What is a reasonable price to pay for a second hand front Hed 3 in good condition - does the numbers on the inside of the rim (0203-204) indicate the production year? I think it is a 03-04.
Built Feb 03 - the other number is the production number alloted to that wheel during that month
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One thing to look for is the Sharpied number that provides the tru-ness of the wheel. I bought a rear HED3 wheel that was claimed to be at 0.026 - an assumed “A” grade… but at the high end.
The wheel doesn’t seem to perform poorly…(how am I to know) but there is a noticeable wobble in the wheel.
Without a doubt, others in this forum are more knowledgeable with the numbering system concerning the tru-ness than I.
For a Hed3C a good price is $450 but you’ll have a hard time finding one that cheap especially if it comes with a tubular. I would expect to pay around $500. Remember the Hed3C has only been out for about 1-2yrs. Dont’ get suckered into thinking your getting the Hed3C when in reality you might be getting the Hed3 that weighs about 200grams more. You can tell by the brake surface. If the brake surface is carbon then it’s a Hed3C. If it’s metal then you’re getting the heavier wheel.
If you purchase it from eBay, expect to pay a premium price for a used HED3 front. Lots of people bid on them and the price is crazy for a “used” wheel. I’ve seen 10 year old Specialized go for $300-$350 for the front. Though they are totally bomb proof and this 10 year old wheel will probably last another 10 years, I can’t see paying that much for a used wheel. The market is high for HED3 wheels!!