Upto £600 wheels please help

gbr236
gbr236 Posts: 393
edited December 2009 in Road buying advice
Looking for a best set of wheels
Would prefer factory built I think
90kg
Easton 90 SLX?
Roval Fuse SL?
Campag neutron ultras?
Ksyrium elite/sl
Fulcrum 3s

Everything but actual racing....
Don't like a wheel which rubs when I get out of the saddle to climb - which happens a lot!
I already have some DT240s with 1.1 rims so looking to try factory

Sorry probably been done to death..

Comments

  • markos1963
    markos1963 Posts: 3,724
    If your looking for a wheel that is very specific to your needs then a factory wheel isn't really the way to go. Handbuilts are far better and can look just as 'blingy' as a factory wheel especially at your price point.
    Norfolk, who nicked all the hills?

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/243 ... 8d.jpg?v=0
    http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 076tl5.jpg
    http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3407 ... e001af.jpg
  • Cranks
    Cranks Posts: 129
    Why factory built?

    I would never buy factory built for that money when I can get custom built.
  • gsk82
    gsk82 Posts: 3,622
    some fulcrum 1s (model up from the 3s) went on ebay for 400quid last week. the same uk based shop have some finishing today i think. i got some fulcrum ones per the "racing wheels for £400" thread last week from holland, not arrived yet though
    "Unfortunately these days a lot of people don’t understand the real quality of a bike" Ernesto Colnago
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Give Derek a call...

    http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk
  • wicked
    wicked Posts: 844
    The OP asks which factory built wheels to buy and the replies come buy handbuilt. He did not ask that.
    The answer is DA 7850 CL, blinding wheels for the money and with the change you treat yourself to something else!

    OR


    You could just give derek at wheelsmith a call (sorry could not resist) :roll:
    It’s the most beautiful sport in the world but it’s governed by ***ts who have turned it into a crock of ****.
  • akkers
    akkers Posts: 140
    Shop around and you can find Fulcrum Racing Zeros. Awesome awesome wheel, and looks better than anything else out there aswell.
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Give Derek a call...

    http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk

    He doesn't do factory built
  • tomb8555
    tomb8555 Posts: 229
    APIII wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Give Derek a call...

    http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk

    He doesn't do factory built

    He's also not taking orders until Jan
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    wicked wrote:
    The OP asks which factory built wheels to buy and the replies come buy handbuilt. He did not ask that.
    The answer is DA 7850 CL, blinding wheels for the money and with the change you treat yourself to something else!

    OR


    You could just give derek at wheelsmith a call (sorry could not resist) :roll:

    I used to own some DA 7850 CL wheels.

    Will be getting my next wheels from Derek...
  • Chip \'oyler
    Chip \'oyler Posts: 2,323
    wicked wrote:
    The OP asks which factory built wheels to buy and the replies come buy handbuilt. He did not ask that.
    The answer is DA 7850 CL, blinding wheels for the money and with the change you treat yourself to something else!

    OR


    You could just give derek at wheelsmith a call (sorry could not resist) :roll:

    No he said "Would prefer factory built I think" which means he hasn't fully made his mind up and wants some suggestions.
    Expertly coached by http://www.vitessecyclecoaching.co.uk/

    http://vineristi.wordpress.com - the blog for Viner owners and lovers!
  • Harry182
    Harry182 Posts: 1,170
    Continuing on the "handbuilt" detour (scenic route?), Harry Rowland is also very good, legendary in the UK handbuilt scene and a top bloke.

    http://www.rstocker.freeserve.co.uk/harry.htm
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    tomb8555 wrote:
    APIII wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Give Derek a call...

    http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk

    He doesn't do factory built

    He's also not taking orders until Jan

    Ah, that'll be the 'Bike Radar' effect then :lol:

    FWIW, my next set of wheels are being built by my lbs (if the Velocity rims ever turn up that is). Their wheelbuilder has over 50 years experience, so he knows a thing or two about building wheels. 'Derek' is very helpful, but there are other wheelbuilders out there folks.

    Anyway, back to the OP. I can only comment on the Mavics, as I've had a set of SL's for a number of years now, and they've been plenty stiff enough and reliable. Bear in mind the Campag and Fulcrums are loose bearings (don't know if that makes any difference to you, but may require more in the way of maintenance). I've just picked up a set of Fulcrum zeros, but not had a chance to try them out yet, but they seem to be highly rated, as are the Fulcrum 1's which are essentially the same, just a tad heavier.
  • Lou_m
    Lou_m Posts: 97
    I have the Fusee SL's. Lovely and light, nice DT hubs also. Is it the wheels rubbing or the frame flexing?
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    Surely if you're going to up £600 with handbuilts you'd be looking at the Gigantex Carbon tubulars handbuilt by someone like Wheelsmith..........only trouble is he's not taking orders :shock:

    How about these:

    http://www.shinybikes.com/product.php?productid=16655

    I would have these if only I had the money and the legs to justify them...............
  • stevenb
    stevenb Posts: 717
    I recently bought me a pair of American Classic 350 sprint wheels.
    £440 from Rutland Cycles.

