I apologize ahead of time if this question is redundant (as i’m sure it is, but I am having a hard time finding the answer). I am looking into buying a set of race wheels, and originally was dreaming about 606s. However, my bank account has since decided to remind me that that really was just a dream. I do however, have enough (around 1500) to buy EITHER a set of H3 clinchers or some pair of Hed Jet’s (don’t like the Alps, dont want tubs so no stingers). If the Jets, i was thinking something like 60/90 pairing, to mimic the 606s.
However, I don’t know which would be better, or why. Any help, advice, etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I have a hed jet 60’s front and rear and a hed3 clincher front. The hed3 is supposed to be more aero so I feel faster but it may be more a placebo effect. I would summarize the contrast as follows:
H3 is almost a bomb proof wheel but if something catostrphic happens it cannot be trued.
Hed Jet is normally a bit lighter
H3 is a bit more squirrely in cross winds (again I can only compare front wheels).
I think psychologically I’d feel more comfortable with a slightly less deep front, i dunno. I know that sounds silly, cuz I’m pretty comfortable on my bike (even though my position isn’t fantastic, cuz i’m just not that flexible). I think for now, I was just kinda deciding between the two types of wheels, then if there was overwhelming support for the jet’s, i’d start to worry about 60/60 60/90 or 90/90.
I run a Hed3 on the rear and a Alps on the front. Works pretty good but would prefer a 60mm front wheel. Not sure I like the Jet though. I use to have a Hed CX front which seemed like a much better wheel. Got rid of it because I was tired of fussing with valve extenders. After I got rid of it of course, they come out with 80mm tubes.
I also have a set of Hed3’s and an Alps for windy conditions. The nice thing about the Hed3 is that it uses a regular 32 mm valve stem. You can use a 60 mm valve stem with the Alps which you can sometimes find in LBS but mostly online fairly easily. Otherwise you’re stuck with valve extenders which make it difficult to get accurate tire pressure readings. I’ve used Hed3’s for many years with no problems. They are indestructible. Don’t worry about not being able to true them - - there’s no need to.
I have taken about 10 years to make exactly the same decision. My understanding is that the Jets are really just a carbon fairing on a standardish rim, while the HED3’s are really an alu rim insert in a structural carbon fairing.
I like the Jets because of the 60/90 option for pairing. I think they preform quite well and look “wicked as”.
I like the HED3’s because they perform so well in tests. I think they look waaaay cool (distinctive to say the least) but I like the deeper rear section on the Jet 90’s.
If HED sold their deep rim versions of the H3 as seen on the Tour, I would have got a standard front (for safer steering) and a deep rear for improved aerodynamics and cooler look. Alternatively, if they sold their “Kona” version of the HED3 (semi-disk), that strangely, wasn’t legal in Kona, I would have got that also.
What did I end up with? 650C HED3 clinchers. I rode them on my local out and back TT course this moring, in a building crosswind and I just about had to change my bike shorts 1/2 way through. They are soooooo cool. I didn’t set a PB because of the weather and my average fitness at the moment, but I feel a PB coming very soon.
You won’t go wrong with the HED3’s, they are great, and in the grand scheme of things, I think they are quite a bit better wheel overall than the Jets, but probably 1/2 the people here will argue that I’m wrong. At least we all agree that your saddle is too high!
