racing wheels....just too much choice

Si C

I'm after a set of wheels for my new ride, a BMC Pro Machine. Seems the level of choice out there is just a bit too much. I have about £900 to spend, and quiet fancy something with a deeper carbon rim. Can anyone recommend something from experience?

I do a bit of monkey level racing.

Chip \'oyler

How about a pair of Gigantex 50mm carbon rims built with CX Rays on Extralite hubs?

1265grams for £845 from www.wheelsmith.co.uk

I have a pair (built with cheaper hubs though) and are superb wheels for the money.

Gigantex are a carbon manufacturing company in the Far East and build rims for a lot of the famous brands - Planet X also get their rims from Gigantex

Anonymous

+1 on the Wheelsmith wheels...

Si C

I've never used tubs before, and know bugger all about them. Sorry to sound totally dim, but are these OK for training rides? what happens if you puncture?

ridieboy

I've recently bought a pair of Reynolds Assault full carbon clinchers for my new BMC Team Machine build. Haven't used them yet, but bought them based on very positive reviews.

andyp

Si C wrote:

I've never used tubs before, and know bugger all about them. Sorry to sound totally dim, but are these OK for training rides? what happens if you puncture?

You've three choices;

1. Use Stan's NoTubes sealant in your tub to seal it should you puncture.
2. Use a sealant like the Vittoria one to seal the hole after puncturing, or
3. Carry a spare tub and replace the punctured one with it.

Personally I'd get a decent set of clincher wheels if you want to race and train on them. As you've already discovered, the choice is almost limitless so finding a pair that is right for you can take an age. Ultimately though, at the price point you're going for, you'd be very unlucky to get a dud pair.

Si C

andyp wrote:

Si C wrote:

I've never used tubs before, and know bugger all about them. Sorry to sound totally dim, but are these OK for training rides? what happens if you puncture?

You've three choices;

1. Use Stan's NoTubes sealant in your tub to seal it should you puncture.
2. Use a sealant like the Vittoria one to seal the hole after puncturing, or
3. Carry a spare tub and replace the punctured one with it.

Personally I'd get a decent set of clincher wheels if you want to race and train on them. As you've already discovered, the choice is almost limitless so finding a pair that is right for you can take an age. Ultimately though, at the price point you're going for, you'd be very unlucky to get a dud pair.

I do have a set of Ksyrium SL's already. So maybe Tubs could be an option. They just sound a bit of a hassle to me.

Chip \'oyler

Si C wrote:

I've never used tubs before, and know bugger all about them. Sorry to sound totally dim, but are these OK for training rides? what happens if you puncture?

In that case why not try the 30mm Niobium clinchers rims from wheelsmith?

andyp

Si C wrote:

I do have a set of Ksyrium SL's already. So maybe Tubs could be an option. They just sound a bit of a hassle to me.

They are only hassle if you puncture.

Once you know how, it takes about the same amount of time to fix a puncture or to take off a punctured tub and fit a new one to get you home. Tubs are a bit of hassle but the ride quality and lower wheel weight make up for it in my opinion.

chriskempton

At the risk of sounding like a tart, wouldn't some Easton wheels look the nuts on that frame?

These for tubulars:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=26439

or these for clinchers:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=26445

Anonymous

Easton and BMC are often seen hand in hand.

As for Tubs, I was surprised how easy it was to fit them and the ride quality is amazing compared to even a good clincher. I take a spare tub out with me, the tape will have enough glue on from the last tyre to get me home...

Si C

Those Easton EC90's certainly look the dog's on it....am I a tart? you bet

Si C

Thanks for the advice guys. After watching some tub changing video's on Youtube I think I will take that route. I can always use my Kysrium SL's for longer trainning rides.

So it's a choice of the Easton's, which are possibly a bit too deep rimmed and blingy for my taste, or a call to Wheel Smith (Isn't he shooting a new film at the moment?)

gkerr4

Si C wrote:

Thanks for the advice guys. After watching some tub changing video's on Youtube I think I will take that route. I can always use my Kysrium SL's for longer trainning rides.

So it's a choice of the Easton's, which are possibly a bit too deep rimmed and blingy for my taste, or a call to Wheel Smith (Isn't he shooting a new film at the moment?)

there is no such thing as "too deep rimmed and blingy" - get them bought!!!

Cranks

RoadAce can bling your wheels up with white spokes....for something different!

Uses IRD rims also.

Si C

I've ordered the 50mm carbon tubs from Wheelsmith.co.uk.

I don't know the name of the proprietor, but this guy is so generous with his time and advice.
He even recommended a cheaper set of hubs than the ones I wanted to go for, as they would be more suitable for my use.

Chip \'oyler

It's Derek at wheelsmith.

He is fantastic, and his after sales service is superb too.

I had a problem with an Ambrosio hub which he helped to sort out very quickly.

Which hubs did you go with Si C?

Si C

Chip \'oyler wrote:

It's Derek at wheelsmith.

He is fantastic, and his after sales service is superb too.

I had a problem with an Ambrosio hub which he helped to sort out very quickly.

Which hubs did you go with Si C?

I was going for the Tune hubs, Derek suggested the PMP may be better suited.