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/13498/Ame ... l-Set.html

    They do them in white or the Black with red/white graphics (my choice).

    I like the idea of simple spokes that can easily be replaced. You can adjust the tension in the hubs and the ceramic bearings roll super smooth.
    They weigh in at 1410g too....which is 32g more than the Easton E90SLX wheels but £110 cheaper (CRC have recently upped the price from £480 to £550).

    These are an excellent price and get rave reviews!
    Had this offer been on at the time I was looking I would have bought them.
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain- ... heels.html
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    building wheels really isn't that hard... man up and do it yourself.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • ScottieP
    ScottieP Posts: 599
    I have some Easton EA90SLX and some handbuilts - Mavic Open Pros with Hope Pro 3 hubs. In fairness the Eastons were more expensive - but I like them much more than my Mavics - they are about 200 gms lighter for a start and roll beautifully. I've seen a few people have issues with the Easton hubs but mine have been faultless and the wheels have stayed truer than my Mavics (which were built by Hope). The Mavics are pretty bombproof and I would rather ride them over really rough roads than my Eastons, so they are my winter wheels and are on my bike now.

    Wheels are a matter of personal taste and brand preference ... so you'll get more opinions on wheel choice than virtually any other component. You will always also get someone saying that the one you like the sound of should be avoided at all costs - so do decide on the ones you want and don't necessarily be put off by any nay sayers. Ultimately choose the ones you'll be most happy to have on your bike.

    I would buy EA90SLXs again in a second (but I'd wait until they are in the sales again). Not sure I'd buy Mavic Open Pros again right now - but would consider Ambrosio Excellights or something like that to try something else.

    Good luck!
    ScottieP
    My cycling blog: http://girodilento.com/
  • Once_In_A_Blue_Moon
    Once_In_A_Blue_Moon Posts: 269
    I'm in a smilair boat to the OP, but the difference being, I'm 71kg and am looking for a set of lightwieght wheels solely for racing on, with a budget of £600. The Easton EA90 SLX look the best wheels for my budget, but I'm also conisidering a trip to Paul Hewitt in the New Year.

    ps don't mean to 'steal' your thread gbr236, just don't want to start the 477th thread on "best wheels for x amount of money"!

    ps I'd rather not ride Dura-Ace because I run Campag :wink:
  • magliaceleste
    magliaceleste Posts: 748
    Factory build. Shamal Ultras (not two way) - If you hunt around you might get them for that figure. You won't find many bad words about them. Getting them with Shimano freehubs might be trickier.

    At the risk of being cheeky, I might have a pair for sale (Titanium colour, low milage, Campag) - if my handbuilt wheel options look good.
  • Once_In_A_Blue_Moon
    Once_In_A_Blue_Moon Posts: 269
    Thanks for the suggestion, I have been looking at the Shamal Ultras, cheapest I can find is £634 from poshbikes.com (never heard of them, will want to hear about their service before ordering). This price is for next years model though, looks fantastic in black.
  • Andy140
    Andy140 Posts: 130
    Ksyrium SL - I am also 90kg and these wheels are excellent
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    I've owned or own Shamal Ultras, Eurus, Dura Ace 7850 CL24, various other Shimano, Ksyriums of various types, reynolds etc.

    campagnolo offer the most trouble-free ownership IME. totally fit and forget. The two downsides are that the alu spoked versions (Eurus, shamal etc.) are not that comfortable and look odd with shimano.
    But I'd buy them again.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    You might want to try the rational approach. By this I mean instead of saying "I have
    X amount to spend, therefore I will spend X on wheels". Maybe try saying "what will I use these wheels for?" Am I a racer, tourer, just like to get out and ride? What???
    Simply buying the most expensive thing you can afford is not really the way to actually
    get a product that will be useful and reliable. Throwing money at a bicycle won't make you faster, although it may make you LOOK faster. It won't make the bike more reliable.
    It will, however, add to the bling factor. If that's what you're looking for.
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    rational approach? That goes against everything we know about amateur cycling.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    wildmoustache wrote:
    rational approach? That goes against everything we know about amateur cycling.

    Good one. :lol::lol::lol::lol:
  • Once_In_A_Blue_Moon
    Once_In_A_Blue_Moon Posts: 269
    It certainly does!

    I'll only be using them for racing only and if it isn't necessary I won't use all my budget! Currently run Campag Scirroco (spelling!?) for everyday use and I'm concerned that I've snapped a spoke after 8-9 months use. Granted the roads are a bit rough in Cumbria, but I expected longer for Campag. My old Mavics were bombproof!

    I would consider tubs, but doubt I'll find a decent set for my price range (excluding tyres)?

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