Hmmm… looking closer at the Velomax website, they list the rim depth as 56 in one place, and 58 in another (check out the little box to the bottom left of the wheel picture showing a cross section of the rim - http://www.velomax.com/models_tubulars_TempestIITubCarb.php3).
I’ve emailed Velomax asking them directly, and will post the reply here if (I get one).
n/m
.
It appears based on Khai’s link, that the rims are Zipps, since they use the patented Zipp/HED flaring shape, as opposed to what all the other rim/wheel manufacturers do.
vs something that looks more V or U shaped like this:
So, they either ARE Zipps, or they paid a licensing fee or whatever for use of the design.
Do you mean Easton/Velomax and Velomax?
There is a huge difference between Ritchey’s and Velomax’s wheels.
-SD
Sorry, yeah - Easton/Velomax and Velomax.
AFAIK, the buyout was the first step in Easton entering the wheel market. Initially I think that there are only relabeling and cosmetic changes, however, Easton is a big boy and can create carbon rims, and fine alloy components. I ultimately expect a complete revamp of the Velomax/Easton line up by 2006 including an in-house carbon rim and full carbon clincher rims. I bet they introduce a 1300 frame aluminum clincher wheelset as well in the $700 price range. It is likely that Velomax would have evolved as well, but certainly the in house team and Easton will bring more money to the table
-SD
Other then the Hub, why is there a huge difference between the Easton/Velomax and Ritchey aero carbon wheels? Hasn’t Dan posited in the past that both companies, and maybe a few others (American Classic comes to mind), use the Zipp 404 rim?
When you say “huge difference” do you mean in price? I think they key advantages to these over a set of any other 404’s are the R3 hubs and the double threaded spokes. Stronger wheels, and better hubs, laced to arguably the best rim around.
Have you ever had to replace a spoke in Velomax hub? Yikes. It is not pleasant. There is a good chance that when spoke failure occurs, it fails at the end of the threads at the nipple (not a big deal) or the hub (send the wheel back). I’ve also seen the hub flanges split along the spoke “holes”
The Ritchey uses fewer, standard spokes vs. the Velomax/Easton.
-SD
Well, other than the hub and spokes there isn’t a difference. Except cost. The 4 components of the wheel the rim, spokes, hub and cost are only similar in one area; the rim.