New Wheels - Zondas vs Racing 3s

Philip S

I'm looking to upgrade the wheels on my Wilier Mortirolo. The Fulcrum Racing 7s that came with the bike have been fine, but I've noticed that when I'm climbing out of the saddle something's just catching the spokes (difficult to tell what seeing as I tend to be focused on getting up steep hills when it happens, but I presume it's my Garmin sensor on the chainstay brushing the spokes). Given that the Mortirolo has a reputation of being a stiff frame, I guess that this suggests my wheels are flexing under the pressure, which must be absorbing some of the power. So that leads me to my question.

I understand that a wheel upgrade can give more bang for your buck than most, so I'm up for throwing a bit more cash at something a bit stiffer and lighter. I'm prepared to spend £350ish on this if it's going to make a noticeable difference, which suggests Racing 3s, seeing as I've been happy with the Racing 7s. But what about Campag Zondas - what do they do differently to the 3s? Or is the step up negligible and should I just shell out £180 for some Racing 5s? Or any other suggestions? Any advice welcome!

I'm 80kgs and more rouleur than grimpeur if that influences things...

Thanks,
Phil

a_n_t

hhmmmm..............mortirolo and zondas you say?




Cant fault them tbh. campag is fulcrum btw.

Philip S

Looking good! Although keeping it by the bed may suggest you like your bike a little too much...

a_n_t wrote:

campag is fulcrum btw.

Yeah, I was aware of Fulcrum being Campag, which was one of the reasons for the question - are the Zondas designed to do a different job to the Racing 3s? Or are they much of a muchness?

robmanic1

Just fitted the racing 3's, they are incredible, really made a difference. I read some reviews stating they were a little "harsh", but I found them comfortable yet stiff enough to put the hammer down without complaint.

Also discovered how much bladed spokes hurt when you get your finger trapped in them whilst trying to adjust your front mech .

Ramanujan

I was choosing between F3's and Zondas a year ago.
After a lot of reseach, I went for the Zondas.
I heard that they were slightly better than the F3's...although not by much.

As far as the Zondas are concerned, they are absolutely bomb proof.
A little bit lighter than the F3's and have never gone even 1mm out of true.

Philip S

Sounds good Ramanujan.

How's their stiffness? Do you notice the difference?

Poulsy

Fulcrums here. Not the lightest but strong and stiff. I am 190lbs and they dont flex at all. Very happy so far.

Ramanujan

The Zondas are the stiffest wheels I've had.
Absolutely no way you can get brake rub on these bad boys, even when grinding out of the saddle on a steep climb.

Small tip:
Remember to screw the threaded o-ring onto the valve when you've pumped the tyres up.
I had a rattling noise that I couldn't locate with the new wheels, and realised that the inner tube hole was bigger than normal and the valve was rattling in the wheel a bit.

Feltup

Ha ha I had exaclty the same the other night, thought I had a loose spoke at first then realised it was the valve nut :roll:

Lagavulin

I’m very happy with my Racing 3s.
Probably the stiffest wheels I own and also the lightest. I'm sub 70kgs though so having no brake rub on a £350-£400 wheel set probably shouldn't be a big selling point but nonetheless I haven't experienced any.
I would say the ride isn't quite as plush as my DT Swiss RR1850s but I'm running Vittoria Open-Pave Evo CG 24mm tyres on the R3s at the minute which helps compensate.

Another apsect of the Racing 3s I like is the rim beds aren't drilled so you don't require rim tape. This is probably more of a personal issue for me though as I suffered terribly with rim-side punctures early on in my road cycling hobby - though Velox tape has all but put an end to that!

That said I'd of been the owner of a set of Zondas if they'd of been 9-speed Shimano compatible without an expensive freehub switch or hybrid casette. Freehub kit was £55 which made the Zondas nearly £400 so I went for the DT's.

Philip S

Thanks everyone. It sounds like the Racing 3s and the Zondas have both got satisfied customers, which is a good sign...

I'm leaning towards the Zondas - even Mrs S has suggested that they "look cooler" on account of the G3 spoke arrangement. I would like more red flashes on them, but you can't have erv

I'll mull it over a bit longer over the weekend. If anyone has any other experience to add, there's still time to change / confirm my mind....

fast as fupp

a_n_t wrote:

hhmmmm..............mortirolo and zondas you say?




Cant fault them tbh. campag is fulcrum btw.

lovely wilier

Philip S

Well, I plumped for the Zondas and they're now on the Mortirolo.

Took her out for a spin around Arthur's Seat tonight and couldn't believe the difference - much livelier ride and it felt like I had another gear going uphill. Can't wait to take her out on a longer ride this weekend. 8)

The only downside is that the Zondas seem to be as nigh-on silent when I freewheel. Is this normal, Zonda owners? Have to say I was expecting the good old Campag click. I may have to stick a playing card in the spokes if I can't get used to the silence....

magliaceleste

Well my Zondas were reasonably loud out of the box. I serviced them last year, all quiet now. Maybe they just put a little bit more grease in the freehub these days.

Glad you like 'em. I think they are an underrated wheelset.

Philip S

They certainly feel well greased, going by the speed I picked up on the downhills!

I can make out a quiet click when I spin the wheel at home - maybe it will make itself heard on the road in time.

master_grunthos

My Zondas are very loud, always have been, I like it. Got them in October 2007 I think. Great wheels though, very stiff and they even feel fast. I have heard repairs can be expensive if you damage them.