the stuff listed above.
Then, I will reiterate my recommendation of the Ksyrium Elites. They come in silver or black, have slightly bladed spokes, aren’t terribly heavy, and are pretty strong, even for heavy riders. I’ve heard that the 2005 Elites sometimes had truing issues, but I had a pair and never had issues. Only reason I sold them was because I wanted black wheels and found a pair of used SSC SLs I bought from a fellow STer for a really great price and I didn’t need two sets of Ksyriums.
You might be able to find a set of Rolf Prima Vigors used for $500. They’re a really nice set of all purpose wheels.
Fulcrum is Campy’s way of making wheels that don’t class with your otherwise Shimano bike…
Fulcrum racing 5 is a nice training wheelset, with an MSRP of $449, but it can be had for much cheaper.
Fulcrum wheels review – http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2005/reviews/fulcrum_racing_1
Very nice. thank you. They would like very nice on the Litespeed I am hoping to put together.
Any personal experience with the Fulcrum 5s?
Only the Fulcrum 1s. One of my regular training partners using the Fulcrum 1s and has been very happy. They are what you’d expect from Campy wheels - excellent build quality. I assume the 5s are similar, just cheaper parts and less machining of the rim for weight savings.
Call Dave, he’ll set you up.
http://speeddream.com/road.php
I’ve had mine for almost 4 years now. Best wheels for the buck IMHO.
Get some Rols. An independent maker, great quality.
http://www.rolwheels.com/wheels/2007/volant.html
Chris
Neuvation is currently running a sale.
Hard to go wrong with this deal.
If I weren’t a PT guy, I wouldn’t think twice.
Hard to go wrong with this deal.
If I weren’t a PT guy, I wouldn’t think twice.
No kidding. The tires alone retail for $120.