Hed wheels?

pcd993

Anyone used Hed wheels, particularly the Hed Jet 50? I am wondering if they are a decent deep rim clincher - as a lighter and cheaper alternative to Mavic Cosmic Carbones. Grateful for any ride reports. Thanks

IShaggy

The Jets have a good reputation for both performance and reliability. I don't have the 50's but I do have a 60/90 combo on my TT bike and I'm very happy with the wheels. They're a little harsh over the bumps but then I suppose any 60/90 combo would be.

One thing to be aware of is that the Heds are constructed from a carbon fairing bonded onto a alluminium rim, but I don't think this is a negative though as the Cosmic Carbone clincher are also constructed from fairings. In fact I heard that the Bontrager Aeolus wheels are constructed from Hed fairings as well.

You might want to also have a look at the Planet-X carbon clinchers. Unlike the Heds and Cosmics they have a carbon rim. Not sure of the benefits, maybe just lighter, but braking won't be as good. They seem to have a good rep so far, and I've always had great before and after sales service from PX:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.com/triathlon/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=321

£599 for this lot is certainly great value:

1 pair of Planet-X Pro Carbon 50 clinchers
bladed aero spokes
16 spokes front, 24 spokes rear
1 pair of Michelin Pro 2 Grip tyres
1 pair of inner tubes (long valve)
1 roll of rim tape
1 pair of QR skewers
1 Planet-X double padded wheel bag
2 pairs of brake blocks for carbon rims

henderson_mk

i've a set of the jet 50's on a bike.
i like them a lot actually.... they spin up quick and keep the speed well.... i'd recommend them.

thinking of getting a set of 60's for another bike too :-)

pcd993

Thanks for the tip on Planet X, I too have heard good things about their wheels. I will try to find out if there is any weight advantage. (I prefer the braking on a aluminium rim though)

henderson_mk

afaik, the planet x are a definitely bit lighter..... not a lot though... maybe 100-150 grams,

gb1

I've got a pair of Planet-X Pro 50's, use them on my road and TT bike, they are definately fast and I think are about 1460grms so reasonably light. i have had no problems with braking on the carbon rim (I use Corima cork pads) but would say they are a race day wheelset. Would recommend them as they represent great value for money, PX have them on clearance at the moment a pair can be had for £400! Pic of mine fitted to the TT bike on the link below.
P.S-forgot to say, mine are the tubular version so possibly a bit lighter than the new clinchers.

Monty Dog

The HED Stingers and original Planet-X's were virtually identical - in fact P-X now use AM Classic hubs, which are probably better than the HEDs. IMO clincher deep section wheels are pretty pointless, they're typically heavier, ride harsher and you pay more - go figure!

henderson_mk

yeah but some people (like me) are a bit scared of tubs. punctures etc etc.... its all well and good having a nice set of race wheels but its also nice to take them out for a training spin too.

IShaggy

Monty Dog wrote:

IMO clincher deep section wheels are pretty pointless, they're typically heavier, ride harsher and you pay more - go figure!

I brought clinchers over tubs as I didn't want to spend £600 on a set of wheels and only use them for 4/5 races in a year. I wanted to also train on them and I didn't view training on tubs as a viable option.!

Ashley_R

I have the Bontrager Aeoius 6.5 clinchers for my TT bik, they are badged with HED as well, think they were developed mainly by them, they certainly feel fast though I've never ridden on any other deep rim wheels

as for comfort, not too bad, but for a TT is comfort that important?!?

do like the look of the Planet X's though, great value, have their TT bike, already had the Bonty's before I bought it otherwise may have gone for them

fossyant

I've had some Tub'ed Jets for some years now - nice wheels and sound fantastic - mine are about 10 years old....

dennisn

I've got a Hed 3 spoke rear tubie that I have ridden on a daily basis. No problems.

Dennis Noward