Looking at wheels for a new build (road bike). Admittedly, aesthetics are going into this bike as a high priority. Going with a “black out” look with SRAM Red black brakes, etc.
Looking for a wheel that can be used for daily training and in the few rides I will do (e.g. Horribly Hilly Hundred). I have Easton EA50s, but, looking for something sexier. I have my eyes on the Zipp 101s based on (1) performance, (2) reported durability as every day wheels, and (3) looks. I have my sights on a great looking set of 1 year old used 101s (primary b/c I think $1300-1400 for new 101s is a bit crazy, but, the used price is much more reasonable).
101s are great “normal” depth wheels; reasonably light, durable, corner well, and very aero for their depth. Definitely an upgrade from the Eastons.
The other wheel set I’d consider is a used pair of 50-60mm deep-V wheels (404s, Jet6, Flashpoints, Carbones, etc.). They are just as fast on hilly courses, faster on the flats, and the carbon V matches better with the blackout aesthetic.
That was my thought as well – new price is too high and there are better deals out there. But, the used price, with little use, is a much more reasonable.
101s are great “normal” depth wheels; reasonably light, durable, corner well, and very aero for their depth. Definitely an upgrade from the Eastons.
The other wheel set I’d consider is a used pair of 50-60mm deep-V wheels (404s, Jet6, Flashpoints, Carbones, etc.). They are just as fast on hilly courses, faster on the flats, and the carbon V matches better with the blackout aesthetic.
I am a bit concerned about using something like a 404 (clincher) as a daily training wheel. Is my concern misplaced?
Yes it is. I know many,many people that use their 404’s as their everyday wheel. 1000’s of miles and only some flats.
Look, Zipp/hed etc can’t sell a wheel so delicate that it can only be raced on. They have to sell the wheel assuming that people are going to put a ton of miles on them.
Otherwise they would need an expiration sticker for miles on them.
Give the Shimano C24’s or C35’s a look as well, especially if you can score a discount. An excellent all-around, very well mannered wheelset, much quieter than Zipps (the freehub buzz gets really annoying over time). Light weight, carbon hoops dampen the road bumps, very dependable. They weren’t on my radar when I was looking for wheels (Industry 9, Hed Ardennes and Zipp 101, 303 were the top choices), but then the LBS said give these a try. Very nice.
Anybody have any opinion on the Easton EA90 Aero (clincher)? Looks like 28 mm depth front/32 mm depth rear. Total weight of 1545 g. Retails for $840 MSRP (probably could find a deal online). Any thoughts from anyone?
Great wheels. I have used them this past season as a "good weather’ training wheel, and they’ve held up great on the less than perfect Michigan roads. They ride great and look pretty good too.
With that said, I just listed mine for sale in the classifieds, because I really on use them on my tri bike (road bike sees limited use during the season and mixed weather during the off season), and was looking at getting something like a 60mm depth that could double as race wheels if needed (right now race wheels are 808/disc).
I had the Sram AL 30 sprints… I liked them very much… their customer
service was amazing… the races must be really nice…
The sprints weren’t as nice as my friends zipp 101’s though…
I have the al sprints, and they are very nice. But they weigh almost 100 grams more than claimed and if they provide an aero benefit over a standard 30 mm rim, I haven’t noticed it.
For a shallow road setup I’d build up a23 rims with alchemy hubs and cxrays.
Give the Shimano C24’s or C35’s a look as well, especially if you can score a discount. An excellent all-around, very well mannered wheelset, much quieter than Zipps (the freehub buzz gets really annoying over time). Light weight, carbon hoops dampen the road bumps, very dependable. They weren’t on my radar when I was looking for wheels (Industry 9, Hed Ardennes and Zipp 101, 303 were the top choices), but then the LBS said give these a try. Very nice.
I’ve got HED Ardennes which I use to train and they are great, look cool, light so good uphill and don’t get blown about likw would with a deeper wheel in the bad conditions
+1 on the HED Ardennes, love those wheels (leave them on all winter and then usually put my 404 FC’s on for race season) and got a great deal on them. They are pretty wide and with a set of 25mm tires on are an amazingly comfortable ride.
take a look at j2 velosport (j2-velo.com) they make some nice carbon clinchers at a great price $750, 38 mm, 50 mm, 58 mm. I ride the 50mm everyday, raced IM Candad on them, fairly light, aero and rolled fast:
50 mm Rims Strong & Light 1560g per 50mm set (694g front, 886g rear) Novatec A831SB and F832SB hubs Straight Pull Bladed Spokes, 20/24 H Carbon Specific Brakepads and Valve Extenders included Shimano/SRAM or Campy Available Ceramic Upgrade Available for $185 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Don’t be afraid to buy from a “no name.” mine came unbadged and look great on the p1, happy with my purchase
I will possibly be in touch soon.