I don’t notice any difference in comfort between my Jet 60 and my H3.
Probably the best bearings are Phil Woods. For some reason they haven’t made a big spash, maybe because the company has got a reputation for being a crusty touring bike company. He (not really he, the company sold long ago) has two levels of bearing, normal and carbolyte. The normal have very good seals and will likely last damn near forever. The carbolyte areless well sealed but still long lasting and roll just a bit longer.
Phils cost a bit more, but not silly money and they are very high quality.
Styrrell
I’d go with aesthetics. I think they look badass on a TT bike and dorky when just out riding. Can’t be durability they are amongst the most bombproof wheels out there.
Styrrell
Thanks…Didn’t think of trying there…Remember the old hubs…Thanks again
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i’ve been riding stinger 6’s for about 2 years on my road bike. very comfortable ride and very durable. i’ve not needed to true them and they’ve seen a lot of miles.
for the OP - i think more folks don’t ride H3s because they’re not new.
All,
Thanks for the insight. It looks like I’ll buy some deep carbon clinchers (S80’s or some used 808’s) and pass on the H3’s.
I rode H3’s for awhile. They just aren’t that comfortable. Kind of a harsh ride in comparison to some other wheels. I found the Jet C2 wheels to be a much better ride. After ditching the dual H3’s, I went with a H3/Disc combo. That lasted until I raced the Texas 70.3 in 2010 in high crosswinds. The H3 front, Disc rear got real sketchy at times. Ditched the H3 front and bought a Jet 6. Maybe I lost a second or two aero advantage but it’s much easier to handle.
There’s also the issue of mating the wheels with the right tires. The supposed best tire for the H3 – 19mm Bonty’s – are just about impossible to find now.
I do like the way the H3 looks and its durability. I would possibly give them a second chance if/when Hed decides to make a C2 version.
I have a set of H3s that I have raced 3 times thus far. I got them as a “budget” aero wheel, damn fast wheels for under $900 (got them slightly used). Thus far, I have put maybe 200 miles on them, both training and racing. I haven’t noticed any harshness to the ride. Handling can be a bit hairy when it is gusty out, I have been pushed around a little bit by big trucks passing too close, etc. but I only weigh 145, so take that for what you will. They’re not the lightest wheels either, but I found that they spin quite nicely once I wind them up. On the whole, I could have spent 30% more and bought a Jet 6 set, but it just wasn’t worth the extra money. FWIW, I also wanted them because I think they look damn good on a bike.
Why don’t more race them? They’re old technology.
Lance isn’t dominating on the Tour riding them.
Everyone wants the newest, hottest thing.
They’re not very sexy compared to Stingers and Firecrests.
They are very fast. No reason not to race them.
i dont use a hed 3 b/c
-a hed 3 has a 19mm rim width i dont want want to be married to one tire- 20x700 Grandprix supersonic with black chili
-they have higher side force values and due to the blades and surface area
-firecrest and hed’s sct have improved handling making them a better choice
-possible fork interactions
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I just bought an H3 front to use for my longer races. One reason is that it performs better in more conditions than my Jet 9 and, if I flat, I don’t have to mess with a valve extender for either my Jet Disc or the H3.
Then, in shorter than HIM races, I will run a Stinger 9 and my Jet Disc. I don’t carry a spare for shorter races so the tubie front is not a worry.
Damn fine wheel. I bought my first set back in 1991. I still use one up front and a disc in the rear. For tires I still probably have a two or three year supply of Bontrager Aerowing tt tires and when those are gone I’ll probably use a Veloflex Record then. It does have a stiff ride but I have never encounter a time when I wish that I didn’t use it. Riding it in big winds are not that big of a deal you just need to work on your bike handling skills.