What wheels would you get if you suddenly got 1k bonus.

Woody_FX

If you found yourself with an extra 1000 out of the blue, say maybe the tax man decided you been paying over too much tax. What wheels might you buy? You dont have to spend all of the 1000, but if it was your money and you decided to get some wheels, how much of the 1k you spend on the wheels is up to you, but you want to get value for whatever you do spend.

You are upgrading from some basic Mavic Aksium or other wheel that would typically come as standard on a new bike.

What wheels do you think you would buy?

Lumen

RS80s...

http://jedi-sports.de/Wheelsets/Wheelsets-Road/Shimano-WH-RS80-Carbon-C24-CL::1494.html

...and the remaining €600 on coke and hookers.

DaDartle

http://www.williamscycling.com/Wheel-System-38-Carbon-Tubular_p_23.html

The tax man

Well Mr.Woody, after going over your figures more closely I'm afraid to say that maybe you should be looking for advice on the best tubes I can get for €10.00

Woody_FX

The tax man wrote: »

Well Mr.Woody, after going over your figures more closely I'm afraid to say that maybe you should be looking for advice on the best tubes I can get for €10.00

NNNnooooOOOOoooo!

Soarer

I'd buy a car!

Raam

I'd buy a front Zipp wheel and then save up another grand or so to get the rear one.

FrankGrimes

No question about it for me: http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/wheels/road-wheels/factory-road-wheels/shimano-dura-ace-9000-c24-wheels-pair.html

I have the previous version (7900) which I think look nicer but are only 30 quid cheaper, though Merlin's prices for both do seem very competitive.

I absolutely love those wheels - the hubs are outstanding and just seem to roll forever, the rims are very light and accelerate quickly and roll smoothly uphill and they are surprisingly tough and I think they fly along on the flat (any tests I've done where I freewheel alongside someone has me quickly moving ahead of them....sure gravity pulling my 90+ kgs downwards is a factor, but on flats I put it down to those outstanding hubs).

Lazairus

seriously tho

get a pair of planet x carbon 50s, there light stiff and areo.


http://planetxireland.com/products-page/wheelsets/planet-x-52mm-carbon-clincher-wheelset-700c-shimanosram-1624h-black/

evo corsa cx

ultegra block

niceonetom

FrankGrimes wrote: »

No question about it for me: http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/wheels/road-wheels/factory-road-wheels/shimano-dura-ace-9000-c24-wheels-pair.html

Thing is though, those are virtually identical to the €395 RS80s that Lumen linked to. The only difference that I'm aware of is the DuraAce hubs instead of the RS80 hub (which is a AFAIK a rebadged Ultegra hub). Same carbon-laminate rims, same spokes. I think.

That's a ~€370 spend to go for maybe a 30g saving in weight and some microscopic differences in bearing seals. NOPE.

I have the RS80s and love them. Veloflex tyres. Latex tubes. Lovely.

But if I was looking for another wheel for racing (baring in mind I'm sorted for light alu clinchers) I'd probably go to wheelsmith and get some Gigantex 50mm tubs (the new fatter ones). They have wider 24mm carbon tubs too. Depending on hub and spoke choice that'd come in anywhere between €650 and a grand.

macnab

Well I was in this situation 2 years ago and bought 2nd hand Zipp 404's. I think they are the ultimate Bling wheel for what that's worth. I have since bought a set of RS80's and now the Zipp's reside in the corner of my workshop (looking awesome) waiting for the RS80's to be bold.

FrankGrimes

niceonetom wrote: »

Thing is though, those are virtually identical to the €395 RS80s that Lumen linked to. The only difference that I'm aware of is the DuraAce hubs instead of the RS80 hub (which is a AFAIK a rebadged Ultegra hub). Same carbon-laminate rims, same spokes. I think.

That's a ~€370 spend to go for maybe a 30g saving in weight and some microscopic differences in bearing seals. NOPE.

I have the RS80s and love them. Veloflex tyres. Latex tubes. Lovely.

Now that I didn't know. I would be interested to know if there is any material difference between the RS80 and DuraAce hubs - I was genuinely shocked when I first spun a DuraAce hub and saw how long it spun for. But in truth the performance difference is likely tiny. If it was a few quid in the difference, I'd defo go for the RS80s, but that's quite a large gap when you put it that way, so 'DuraAce desirability factor' aside, the RS80s do increasingly seem a more pragmatic tradeoff. Hadn't tried latex tubes before, must give 'em a go.

Lumen

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Now that I didn't know. I would be interested to know if there is any material difference between the RS80 and DuraAce hubs - I was genuinely shocked when I first spun a DuraAce hub and saw how long it spun for. But in truth the performance difference is likely tiny

The reason more expensive wheels spin for longer is because they use lighter seals and grease. The reason they use lighter seals and grease is because people who spend a lot of money on wheels like to see them spin for ages.

This is partly why high end wheels (e.g. Zipp, HED) used to (still do?) have crap reputations for reliability. They have to use crappy seals and thin grease or else people won't buy them, but then water and shíte gets in and the bearings are destroyed.

Hermy

Soarer wrote: »

I'd buy a car!

Brian?

Chain reaction have a wheel sale on right now. Some savage value to be had e.g.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=87655

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=87655

Raam

Brian? wrote: »

Chain reaction have a wheel sale on right now. Some savage value to be had e.g.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=87655

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=87655

Over 2.5kg of wheels? No thanks. That's without cassette, tube and tyres.

Beasty

These are a bit cheaper, and definitely lighter ...

Brian?

Raam wrote: »

Over 2.5kg of wheels? No thanks. That's without cassette, tube and tyres.

