wheel choice

matt.rochfort

Looking at swapping out the Aksiums on my Caad 9 for either

Fulcrum racing 3
IRD aero (from wheelsmith)
Planet X model B

I'm not too worried about overalll weight but more interested in stiffness of the wheel. I want something good and lively. The planet x are only £99 but seem to have a good following - are they any good in terms of stiffness? Are the fulcrums worth the extra money? The bike is used mostly for a 10 mile each way commute, which i treat as good interval training, and weekend 50 to 100 rides.

Any comments much appreciated.

Chip \'oyler

I have a lovely pair of IRD aeros, but I haven't had chance to ride them yet (see my Labyrinthitis thread in Cake Stop )

Lig

Hi Matt,

Are you sure you will notice a difference? The Aksiums are a good set of wheels. If you were changing them to something £400+ then OK, but will you really feel the benefit? If they aren't broken dont change them??!!

Try and ride some first if you can (from a friend)??, it might save you a lot of money...

Lig.

matt.rochfort

thanks lig

I'm getting loads of brake rub from the aksiums, they have never stayed particularly true either. I'm 6'2 and 80kg and can put enough power down to do a 24min 10mile so i'm just thinking there may be something a bit stiffer than the aksiums that's all.

Lig

Ok I see what you mean.

Is it worth having them checked and tightened? I bought some Zipp 303s and they started to rub. Took them into my LBS and he tightened all the spokes and they are superb and have been for 6months and counting??

Just to add to your list - I have a set of Easton EA70s on my training bike and they are superb and really stiff. I guess the EA50s would be similar??? I got a good deal from CRC just before christmas but i am a Campag rider and they seemed to be chucking these out cheap...

Good luck,
Lig.

sonny73

I needed a new pair for general riding and for what it's worth I got me some of these bad boys last week, very pleased with them too Pro-Lite Treviso £130: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/bike-parts-Pro-Lite-Pair-Wheels-Treviso-Clincher/PROLWHFR270
Nice and stiff and light for the cost, similar to the Planet X Model B's in that regard

rake

brake rub is mainly down to spoke tension on any wheel. they naturally bed in and tension goes . give them a turn now and again. some ready made wheels seem to have very poor spoke tension .

aogan

I put a healthy amount of miles on a set of racing 3's and was very happy with them. They also look great - bladed spokes, black rims and the red and white graphics on the rim - they compliment a bike better than a lot of reasonably priced wheels.