American Classic Aero 3

Kentrider

I want a set of all-round wheels-and these are sold as exactly that. I weight about 85kg, and plan to by a set of wheels for racing (triathlons from 40km to Ironman 112 mile distance) as well as sportive riding (entered 190km Dragon ride this year). Has anyone had a chance to look at or ride the new American Classic Aero 3s? Would they make a noticeable difference to the Fulcrum Racing 7s I currently ride (on a Wilier Mortirolo)?

They do look awesome though-link below;

http://www.zepnat.com/component/page,sh ... 8&vmcchk=1

Wow-that's a long link!

Anonymous

Nice looking wheels, light as well. Just watch out for the weight limit on them, if you hit a pothole.....
Maybe look at wheelsmith for a set of handbuilts for a similar budget.

inseine

I want a set of all-round wheels

I've always found that to be the best shape

Seriously, I've had a couple of pairs of AM wheels and I think they are pretty robust in terms of build despite some hub issues.

chriskempton

Think they'd sell more if they changed the brand name to something less cheesy than "American Classic"

dboden

chriskempton wrote:

Think they'd sell more if they changed the brand name to something less cheesy than "American Classic"

+1 how about "british bulldogs"??

Monty Dog

I have a pair of 420s which I have been running for a couple of years. They are pretty light and feel a lot more 'aero' than more conventional wheels - the spin up easier to 50kph+ for sprints and fast downhills. My only comment regarding mine is their relative lack of lateral stiffness - it's not difficult to induce brake rub, mainly because of the narrow hub flange dimension, so I'm not sure I'd recommend them for a heavier rider. The new spoke pattern may have addressed this issue - you may want some feedback from heavier users.

rake

id be wary of that spoke pattern for general useage. if one were to break the can fold up like a pretzel. conventional crossing is better.

Kentrider

Lol! I actually changed my first message when I read it through before posting-amending from all round to all-round for exactly that reason (most wheels will be that shape!).

Apart from the Wheelsmith handbuilts, does anyone see any other bargains out there that would be more suitable than these?

I never thought too much about the namebut you're right, American Classic is fully chad. I'm up for some British Bombers!

chriskempton

These are in a similar vein, I've been toying with the idea of getting some for a while...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Easto ... 6594/#more

pianoman

Speaking of these two wheelsets (AC 420/Easton EA90 Aero TT) would they offer better flat-road speed than, say, a Campag Zonda, owing to the deeper rim depth? Because wouldn't a deeper rim soak up less of the vibration that the shallower rims absorb, at the expense of speed?

Just wondering because I'm doing some triathlons this year and I thought aerodynamics would be better to prioritise than low weight.

Or would the difference between 24 and 32mm not really mean much, and would I need to "trade up" for a wheel with 50mm carbon rims?

markos1963

PianoMan wrote:

Speaking of these two wheelsets (AC 420/Easton EA90 Aero TT) would they offer better flat-road speed than, say, a Campag Zonda, owing to the deeper rim depth? Because wouldn't a deeper rim soak up less of the vibration that the shallower rims absorb, at the expense of speed?

Just wondering because I'm doing some triathlons this year and I thought aerodynamics would be better to prioritise than low weight.

Or would the difference between 24 and 32mm not really mean much, and would I need to "trade up" for a wheel with 50mm carbon rims?

Defo for Tri and TT you will want aero rather than weight(unless you take part on very hilly courses) How aero is up to you and your wallet but 30mm is usually the minimum depth before you get any real benefits. I have just taken delivery of some very nice 50mm Gigantex/Novatech wheels from here

http://www.wheelsmith.co.uk/index.htm

Mine were £475 with sapim laser spokes and 3x Conti Tubulars(2 of them fitted for me) Weight wasn't too bad, about 1450gm and the build looks very nicely done. Haven't had the weather to test them yet unfortunatly. These will be my TT/Tri wheels for the coming season.

paul_or

I can't comment on the Aeros, a pair of which I saw in my LBS today, but the reason I was there was that I was having my Am Classic 'Victory' wheels trued after a good six months hammering. If it's any help, I got them last July, and have been mightily impressed with them thus far. The only criticism I would have has already been aired above - a lack of lateral stiffness in the front wheel on 'out of the saddle' riding, leading to instant and noticeable brake rub. But apart from that, the build quality is superb. Plus, they are a little out of the ordinary, if that floats your boat......

Kentrider

Thanks, ordered them on Monday so should have them here this week. Glad I did as they've gone up by £50 on the site I had the link to!!