I have an opportunity to buy a HED CX wheel, but am having trouble finding out any specs/detail about it. I’m assuming it is an older version of thier Jet line?
Does anyone know what the specific differences are – are they not as good/strong, don’t have a particular attribute which the Jet line incorporated, or maybe weigh more?
Any opinions on it versus a newer model?
Was wondering whether I should buy it, or look for a used Jet type instead – as I’m shopping for a set of used wheels (not new).
I’ve owned both. Other than the different names, they seemed like the same wheel or at least very similiar. Both had a 60mm dish. If I recall correctly my Jet 60 was 24 spoke front (700c) but the CX was only 16 spoke front in the 650c size. You can’t go wrong with either one. They are quite durable and only effected by really strong winds.
the cx is a hard V rim. the jet is a carbon fairing placed on a rim… I’ve ridden both the jet made more noise. I’d personally go with the lighter wheel
I passed up a deal on a pair of 650 CXs recently. I had called HED and asked them about the wheel and found out that it was more than likely a very old wheel. They told me the CX wheel was sold from '85 until the late '90s. I opted for a closeout pair of Zipp 303s for the same price that was being asked for the CXs.
I’ve got a Hed CX Clincher Front wheel. I think that I’ve had it since 97. It has been quite reliable and seems pretty fast (at least to me). I believe the post that states that the Jet has a carbon fiber fairing is correct. the CX Carbon rim portion is structural (the spokes screw into them). I was told at the time of the purchase that the advantage of the CX over the Jet would only be felt at speeds above 20mph. The one I have has bladed ti spokes and is quite light. The wheel design is quite old. If you are going to buy a used set, make sure that it’s a good deal. If not, you might as well get some newer technology. I hope that helps.
I bought a pair of used CX’s a few years ago and have pretty happy with them. They are not the lightest wheel set out there but pretty darn aero. The earlier comments about difference in structural make up are correct. The CX has a structural fairing…you won’t see any spoke ends in inside of the rims. Only downside I can see to this is that it would be tough to replace the hubs. Hed told me if you ever wanted to replace the hubs you may as well just get new wheels. I picked up my pair of 700 tubulars for $300 so I figure even if I only get several years out of them it is a bargain. From an aero standpoint I think they are very close to 404’s with about a 58-60mm lenticular shaped fairing. However from weight standpoint they are a bit heavier. The type of racing you do and budget concerns will dictate whether the extra $500-600 are worth it. They are defintitely a proven design, strong and aero.
The CX is a great wheel, arguably one of the best aero wheels of all time. Since the deep V section is structural (the nipples pull at the v section, not at the outer ebdge near the tire) you get a stronger stiffer wheel, even with less spokes. IMO, the CX is a much better wheel than the Jet.
Aero data is available for both these wheels. The aero data for the Jet 40/60/90 is available on the Hed website as well as for all their other wheels. As far as I know they’re the only wheel company that actually publishes their aero data and you’ve gotta love them for doing so.
There was a British study several years ago that tested bunch of differrent wheels and the Hed CX and Campy Shamal came out on top. Both these wheels were about equal but it was noted that the Shamal was less slightly effected by cross winds. http://www.cbss.ca/tip11.htm
They are both quite good wheels. Not as good as a tri spoke or the latest version Zipp 404 but not all that far behind.