They're a wee bit on the heavy side alright. They're not climbing wheels though, so it's not too bad.

The OP can save his current wheels for climbing and get deep carbon wheels for looking extremely cool.

FrankGrimes

Lumen wrote: »

The reason more expensive wheels spin for longer is because they use lighter seals and grease. The reason they use lighter seals and grease is because people who spend a lot of money on wheels like to see them spin for ages.

This is partly why high end wheels (e.g. Zipp, HED) used to (still do?) have crap reputations for reliability. They have to use crappy seals and thin grease or else people won't buy them, but then water and shíte gets in and the bearings are destroyed.

That might be so but all I know is my C24s have been out there in all sorts of weather and two years later there's been no discernible reduction in performance or signs of broken seals (not that I actively check mind).

But anyway, this recent spate of sane pragmatism in wheel-related discussions has to stop - if people started buying wheels based on things their head judges as rationally sound instead of going with what the heart wants, where would be at all at all? Prices of Zipp's falling to affordable levels and everyone packing them? We can't have that now can we....

Lumen

Climbing wheels:

http://2013.bikesoul.com/s2/

1295g, $550+VAT & duty if you're unlucky.

Lumen

FrankGrimes wrote: »

But anyway, this recent spate of sane pragmatism in wheel-related discussions has to stop - if people started buying wheels based on things their head judges as rationally sound instead of going with what the heart wants, where would be at all at all?

I just think it's important to first appreciate the pointlessness of expensive wheels, then buy them anyway.

sy

@Lumen. How are your Soul wheels ageing?

denbatt

FrankGrimes wrote: »

No question about it for me: http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/wheels/road-wheels/factory-road-wheels/shimano-dura-ace-9000-c24-wheels-pair.html

I have the previous version (7900) which I think look nicer but are only 30 quid cheaper, though Merlin's prices for both do seem very competitive.

I absolutely love those wheels - the hubs are outstanding and just seem to roll forever, the rims are very light and accelerate quickly and roll smoothly uphill and they are surprisingly tough and I think they fly along on the flat (any tests I've done where I freewheel alongside someone has me quickly moving ahead of them....sure gravity pulling my 90+ kgs downwards is a factor, but on flats I put it down to those outstanding hubs).

+1 for these. Looking at the secondhand market for a set at the moment

dave2pvd

In these here parts, Boyd Wheels are becoming very popular.

http://boydcycling.com/

Quality is very good - there are a few of the regional pro teams riding his carbon tubs. Price is also remarkably good.

His business model is interesting. He contacted race organizers and offered to do neutral support at their events. For free. Three years later and every local cycling club/team wants to include him as a material sponsor.

I have an order in for a set of the new (wider) 60mm tubs, also a pair of Vitesse to replace my aging Ksyriums. Both to be built up with higher (CX) spoke count.

Oh, I'll also be selling my Zipp 404Cs any day now...

Lumen

sy wrote: »

@Lumen. How are your Soul wheels ageing?

Fine for their intended purpose, i.e. posing and racing badly. The C5 rims aren't seamless, which means any lack of trueness tends to create pulsing under braking. Wet weather braking isn't great, I could probably sort out with pads but I don't need great brakes for racing. There's no sign of rim wear after several seasons of use, they feel like they'll last forever.

Soul have since launched some Zipp-shaped rims which are wider and heavier. I'm happy with my v-section ones @ 1397g.

Brian?

Coincidentally a mate just sent me this:

http://www.arccarbonwheels.com/arc-shop/arc-aero-wheelsets/arc-4t-aero-38mm-wheelset.html

1052g a set.

fixie fox

Lumen wrote: »

The reason more expensive wheels spin for longer is because they use lighter seals and grease. The reason they use lighter seals and grease is because people who spend a lot of money on wheels like to see them spin for ages.

This is partly why high end wheels (e.g. Zipp, HED) used to (still do?) have crap reputations for reliability. They have to use crappy seals and thin grease or else people won't buy them, but then water and shíte gets in and the bearings are destroyed.

Ya, if u want most standard wheels to spin like that clean the grease out of the bearings and replace with a drop of light mineral oil, and ease off any seals. And don't forget to replace the oil after every wet ride.

ryan0380

i would invest my 1k on a set of 50mm carbon rims from the wheelsmith.co.uk with chris king r45 hubs. hubs have a 5 yr warranty so are built to last and look class. The carbon rims are gigantex which are the same as planet x rims (i think) and they wont cost the earth if you crack or damage a rim. being handbuilt you have various options for spokes, spoke count, rim width etc to suit your riding style.

ryan0380

dave2pvd wrote: »

In these here parts, Boyd Wheels are becoming very popular.

http://boydcycling.com/

Quality is very good - there are a few of the regional pro teams riding his carbon tubs. Price is also remarkably good.

His business model is interesting. He contacted race organizers and offered to do neutral support at their events. For free. Three years later and every local cycling club/team wants to include him as a material sponsor.

I have an order in for a set of the new (wider) 60mm tubs, also a pair of Vitesse to replace my aging Ksyriums. Both to be built up with higher (CX) spoke count.

Oh, I'll also be selling my Zipp 404Cs any day now...

those Boyd wheels are lovely looking wheels, 50mm carbon tubs for $720 plus p&p of $80, anybody any idea what the import and excise duty would be on these. i am trying to convince myself that I can afford them.......

uberwolf

Brian? wrote: »

Coincidentally a mate just sent me this:

http://www.arccarbonwheels.com/arc-shop/arc-aero-wheelsets/arc-4t-aero-38mm-wheelset.html

1052g a set.

wowser - the spec makes the right noises. Anyone know anymore than that?