As I’ve mentioned I have a Trek 2100 and a QR Kilo. I’ve sort of been looking at wheelsets, and one of my favorite LBS has a really great deal on a demo set of Easton Orion II’s. I’ve been riding them and the reviews are great. They’re not blading or deep, but they roll forever and corner sharp.
Is this a good option or should I keep shopping? For better or worse I am a budget minded triathlete/
deep wheels are the only ones worth money for an upgrade in my opinion if you want real performance gains.
I’ve seen these around for $750
http://www.trifuel.com/Detailed/Stealth_Carbon-810.php
Otherwise Hed Jet wheels are a bargain both new and used.
Check out http://www.neuvationcycling.com/ I have a pair, great set of wheels for the budget minded racer. Also, they have great reviews.
You can get a pair of 27mm deep wheels (R28 Aero 3) for a little heavier, but a couple hundred less.
Which neuvations do you have?
Any problems with the rear hub or spokes as has been reported?
Check out http://www.neuvationcycling.com/ I have a pair, great set of wheels for the budget minded racer. Also, they have great reviews.
You can get a pair of 27mm deep wheels (R28 Aero 3) for a little heavier, but a couple hundred less.
I bought the R 28 SL2 Shimano Wheel Set about a year ago. Never had any problems with the hub or spokes, I do most of my training on them and race on them too, most recently at imaz. I didn’t know there were any problems as like I said, I didn’t have any, but there’s a page where they updated some parts from the older models which may have addressed those concerns. http://www.neuvationcycling.com/wheel/oldermodels.html
Again, for around $300-400, I think it’s a great set of wheels. I also have a wheel cover for the rear. As you can see, I’m like you, budget minded and trying to get the best bang for my buck.
Try the flashpoint 60’s. Retail new around 1100. Plenty aero, with good handling. A little heavy but nothing that should prevent their use on hills.
I’ve had a pair of the R28 aero 2’s for about 2 months, and have had no problems (other than having to regrease the rear hub). 2 months isnt a long time, but they are still perfectly true, and that includes some cyclocross style offroad riding. FWIW, I’m 5’11, 155.
I’m happy with them, cheap, the hubs roll forever, and the wheels are stiff in and out of the saddle and corner great.
-Dave
What’s your actual budget? There are deals to be found in the Classifieds and on Ebay.
Under $800. The Easton’s are used and SO much less from my LBS they seem mest bang for buck. i like the Cane Creek Aros but I don’t think I can get it as low.
I don’t know if this truly counts, but what about going with a WheelBuilder rear cover for your everyday wheels thereby creating a poor man’s disc. as for the front, try to find a used hed3, which seem readily available on ebay.
my $.02, but you get what you pay for.
“We don’t regret the things we do, but for lack of courage the things we don’t.”
The Orion II’s are nice, but if I were buying just one set I’d go with the Tempest II’s. Or search around on Ebay for current pricing on lots of wheels. Look into various wheelmakers instead of just Zipp and Hed and you’d be surprised at what you might find.
I recently bought the Nuevation C48’s for $899. These are a Zipp rim tubular with the high end spokes, and you can even add ceramic bearings for like $60 more. I don’t think you can get more bang for the buck in a new race wheel. Of course, I prioritized weight over having an aluminum braking surface or the convenience of clinchers, your choices may vary. I’m happy with them so far.
Neuvation offers tremendous bang for the buck. I have M28 Aeros on my road bike. They’re bullet proof so far.
27mm isn’t especially aero but if you ad an inexpensive rear disc cover from wheelbuilder.com you’re not too bad as a starter set.