Deep section carbon or not!?

StevieDexter

I know people have very strong views surrounding deep section carbon rims outside of a race situation but I wanted to try and get a few opinions before I male my decision.

I am looking at a new bike and am thinking I am going to put some CSN Superleggera clinchers on it. Many people say you shouldn't be 'training' with carbon rims and they should be left for race day. But I'm not training and racing, I'm a between 1 & 3 ride-a-week guy and I want to ride the best I can afford when ever I'm on my #1 bike. Is that too much to ask!?

So, my question, will I be dispised by the other social cyclist groups if I ride carbon rims because thats the best I can afford or will they just look and go, "Pwoar... I'd like a pair of them!"

Please use the poll above as well as leaving abusive, funny, helpful comments...

sungod

well obviously you go for it!

imho anyone who whinges is just envious, so ignore them and have fun

bear in mind that on windy days those deep rims will add some excitement to the ride - i've got 30mm rims on my new bike, even that is enough to get twitchy in the wind

StevieDexter

HAHA Cheers.

I have soething similar at the moment and they did take a while getting used to. I do have a few other sets of 'less flashy' wheels in the garage that could be utilised on windy days but I can now afford the 'flashy' ones and don't see why I shouldn't!

Wheelspinner

I voted for buy them.

They will look good. They will sound good (no kidding). They will make you weave all over the road in strong winds, which may be bad. They may also be heavier than you expect and slow you down up hills.... which is definitely bad. Something to think about.

I do similar riding to you - not a racer, but like to ride the best equipment I can afford anyway.

I bought Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL, and found them lovely to look at and great on calm days and flattish roads. Nice fast rolling speed, and the distinctive roar noise they all make. But, the extra 300 grams weight over my previous wheels took the fun out of them on most of my riding, which is relatively hilly roads, so I sold them. I didn't have enough patience to swap wheels every ride depending on whether it was breezy or not, and where I might be going... and the lightweight "normal" wheels are better all round for me.

YMMV, enjoy!

inseine

Of course you should get them if you want them and they encourage you to ride and enjoy riding. Just realise that just because they are the dearest you can afford they are not necessarily the 'best', even at that price.

StevieDexter

inseine wrote:

Of course you should get them if you want them and they encourage you to ride and enjoy riding. Just realise that just because they are the dearest you can afford they are not necessarily the 'best', even at that price.

Noted and understood!

clx1

You should get whatever wheels you want and to hell what anyone else thinks. If carbon wheels were only used for racing I don't think there would be so many manufacturers selling so many wheels.
I am not a racer, purely a recreational rider, although I do clock up a fair few miles. On one of my bikes I have a pair of Zipp 303s, not only do they look great but they perform exceptionally well and are extremely comfortable.
Don't hesitate and I think the poll would agree!

danlikesbikes

Yeah balls to what others think i they don't like then its their tough luck

moonshine

i voted "go for it"

one of my clubmates called cycling a "boutique" sport.... at least at a recreational level. i.e. looking good at the cafe stop is just as important as riding the bike.
I tend to agree. Though i wouldn't (and don't) use my good carbon wheels all year... just as a good day / sunday best bit of kit (when not racing)

Don't expect a magical performance improvement, but if you have the cash and you want to spend it on something bling, then go ahead...

if it makes you feel prouder of your bike and you like the attention & you get more enjoyment out of riding it because of it, then why not.

Chrissz

Buy them!!

Who cares if you win or not - so long as you look good trying

Squillinossett

Buy them, I have a set of EA90SL's and will be buying a set Zipps next year. I dont expect them to be better, I just really want them.

Its your bike, buy what YOU want.

Anyone that pokes fun at you for having them is either too elitist or just to poor to afford some.

rocksteadyeddie

They look great. Are great on the flat. Not as bad as you would imagine in cross winds if you choose carefully. Get some.

motdoc

Do it mate, no one cares
I borrowed some very basic deep carbons from lbs....absolutely awesome make you fast!

on-yer-bike

Buy them for tubular tyres. Much lighter, much better ride, look better and people will be even more in awe of you. If you use Campag buy the Bora Ones today!

markos1963

Buy them
Cycling is one of the few sports where the average participant can gain access to the top equipment. I used to race motorbikes but gave up because even at club level I couldn't keep up financially.
Be careful though as if you are using clinchers you must stop straight away if you get a puncture otherwise the wheels will be wrecked, thats why the majority of carbon rims are tubular.

cooper.michael1

Way too windy on the hills around Yorkshire, i've tried deep section wheels around here and they do not work well becuase of the wind, the detriment to the handling of the bike is not worth it.

Look at the pro's, most use fairly standard 28-32 spoke box section wheels for training.

markyone

i would say if you got the cash go for it, i like to have my summer bike looking really nice with top notch gear you are only here once enjoy.I have shamal ultra campag wheels 2010 version but want to get easton ec90 aero wheelset as well, but thinks like yourself.
I to will be getting them soon, the eastons as i like them.But worry what people may think.

peter101cycle

I used to have a pair of Zipp 404's and they rolled great on the flat and sounded great as well! Did I really need them, no, but just fancied a pair of deep sections at the time.

Did some cycling colleagues make snide comments, yes but did I really give a shit, no! There are always people who are jealous in one way or another and that is their problem.

But, they were a nightmare in strong crosswinds but were built really well. Going uphill is not great either due to a larger area to keep in motion.

Now, I just ride a narrower section of Dura Ace carbon laminate rims - more comfortable, cheaper, handles better but still sounds a bit different.

Your money, your bike, your choice. Do as you want, damn everybody else