2 wheelsets for under a grand?

mclarent

I'm going to spend my cycle to work voucher on wheels. I have a grand to spend and "need" 2 wheelsets - a new training set and a racing set. Was considering Cosmic Carbones or Dura Ace 7850 CLs for the racers and either Aksiums or RS80s for the trainers*. Anyone got any better suggestions? I ride shimano and need stiff wheels - I weight 91kg, mainly due to my build(!). Cheers!

*I don't mind going slightly over the grand...

gabriel959

I will probably buy a set of Fulcrum Racing Zeros and a hand built set of Open Pro's with Ultegra hubs for a grand, or those Ultegra 6700 wheels that are around £200.

mclarent

Cheers - but would they fit my "heavier profile"?

gabriel959

The Fulcrums are amazing for heavy people. I am 91kg as you are and use the Fulcrum 3s on my good bike and they are very stiff and bombproof. They are not the lightest but I suppose is the price to pay. They still feel like a million dollars and sprinting with them is just amazing
The Zeros are just lighter, more aero and look better. I want to get a set when I get the dosh.

Training wheels wise there are various options, I suggested the handbuilt option as they are easier to mantain and repair and they will also last a long time but you have got the cheaper option of the Mavic Aksiums (which I use and rate).

APIII

I recently bought a pair of zeros for £650 and a pair of handbuilts (Velocity/Record/DT comps) for £350. Both are faultless.

doughty2002

Hed Ardennes. They are about £650 and have a wider C2 rim. They feel incredibly comfortable yet are supremely stiff and light. Do a google for all the excellent reviews of these wheels. I've got a set on my Merlin XLC and despite owning quite a few exotic carbon hoops I generally ride these as they just feel so much better than the wheels that I own which cost upto 3 times as much.

ex-pat scot

Fundamental error - C2W MUST be used for a complete bike (can have more than one!). Can include safety equipment, but must include a complete bike. Not just parts / wheels etc.

That said, I understand some shops sometimes allow you to be slightly "creative" in the description of the supplied items.

I "need" a decent set of wheels too. I'm working on softening up the LBS...

Chip \'oyler

Make sure they've got skewers

mclarent

I decided to bite the bullet and paid cash for a new pair of Planet X Model Bs. I know, a whole £99, last of the big spenders...

I have a 4 year old but well maintained pair of open pro's on 105s, so not sure how I should classify my wheels - should I downgrade the open pro's to my commuter, or stick with them as training wheels and stick the Model B's on my commuter? IMO the open pro's would be a bit tougher and (also being older) would be better for commuting on, any thoughts?

alfablue

The Model B's should be faster, and the Open Pro's tougher (as you suspect), though I have used some Model B's for everything including loaded touring without a problem (I have had a few sets of Open Pro's too).